Mum of two starts a thrift shop in Durrington Junior School

Sherrie Tribbeck ran her first thrift shop at Durrington CE VC Junior School last Wednesday, September 28 and raised £25 for the school.

Second-hand items ranging from branded jumpers and cardigans to pencil cases were sold at very low prices and funds raised go towards supporting the learning of all children at the school.

Sherrie, a midwife at Salisbury District Hospital, told the Journal that there have been times her children lost parts of their uniform and the school's lost property was "overwhelming".

She added: "We’ve taken it on board to start the thrift shop to help the local community and parents because it’s going to be a hard winter.

“I feel that I don’t do masses for the community so I thought it was one way I could help others, and I don’t like to see all that waste as well."

Clothes and school supplies are sold for cheap prices (Image: Public)

The thrift shop is stocked with lost property and a "tremendous amount" of donations, all of which are washed and repaired by Sherrie and her mother.

Sherrie is a mum of two and has used the thrift shop as a learning opportunity for her eight-year-old daughter Felicity who attends Durrington Junior School.

“My daughter has done some learning for herself about how much clothing and material waste we put into landfill so it was good explain to her how we can recycle, reuse and repurpose things," she added.

Sherrie at the school's first thrift shop on September 28 (Image: Public)

Headteacher Karl Caslin was "more than happy" to assist Sherrie and welcomed her propsal to help parents that may be struggling financially.

The school also works alongside the Durrington Community Church and issues food vouchers to families who are in desperate need. These are available to anyone and are treated with strict confidentiality.

'Providing this is essential'

Mr Caslin said the school fund Sherrie's cleaning products and facilitate her coming on site, adding: "I think providing this is essential. I see it as part of my duty of care for the child because, while they are here to learn, they need a good basis to feel safe and secure."

As winter approaches more parents will be worrying about the cost of living and being unable to pay for school trips.

Mr Caslin added: “We’re told as an organisation that we have to increase our children’s cultural capital, which means getting them new experiences, but that all costs.

"The price of coaches has rocketed because of fuel prices and venues themselves have gone up. That means that there are some families that struggle to pay for those extras and we try and support them."

Sherrie plans to run the thrift shop once a month and is accepting donations of clothes and school supplies. To get in touch, email admin@durrington-jun.wilts.sch.uk.