Charity shops offer more than you think.

I moved from Lancashire to Cornwall this year and when I first arrived my husband went off to work and the boys went to school I became aware of how alone I was, no friends to pop round for a brew, no family to visit, knowing that once I set foot outside the door I was not going to see a familiar face seemed quite daunting.

I went out to get my bearings and came across the local Cornish hospice shop and not being able to resist the lure of a bargain I went inside.  I notice they were advertising for volunteers and thought why not, within a couple of days I did my first shift and loved it, the manager and ladies were lovely and what a great way to meet the locals.

I now have a full time job elsewhere so only occasionally get the chance to help out now, but still pop in for a chat and a good rummage now and again.

Last night I had the pleasure of going out for an Italian meal with the charity shop ladies on their Christmas do and had a fantastic time, so you see as well as the odd bargain charity shop can be a good way of helping out a local charity and meeting some good friends along the way.