Comedy favourite opens new charity shop

Housewife superstar Barbara Nice opens Acorns’ second Kings Heath shop.

Brummie comedy housewife Barbara Nice raised smiles as well as funds in Kings Heath by helping a local charity celebrate the opening of its new furniture shop.

Acorns Children’s Hospice, which has operated an existing shop on Kings Heath High Street for 30 years, doubled its presence in the popular shopping destination with the brand new shop in Addison Road.

‘Mother-of-five’ Barbara, the creation of talented writer, performer and comedian Janice Connolly BEM, was on hand last Friday to cut the ribbon officially opening the new store, which offers pre-loved furniture and homeware.

Barbara said: “I’m delighted to have been invited to open Acorns new furniture store. It’s an honour to be able to support Acorns and its incredible work helping children and families. I hope lots of people pop in and see what this exciting new addition to Kings Heath has to offer.”

Barbara was joined by staff, volunteers and supporters of the charity who all celebrated the shop’s opening with cake.

Val Hammond, Acorns Head of Retail, said: “We’re thrilled that Janice, as her wonderful character Barbara Nice, was able to join us for the opening of our second shop in Kings Heath. Janice is a big supporter of Acorns and understands how crucial funds raised through our retail shops are in helping us continue our vital work. She really made it a day to remember and we can’t thank her enough.”

Acorns has over fifty shops on high streets across the region raising money towards the £10 million per year the charity needs to continue its work providing vital care for life limited and life threatened children and support for their families. The charity’s shop on King Heath High Street offers good quality clothing, shoes, toys, CDs and DVDs, while the new Addison Road store has the pre-loved furniture and homeware at bargain prices.

Donating good quality items is a quick way to support Acorns and all profits made go directly back to the charity. Acorns is also appealing for more volunteers to put their spare time and talent to good use at one of the charity’s retail shops. For more information about volunteering opportunities, visit www.acorns.org.uk/shop-volunteer