Fashion Show marks opening of new shop supporting Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service

On the 7th of September, SWA – Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (formerly known as Swindon Women’s Aid) held a fashion show to mark the official opening of their new shop in Swindon Town Centre and which will support the charity’s important work.

BBC Points West presenter, Alex Lovell, officially open the new shop and its unique name, ‘SURVIVOR’, in front of guests which included Justice Secretary Robert Buckland MP, Swindon Mayor and representatives from Swindon Freemasons who have provided substantial financial and practice help and assistance.

The opening was followed by a very unusual fashion show featuring Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson, former Swindon Mayor Junab Ali, Paddy Bradley Director of Swindon and Wiltshire LEP and Ian Jeary, Dorset & Wilts fire Service who all dressed as pantomime characters.

Supported by the Wyvern Theatre and the media make-up team from Swindon New College, the fashion parade showcased a wide range of evening wear, day wear and even a bridal collection.

The shop, a joint venture between the charity and Swindon Freemasons is run entirely by volunteers and sells a variety of previously loved items of clothing, furniture, books and toys among other things.

Ideally located in the Parade in the heart of the town centre, the shop will also provide a ‘safe room’ where victims can seek safety and privacy while a Domestic Abuse Advisor is contacted to support them.

Chair of the charity’s board of trustees Nicky Alberry said:

It has been an exciting few months watching everyone’s hard work come to fruition. We are delighted to be working with the Swindon Freemasons on this new venture and we have a fantastic team of shop volunteers led by Carol Gibbon who work tirelessly for us. The money raised through the shop will provide a fantastic boost to the work we do supporting victims of domestic violence and abuse in the community and at our purpose-built refuge.”

Philip Bullock head of Wiltshire Freemasons said “I am delighted to have been invited to the opening of this shop and congratulate everyone associated with the project. In particular I am pleased that Freemasons from Lodges in Swindon’s Old Town have provided such a high level of support to aid Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Services and we look forward to helping them in the future”

The shop is able to open its doors thanks to the help also of local organisations including £1,000 from Midcounties Cooperative, and practical donations such as mannequins and brand new stock from local businesses.