Pilgrims Hospices’ Store50 wins Pride display award with spectacular upcycled window
A creative Pride window at Pilgrims Hospices’ Store50 has been named a joint winner of a national charity retail competition, with judges praising its style, upcycling and attention to detail.
The Canterbury shop’s eye-catching display was entered into The Charity Retail Consultancy’s Pride Display Competition 2026, where it was selected as joint winner.
One of the judges even compared the striking design to an Alexander McQueen outfit.
Watch the winners announcement by The Charity Retail Consultancy:
The alternative, punk-inspired display was created by Store50 team member Hannah Golding, who has developed and reused elements of the window over several years.
At the heart of the display are an elaborate pair of wings and harness, handmade using discarded and donated materials including rag clothing, denim and old handbags.
The wings alone took months to create, with hundreds of tiny scallop-shaped pieces individually cut and attached to create their feathered appearance.
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Hannah said: “I wanted to create more of a festival look, but something more deconstructed and abstract, so the mannequins didn’t need to be fully dressed.
“The wings and harness have become a bit of a constant in the window. I made the wings around three years ago using used cardboard and materials that would otherwise have been thrown away.”
The sustainable creativity continues throughout the display. The male mannequin wears a pom pom mohawk made from rag t-shirt yarn and blue IKEA bags, while the female mannequin wears a hoop skirt made from garden rods and covered in t-shirt yarn, alongside a corset created from donated clothing and handbags.
Many of the materials used are items that might otherwise have ended up as waste, demonstrating how creativity and imagination can give unwanted materials a completely new life.
For Hannah, the wings also have a particularly special meaning. They were the last part of the project her dad helped with before he died, making the wooden batons used to join and secure them.
She said: “The wings hold a special place for me because they were the last thing my dad helped with before he died. He made the wooden batons to join and secure the wings.”
The Pride window is just one example of the imaginative displays regularly created at Pilgrims Hospices’ Store50, where donated clothing, and other pre-loved items are given a new lease of life while raising vital funds for hospice care across east Kent.
The Charity Retail Consultancy praised the Store50 display for its “style, upcycling and attention to detail”, recognising the creativity and hard work that went into bringing the design to life.
Hannah and the Store50 team are delighted to have their work recognised.
The award highlights not only the visual impact of the display, but the values behind it, creativity, sustainability and the belief that something unwanted can be transformed into something extraordinary.
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
11th August 2026
Fashion, furniture and online finds: Pilgrims Hospices’ Chartham store has it all
Pilgrims Hospices’ Chartham Furniture, Fashion & Home store expanded in February 2026 to include a brand-new clothing, haberdashery and children’s offering. Always busy and bustling, it’s a firm favourite in the local community, with many regulars returning again and again in their quest for a bargain.
On the shop floor, staff and volunteers accept donations, sort stock, and serve at the tills. The store also houses the charity’s e-commerce team. Behind the scenes, whilst shoppers browse beautiful homewares and pre-loved treasures, they sort through thousands of items in preparation for listing on eBay and Vinted.
But although everyone has different roles, they work together seamlessly, enjoying a cuppa and a laugh as they share a common goal – to ensure that compassionate hospice care continues to be available for families across east Kent.
Volunteers find friendship and connection at Pilgrims
Richard Cope from Chartham, affectionately nicknamed Grandad by his retail colleagues, has volunteered at the shop for six years. After retiring from his job at Nasons, a large department store in Canterbury, he wanted a role where he could still meet people and be social. Richard’s dad was cared for at the Canterbury hospice, so he has a personal connection, too.
Alongside his volunteer role, Richard is also a School Crossing Patrol (SCP) at a local primary school, helping pupils to stay safe on the school run.
He said: “I love volunteering here; it’s the same reason I enjoy being a lollipop man – I meet so many people, and everyone is friendly and chatty. It’s such a lovely environment.”
Richard Cope
Ros Sawyers and Ieda Hogarth, both from Ashford, are regular volunteers at the shop; between them, they have contributed 46 years of dedicated service to Pilgrims. Ros started out working in the Wellbeing team at the Ashford hospice, supporting patients in the Therapy Centre, before moving into the fundraising team and helping with events.
That’s how she met Ieda, who was a fundraising volunteer.
Although both now volunteer their time in the retail team, they continue to be involved with Pilgrims events, including the annual summer and Christmas fairs.
