The Friends of Blackthorn Charity Shop on the Tonbridge Road was established in 1985 by John McGavin. It is part of the Blackthorn Trust, but trades independently and is run solely by a team of dedicated volunteers, supported by the Garden Team.

We are very proud of our shop which provides three key benefits to Blackthorn as it enables connection with the wider community, a source of fundraising for the charity and a supportive work environment for volunteers and beneficiaries.

The shop is open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm and 10am – 12noon on Saturdays.

Two Volunteers work either a morning or afternoon 3 hour session. The shop is stocked solely from donated goods which are taken to the shed in the Medical Centre car park and then sorted by our dedicated ‘cabin team’. They wash, iron, price and select goods ready for sale in the shop (our sorting area ‘cabin’ is based in the tractor shed in the Blackthorn Garden).

All surplus and large items are available for sale at our monthly cabin sale held in our tractor shed in the garden on the last Wednesday of each month. 9am – 1pm. Where there is always a bargain to be had!

We also always have a superb selection of secondhand books which are sold in our shop and in the Medical Centre waiting room. We currently have 24 volunteers keeping the shop open and stocked, but always need more!

If you could spare a morning or afternoon a week, or be a reserve to cover for holidays or sickness, please contact Emma 01622 722219. No previous experience necessary and training given.