There’s a new face behind the counter of one of Carmarthen’s best-known charity shops.
But Rhiannon Mitchell, who has been appointed Manager of the Plant Dewi shop in King Street, is no stranger to the town.
Born in Carmarthen and educated at Ysgol Bro Myrddin, she has spent the last few years living and working in Suffolk, where she helped run a chain of charity shops for the Ipswich-based St Elizabeth’s Hospice.
“Rhiannon brings with her a wealth of experience in charity retail,” Plant Dewi Project Manager, Sue Fletcher, said: “And we are delighted to welcome her as the new manager of our shop. We hope that the local community will continue to support us as they have done so magnificently in the past.”
Rhiannon’s impact is already being felt. The shop window has been brightened with new lighting and a hessian floor and inside displays show off the goods to their best effect. The shop sells a wide variety of donated items including men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, bric-a-brac, toys, DVDs and books.
The shop raises vital funds while also increasing awareness of the services Plant Dewi offers to children, young people and their families in the area.
Shop manager Rhiannon said: “We are very lucky to have a good customer base and so many people who support us. We have a core of twenty volunteers and I’m really excited about working with them and we are hoping to recruit new volunteers to strengthen our team.”
Archdeacon Alun Evans, Chair of the St Davids Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility, commented: “We are very pleased with Rhiannon’s appointment as shop manager which is in such a good location at the heart of a lively and supportive community. Building on hard work done over the years, we look forward to the shop going from strength to strength.”
The shop is open from 9.30 am until 4 pm Monday to Saturday and more volunteers are welcome with no experience necessary. To volunteer in the shop for whatever amount of time you are able to give or to donate goods please pop in and speak to Rhiannon or telephone her on 01267 238408.