AFTER more than two years since it 'set up shop' on Tavistock's West Street, the Sue Ryder Charity Shop is reminding West Devon residents of how the franchise began and what it continues to do.

Margaret Susan Ryder, a volunteer for Special Operations Executive during the last war, was the driving force behind the setting up of the original Charitable Foundation many years ago.

Firstly, help was given to concentration camp survivors, and this was followed by the giving of assistance to the elderly and disabled.

Sue Ryder was married to group Captain Leonard Cheshire (Victoria Cross), and Leonard Cheshire himself was instrumental in the setting up of the famous Cheshire Homes.

Today, Sue Ryder Care has eight residential hospices, and the organisation provides many forms of care to include private dwellings where needed.

In the economy of today, it is a tough call raising funds to continue this valuable work, and therefore donations in the form of collectables, antiques, bric-a-brac, books, clothing, jewellery and anything of some value that can be spared will be gladly received in the Tavistock shop.

'Gift Aid' donations are also much required — the Gift Aid Scheme enables a tax paying donor to provide a few details to the charity, and then the charity gains an extra 25% on each gift aided sale.

The Sue Ryder Shop is supported by many volunteers, and these volunteers give freely of their time to the shop and assist in its fundraising in many ways.

New volunteers are always welcome.