New charity outlet for shop mobility in Bognor

A new shop has enabled a Bognor Regis mobility charity to help a record number of people.

The premises were opened by Shopmobility helpers in Felpham village centre to counter the loss of their previous base in Butlins.

The Felpham Road outlet began operating in March and its first contribution to Shopmobility's activities has been included in the latest annual report. This formed the basis of the 2008 annual meeting held last Friday.

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The shop's 142 hirings in March, added to 10,156 in Butlins up to the end of last year and 4,549 at the Shopmobility head office in Bognor Regis Town Hall in year to end of March, made the scheme busier than ever.

The previous record was 12,579 hirings in the preceeding year. The latest 1,143 registrations also beat the 994 the year before.

A new logo has also played a part in drawing greater attention to its service hiring out scooters and electric wheelchairs to people with mobility problems.

Chairman Barry Spalding told the meeting in his annual report: "We have had to deal with Butlins asking us to leave and I am sure many will feel they will be asking us back again. Our solution to the problem this time is much better from our point of view, whether we are asked back or not.

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"I thank all the volunteers who have helped to make the Felpham shop so successful and those friends, family and organisations that helped in our time of need.

"The change in shop sign and a different approach to advertising has had very positive effects on membership locally and in the wider Arun area.

"Phone calls are coming in from places not heard from previously as well as more from Bognor itself."

The scheme's recent relocation of its branch to Felpham Road followed the second time it had to leave Butlins. The first was for a few years, only for the holiday company to invite Shopmobility back in again.

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The latest move out of the holiday site was caused by the demolition of the building used to house Shopmobility to make way for a new hotel.

Shopmobility was founded in Bognor in 1997 and has always been based in the Belmont Street car park side of the town hall.

That location is also likely to be under threat because the car park is earmarked for a regeneration scheme. Mr Spalding commented: "This year I think we can, for now, cease to worry about regeneration as it appears to be at least three years away.

"We have made representations to the team and we now wait until plans are drawn before we can go any further.

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"The year ahead looks to be interesting as the volunteers are coming forward with ideas and projects for the future.

"Butlins bookings are still coming in but not at previous levels. So we are looking at ways of increasing our income elsewhere."

As part of this work, Shopmobility manager Marian Court has appealed for more helpers.

"We are urgently seeking volunteers that might be able to work on Saturdays and Sundays as we are now trying to open every Sunday throughout the summer."

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Another initiative will see an auction take place on September 6 at the Laburnum Centre in Bognor. Doors open at 5.30pm. Bidding begins at 7pm. Further details from 01243 838379.What do you think? Click here to send a letter or leave a comment below.

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