Ros said: “The hospice is such a happy place; it’s sad at times, of course, but we always had a laugh and we gave a lot of happiness to patients and families.
“You meet people from all walks of life – that’s why I’ve always loved my roles at Pilgrims.”
Ieda added: “I’m on my own at home, and a lot of our volunteers are in the same boat – so for us, this is a great opportunity to be social.
“I’m not saying we’re all lonely, but it’s a friendship group, separate from family, and it provides a completely different outlet. Ros and I have made so many great memories over the years, it’s lovely.”
Ros Sawyers and Ieda Hogarth
Ginevra Arnaldi joined the team in January 2026 as a Supervisor for the new clothing outlet, ahead of its opening a month later:
“I really enjoy being creative in the shop, putting together displays and arranging items; it’s lovely when customers notice, appreciate and compliment us on this!
“Everyone here is so friendly. It’s a perfect way to volunteer for anyone who’s interested in clothing and fashion. If you want to spend a few hours having fun and making a difference at the same time, this is the place for you.”
eBay, Vinted and beyond
Pilgrims has run a successful eBay shop for many years, and more recently started selling second-hand clothes on the app Vinted. They are also looking to expand to TikTok Shop in the future.
Amy Calver, a Lister within the e-commerce team, has doubled average monthly sales on Vinted in the past year, growing them by a solid 87%; Amy said a recent favourite find was a donated Max Mara bag that sold for £90 on eBay.
Gill Ramsay, Assistant e-commerce Manager, added:
“It’s an important source of revenue for Pilgrims; using these platforms, we can maximise the profit we make from donated items. We have a much bigger audience online than we do in the shop – on eBay in particular, there are 134 million active buyers worldwide. This helps us to sell collectibles and rare items that are unique, not just within the UK, but abroad as well.”
“We’re a small team and we rely heavily on volunteers to list items for us. This takes time, as we need to clean the items, research them to make sure they’re worth listing, then photograph them before uploading them online. It’s time-consuming, so even on a good day, an effective Lister can only really list about 20 items over a seven-hour period.
“We always welcome new volunteers; we just ask that they give at least three hours to get the most out of it. We’re a friendly team of all ages – from very young people, to our oldest team member who is 82! We provide full training on the computer systems, so that isn’t a barrier for anyone. It’s a fantastic opportunity to come and help us make lots of money for Pilgrims.”
Slow Fashion Soph
In July 2026, Canterbury-based social media influencer, Soph Newman – @slowfashionsoph on Instagram – spent a day volunteering with the e-commerce team. A second-hand fashion connoisseur, Soph regularly visits charity shops and makes video content about her finds:
“I’ve loved getting to learn about the eBay and Vinted process, sorting through donations in the warehouse and choosing some amazing bits – I wanted to buy everything! The team helped me to understand the picking process, and I enjoyed seeing how items get photographed and uploaded online – what the team look for and what brands sell best. I’m making my own content around this because I want people to shop with Pilgrims; it’s such an important cause.”
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Gillian Ramsay (e Commerce Manager) With Volunteer Soph Newman (Slow Fashion Soph)
Chartham Furniture, Fashion & Home is the newest addition to Pilgrims Hospices’ family of shops across east Kent, all offering an easy, enjoyable way to shop more sustainably while supporting compassionate end-of-life care.
Don’t forget – you can also donate your pre-loved items directly at the Chartham store; and if you’re a taxpayer, Gift Aid adds an extra 25% to the value of your donation at no extra cost, helping your generosity go even further.
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
26th February 2024
Pilgrims Hospices volunteers dedicate time and passion to Margate Bookshop: A heartfelt commitment to community and care
Nick and Gavin (the Volunteer Managers), alongside a team of 34 dedicated volunteers covering 14 shifts throughout the week, are the driving force behind the success of Pilgrims Hospice Old Bank Bookshop. Their unwavering commitment to literature and end-of-life care has made the bookshop a beloved institution in Margate, where locals and tourists alike find solace and fascination among the shelves.
The team curates a diverse selection of books, ranging from modern classics to literary prize contenders. For some of the volunteers, like Geoff, their dedication to Pilgrims Hospices is deeply personal, inspired by the exceptional care provided to his late wife, Jane, by the Canterbury Hospice team.
