It's '˜business as usual' at Caring for Cupar

From left - Bryan Smith, Holly Crone, Win Maclean, leaseholder Canon Pat McInally and Andy Beadle.

Isabel Hill, who co-founded the venture in 2011, announced her retiral last week, sparking concerns that the organisation may fold and that local good causes could miss out on funds.

In the past five years, thousands of pounds have been donated to groups ranging from Age Concern to the Scouts from the sale of donated goods in the Crossgate shop.

But this week co-founder Canon Pat McInally, who left the project two years ago, returned as leaseholder and gave an assurance that the shop would be continuing as before and that a new manager would be sought to take over its day-to-day running.

“I have spoken to most of the volunteers and they’re very keen to keep it running,” he told the Fife Herald.

“The owner of the property is also very keen for the project to continue and I intend to keep working with him in order to support the local community.

“I won’t be involved on a day-to-day basis so we now need to identify someone to takes over its running.

“We have 10 volunteers but are always looking to recruit more.

“We also welcome applications from local groups who feel they would like the shop to support them.

“We will be donating to groups on a quarterly basis rather than annually as has been the case in the past, and every so often we’ll be putting a poster in the window to let the public know how much we’ve raised.”

Mrs Hill (71), said in a letter to the Fife Herald last week that she had seen her goal realised over the past five years and it was now time for someone else to take over the reins.

She said she’d reached a time in her life when she wanted to enjoy more leisure time to pursue other interests.

And she thanked the local community for the support the shop had received both through donations and sales.

The shop sells everything from designer clothes to collectors’ items, all of which are donated, and Canon Pat urged local people to keep up the good work.

“We’re extremely grateful for all the support the shop has received in the past and we hope people will continue to donate goods as well as buy them,” he said.

“We’re still open for business and we look forward to welcoming new clients as well as existing ones.”