Community shop moves into new premises in Coedpoeth

Susan Elan Jones, MP for Clwyd South is attending to cut the ribbon and officially open the shop.

The Salvation Army has run a community shop in the village for more than 17 years and the new premises will allow the Church and charity to build on the work it currently carries out supporting some of the most vulnerable local people. This includes working with social services across the local area and nearby charities which support people experiencing homelessness.

Gay Tonks, church leader at Coedpoeth Salvation Army, said: “We’re delighted to be moving into new premises as we believe this will enable us to be more efficient. There will be a dedicated sorting area which we hope, will make operating the shop far easier. 

“Our shop truly is run for the benefit of the community by the community. We would like to thank local people for their support over the last 17 years and we feel confident that our new premises will allow us to do more to respond to the needs of those who need our help.”

The shop is currently run by 12 regular volunteers plus a volunteer supervisor. Four adults with additional needs also volunteer in the shop along with their carers. Further volunteers will be needed and the church and charity are asking that anyone who would like to offer their help to contact the shop directly. 

Gay continues: “Our shop has become a hub and a place where young and older members of the community come together to support each other whether by donating items to be sold, volunteering or just coming in for a chat.”

The new premises can be accessed across the car park outside the church The Salvation Army shares with the Roman Catholic Church.

Gay added: “We’d like to encourage the local community to join us at our opening event on Wednesday 31st August at 10am.”

The Church and charity first opened in Coedpoeth 93 years ago and has been supporting the community, transforming lives ever since. Today, the church (corps) runs a number of activities all which meet the specific needs of the community and these include a kids club, a drop in service for young people over 13, a kids brass band club where they are given the opportunity to learn an instrument, a drama club, ladies fellowship and home league.