In addition to his role at the bookshop, Geoff actively supports Pilgrims Hospice’s Stepping Stones Bereavement Support Services. As an active listener, he leads a walk-and-talk group for bereaved individuals within the community. His caring personality, passion for walking and nature serve as a source of comfort and support for those in need.
Ruth, another valued volunteer, brings her retail expertise to the forefront, ensuring captivating and ever-changing book displays. Her commitment is fuelled by both her love for literature and the support she received from Pilgrims Hospices during her husband Colin’s illness and passing.
Gavin, finding solace and purpose in volunteering after his wife Joy’s illness, ensures the shop remains open on weekends, demonstrating the profound impact of hospice care during difficult times.
Nick, with a background in local government, volunteers three days a week, embodying the spirit of community support. His love for the written word shines through as he assists customers and showcases the shop’s collection of vintage and collectible records, all in support of Pilgrims Hospices.
Together, these and the many other volunteers form the heart of the Old Bank Bookshop, where every purchase contributes to providing essential end-of-life care to those in need. With over £100,000 raised last year alone, the shop’s success is a testament to their dedication and hard work, as well as the community’s generosity and compassion.
As Geoff, Ruth, Nick, Gavin, and their fellow volunteers continue to pour their hearts into Pilgrims Hospices Margate Old Bank Bookshop, they serve as a beacon of hope and support for their community, embodying the true spirit of volunteerism and kindness.
For those visiting Margate, the Old Bank Bookshop is on the Parade, opposite the harbour, and is open all week, including Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter and until 5pm in summer. Stop by to support this vital independent bookstore or learn more about Pilgrims Hospices’ pre-loved shops throughout East Kent at Pilgrims Hospices Shops
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate end-of-life care and support to individuals and their families across East Kent. With a team of dedicated staff and volunteers, Pilgrims Hospices offers a range of services aimed at enhancing quality of life and providing comfort during difficult times. Learn more at Pilgrims Hospices .
29th January 2024
Kilos of Compassion: Pilgrims Hospices hosts exciting Kilo Sale at St. Peter Church Hall, Canterbury
Pilgrims Hospices retail shops are thrilled to announce their upcoming Kilo Sale on Saturday, February 17, at St. Peter’s Church Hall in Canterbury, CT1 2BE. Following the tremendous success of previous events, this sale promises to be a treasure trove for bargain hunters and eco-conscious shoppers alike.
Pilgrims Hospices has been organising kilo sales as part of its commitment to sustainable and community-driven initiatives. The concept revolves around offering pre-loved items at affordable prices, which are purchased at £5 per kilo, promoting a circular economy and reducing environmental impact. These sales have not only proven to be a hit among local residents but have also played a crucial role in supporting the vital work of Pilgrims Hospices.
Shoppers will be welcomed by Pilgrims retail staff and volunteers, and they can browse and shop at their leisure. When ready, shoppers’ can bring the goods to be weighed, and they will be charged by the kilo. Attendees can expect a diverse range of high-quality items, including clothing, accessories, and household goods, all priced by weight. The Kilo Sale provides an excellent opportunity for attendees to find unique treasures while contributing to a worthy cause.
Pilgrims Hospices is a local charity dedicated to providing compassionate care and support to individuals facing life-limiting illnesses. The funds raised from the Kilo Sale will directly contribute to sustaining the hospice’s essential services and programs.
“We are thrilled to invite the community to our upcoming Kilo Sale at St. Peter’s Church Hall,” said Mandy Hawkett, Retail Area Manager at Pilgrims Hospices. “These events have not only been a tremendous success in the past but also align with our commitment to environmental sustainability. By giving pre-loved items a second life, we not only reduce waste but also create a positive impact on our community and the planet.
“Come along and pick from a huge range of pre-loved items for just £5 per kilo. Bags are provided. This event is free to attend, but donations are welcome.”
Mandy added, “Please tell your friends and join us for some bargain hunting along our stock rails. My team is looking forward to welcoming everyone to our special event.”
The Kilo Sale at St. Peter’s Church Hall, Canterbury, CT1 2BE, promises to be a fun-filled day of shopping, socialising, and supporting a worthwhile cause. Pilgrims Hospices encourages everyone to join in the excitement on Saturday, February 17, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and discover the joy of sustainable shopping.
Pilgrims Hospices is a local charity dedicated to providing palliative care and support to individuals facing life-limiting illnesses. With a commitment to compassionate care, the organisation aims to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families. To learn more, visit www.pilgrimshospices.org.
