IT is time for wedding bells and confetti at two Ipswich charity shops that are gearing up to show off their more unusual donations - sparkling new wedding dresses.
meyrem.hussein@eveningstar.co.uk kate.boxell@eveningstar.co.uk
IT is time for wedding bells and confetti at two Ipswich charity shops that are gearing up to show off their more unusual donations - sparkling new wedding dresses.
Mind in St Matthew's Street is having a special launch on Valentine's Day while Oxfam in Westgate Street is holding a preview evening.
Richard Webb, manager of Oxfam in Westgate Street and the Buttermarket, said: “The dresses are all brand new and unworn and we are extremely grateful for the donation.
“We have tried to have the evening in time for brides planning for a spring wedding.
“They range in price from about £90 to about £350 and we are hoping to raise about £4,500 - that would be very nice.
“It would make a tremendous difference. The big appeal at the moment is to help relieve the food crisis in southern Africa. But it will go where it's needed most.”
Gill Duncombe, manager of Mind in St Matthew's Street, said: “Our dresses are priced from £60 up to £150, with some originally priced at £900.
“We have about 20 on the shop floor in five or six different sizes and also another 50 in stock and if people come in looking for a dress they can try those on too.
“If we sell one or two dresses that is an entire day's takings with two items. Buying a dress here benefits other people too.”
The mental health charity shop was donated 80 to 100 wedding dresses, although about half have gone to its Bletchley outlet, as well as bridesmaid dresses, shoes and boys' waistcoats and bow ties.
The donation was from Beautiful Designs, which has moved premises from 3, Norwich Road and Somersham Road, Little Blakenham, to 1, Norwich Road.
Oxfam was given bridesmaid dresses and 35 to 40 wedding from Brides at Grosvenor House, which used to be in The Walk, Ipswich. It is now called Grosvenor Bridal Studios and is in Somersham Road, Little Blakenham.
Mind in St Matthew's Street is having a Valentine's Day launch, where brides-to-be will be able to sip Bucks Fizz as they browse.
Oxfam's Westgate Street shop is having its drop-in preview evening between 6pm and 9pm on February 20. There will be refreshments and women volunteers on hand to help.
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