Downham Market’s No8 Old Bookshop named as finalist in UK’s Favourite Charity Shop awards
A popular Downham charity bookshop has been announced as a finalist in a national competition.
The No8 Old Bookshop, which raises money for the West Norfolk Deaf Association, is close to winning the award of the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop.
But the shop needs help to be crowned as the winner and is urging supporters to cast a vote in the national competition.
It has been named as a finalist in the East of England Section and voting closes on September 23.
As well as raising money for the West Norfolk Deaf Association (WNDA), the shop also provides hearing support to residents.
It is a previous winner of the borough’s Mayor’s Business Awards in 2022 and is a “popular” member of the High Street retail community in Downham.
It is now in the regional finals and each of the winners from the regions will go through to a grand final with the winning shop presented with the award at a special event in November.
“We are so excited to have made it through to the finals, and we hope that all our book-lovers will vote for No8 which is a beautiful shop run by our manager Sarah Cox,” said WNDA manager Anna Pugh.
“The shop benefits hugely from Sarah’s incredible artistic talents and the support and knowledge of our dedicated volunteer team members.
“It is also at the heart of the town’s annual Wordfest which is coming up, and we are incredibly proud of No8 and all who help raise much-needed funds for our charity.”
The UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards were launched earlier this year as part of the Charity Retail Association’s 25th anniversary celebrations. It was inundated with almost 6,500 entries from across the country.
“We have had a fantastic reception to the Award so far and it has been brilliant to see so many people getting involved to share what makes their charity shop so special,” said Robin Osterley, chief executive of the Charity Retail Association.
“It’s about the friendliness of staff and volunteers, the warm welcome people get when they walk through the door; the sense of community and inclusivity charity shops provide; the massive contribution to sustainable shopping; the dedication and pride in presentation and variety. These unique qualities are what make charity shops stand out to customers and donors.”
Aside from the selection of books, hearing support availability and pre-loved vinyl records on offer, No8 The Old Bookshop provides “vital” funding for the WNDA which helps thousands of people across the area who are either profoundly deaf or have acquired hearing loss.
Manager Sarah Cox has made sure the shop is “quirky and welcoming” along with being a valued member of the local community. She has written and illustrated children’s books and organises events, including meet the author, in Downham to raise awareness of both the charity and its bookshop.
