Pilgrims Hospices Faversham shop celebrates 40 years of community spirit
The Pilgrims Hospices shop on West Street, Faversham, is celebrating an incredible 40 years of service to the local community.
Over the past four decades, this beloved shop has become a cherished part of Faversham life, offering everything from unique finds to a welcoming smile.
As part of the Pilgrims Hospices family, the shop plays a vital role in supporting compassionate end-of-life care across east Kent.
Jan, Faversham shop volunteer
Exciting refurbishment ahead
To mark this special occasion, the Faversham shop will be closing its doors temporarily from Monday 30 September 2024 for a fresh and fabulous refurbishment. The shop will reopen on Thursday 24 October at 10am, unveiling a vibrant new look that seamlessly blends its rich history with modern updates.
Manager Rob Adams and his dedicated team are eager to welcome customers back to a shop that retains its warm, familiar atmosphere while offering some exciting new touches.
This will be a fantastic opportunity for shoppers to grab brand new high street clothing at incredible charity shop prices. With racks full of unworn items, this is a rare chance to refresh your wardrobe while supporting a cause close to the heart of the Faversham community.
Sustainability and community first
In keeping with the growing trend toward sustainable shopping, the shop’s commitment to rehoming preloved items has never been more relevant.
By shopping at Pilgrims, customers not only find great bargains but also contribute to reducing waste, all while supporting essential hospice care for those who need it most.
Voices of the volunteers
The shop’s success over the years wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering dedication of its volunteers, many of whom have been with the shop for several years.
Anne, from Yorkletts, has volunteered for over three years. After receiving care for her father-in-law from Pilgrims Hospices, she was inspired to give back:
“It was an obvious choice to volunteer here. The team is fantastic, and we share so many laughs. It’s a great place to be, and I feel like I’m doing something meaningful for the community.”
Sara, a local Faversham resident, found her place at the hospice shop after retiring from public service:
“This shop has given me a renewed sense of purpose. It’s not just about sorting donations, it’s about meeting people, making friends, and being part of something bigger. I’m so excited to see the fresh new look.”
Anne and Sara, Faversham shop volunteers
Jan, who has volunteered for almost eight years, also shared her thoughts:
“I’ve lived in Faversham for 45 years, and this town has an incredible community spirit. Volunteering at the shop keeps me connected, and I love every minute of it.”
A heartfelt thank you
Rob Adams, the shop’s manager, extended his gratitude to everyone who has supported the shop over the years:
“We’re so proud of what we’ve achieved, and we couldn’t have done it without the help of our amazing volunteers and loyal customers. The shop is more than just a place to find a bargain — it’s a part of Faversham’s fabric. Thank you for 40 years of support, and here’s to many more!”
Join us!
The Pilgrims Hospices Faversham shop invites you to join in the celebrations on Thursday 24 October. Whether you’re hunting for high street treasures, seeking unique vintage finds, or simply want to soak in the community spirit, we can’t wait to welcome you through the doors of our newly refurbished shop!
For updates on the grand re-opening and the Brand New With Tags event, keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram.
Pilgrims Hospices is a charity dedicated to providing expert care and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses in east Kent. Our services ensure comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients and their families, offering compassionate care both in hospice settings and in the community.
16th April 2021
Chris has real sax appeal
Saxophonist Chris Peters can regularly be seen and heard entertaining people in Market Square Faversham, the popular local character plays his jazzy tunes to raise funds for local charity, Pilgrims Hospices. He has raised thousands in vital funds for the charity since he started in July 2018.
Chris who is happily retired now, after 50 years working in engineering as a tool room precision machinist says: “I love busking, it’s great fun. Faversham is the perfect place for me to play, I love it. I have made many new friends along the way and to bring a bit of cheer, and raise money for such a good cause makes me very happy. The volunteers in Pilgrims Hospices Faversham charity shop suggested I give it a go, so a big thank you to them, I don’t think I would have been brave enough to do it without their encouragement.
“My personal reason for wanting to support Pilgrims, is that my very good neighbour Charlie, passed away in the Canterbury hospice. He was my next door neighbour for 53 years. He was helped very much by your staff there, and I saw the care that he received. It is very obvious that the people of Faversham appreciate the hospice too, and are very supportive.”
The volunteers in Pilgrims Hospices Faversham charity shop suggested I give it a go, so a big thank you to them, I don’t think I would have been brave enough to do it without their encouragement.
Chris
Chris has always played guitar; took up clarinet some 30 years ago and then the saxophone 20 years ago. “I think I’ll stick with this now!!” He added.
He loves to play anything ‘old fashioned’ especially from 1930s to the 1950s and doesn’t have any particular favourites, as there were so many great songwriters of those times. However, he does enjoy the great tones of his favourite sax player Scott Hamilton.
“I have done a few little gigs locally, including The Yarn Dispensary, New Year’s Eve for Castella French wine bar, and a local food market for the council. I think my highlight would be when I played for a wedding at Eastwell Manor, it was really scary, but something I will never forget.” Chris added.
Leila Ilkhan, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager said: “A big thank you to Chris for his wonderful support for Pilgrims Hospices, which is helping our nurses, doctors and wider teams to be there for those living with a terminal illness. The support from Chris and those donating as they enjoy his music is so important to our charity and the families we care for across east Kent.”
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
11th August 2020
Shop with Pilgrims and support local hospice care at the same time
Good news for those of you itching to revisit your friendly local Pilgrims Hospices charity shop in Faversham. The much loved shop opened its doors to the public for the first time since lockdown on Saturday 31 July.
The shop will initially trade with reduced hours, however the charity is delighted to announce that during the first three days of trading, the income generated for hospice care reached an amazing £1700, an excellent result.
I’m very pleased to be back supporting Pilgrims and it’s great to be around fellow volunteers.
Janet Stickles, Pilgrims Volunteer
Mandy Hawkett, Pilgrims Retail Area Manager told us: “We are so pleased to be open again in Faversham, our customers told us how much they’ve missed their visits.
“The support from the team of volunteers was absolutely first class as always and it was heart-warming to see customers waiting for the shop to open its doors and receiving a truly friendly welcome from my team.
Shop Manager Robert Adams with volunteers Janet Stickles, Babs Seville Antoinette Hayward and Area Retail Manager Mandy Hawkett.
“As you might expect, a number of changes and extra measures have been put in place to protect shoppers and volunteers. We’ve received lots of positive feedback on the new layout and roomy shopping area.”
Janet Stickles, shop volunteer added: “I’m very pleased to be back supporting Pilgrims and it’s great to be around fellow volunteers; there’s great comradery and respect amongst our team here in the Faversham shop. I have been a Pilgrims supporter and shop volunteer for many years.
“I thoroughly enjoy helping customer’s to seek out a particular item from our stock. It’s great to see the smiles on faces when we are able to find just what they have been looking for!
“We know the hospices need us but we need the hospices too. It’s a wonderful way to keep in touch with customers and friends within the community. I’ve met new people, made many friends, and know my support is really making a difference to those who need Pilgrims care.”
The Faversham Shop on West Street will be open Thursday to Saturday 10:00am to 4:00 pm until further notice.
We are so pleased to be open again in Faversham, our customers told us how much they’ve missed their visits.
Mandy Hawkett – Pilgrims Retail Area Manager
The charity is reopening shops throughout east Kent in phases and when it safe to do so; you can find a list of those already trading here – shop with us.
In line with government guidelines, donations are sanitised before going on sale; anything donated will be held for a minimum of 72 hours before it’s processed for sale.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
