Staff and volunteers at the St Margaret's Hospice charity shop in Yeovil are celebrating a decade in the Old Cinema building

Huge Yeovil charity shop marks 10 years with renovation project – and volunteer appeal

Paul JonesNovember 11, 20250 Comment0

A DECADE after opening, a landmark charity shop in Yeovil – developed in the shell of a former town cinema – has become a thriving social hub.

The St Margaret’s Hospice charity shop at the Art Deco Old Cinema building spans three floors and dozens of rooms, offering everything from clothes, to books, to furniture.

And to mark the milestone anniversary, the team has unveiled a full refurbishment of the top floor, giving the clearance area a new look and a lease of life.

Barclays volunteers and the Wickes Community Programme – who donated £100 in supplies – have helped the space be made over, including being repainted in calming shades of teal and blue.

“The impact was immediate: in the first few days after reopening, the floor saw sales rise by around £100 per week – no small feat when most items sell for just a few pounds,” said a spokesperson.

Darrell Symonds, shop manager at The Old Cinema, said: “When we opened, there were people who thought Yeovil didn’t need another charity shop — but here we are, 10 years later, thriving.

“This place means so much to the community, and the top floor transformation shows just how far we’ve come. I couldn’t be prouder of our team and the volunteers who’ve made it happen.”

The new-look floor at The Old Cinema charity shop in Yeovil. Picture: St Margaret’s Hospice

Over the past decade, The Old Cinema has become a social hub, she said, working with organisations like Abri Group, YMCA, and SSAFA, to provide essential furniture and household items to families in need.

It has also pioneered the involvement of Community Payback volunteers, offering mentoring and skills development to people seeking a second chance.

Susan Kerber, head of retail at St Margaret’s Hospice, added: “The Old Cinema’s success is a brilliant reminder of what can happen when people believe in something and stick with it.

“Those early headlines couldn’t have been more wrong; this shop has become part of the fabric of Yeovil. It’s proof that community spirit and compassion can transform not just a building, but lives.”

The team is now looking for more volunteers to join them – particularly to help look after the newly refurbished top floor.

“It’s such a lovely space now,” said Darrell. “We’d love to welcome some new faces to help us keep it looking its best. Even a few hours a week makes a huge difference – and it’s a great way to meet people and give something back.”

For more details about volunteering with St Margaret’s Hospice, and about The Old Cinema in Yeovil, visit st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/shop/about-our-shops.