Guide Dogs pop-up shop returns to Taunton

Uncategorized Articles

A Guide Dogs pop-up shop opens its doors to Christmas shoppers in Taunton from 16th November.

Back for a fourth year, the shop is run by local volunteers and sells preloved items and a range of Guide Dogs merchandise to raise much-needed funds for the sight loss charity.

The shop will be in Unit 32 of the Orchard Shopping Centre (next door to last year’s shop) and is open until Saturday 21st December on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 10am to 4pm. It will also open on Sunday 24th November to coincide with the town’s Christmas lights switch-on event.

Over the past three years, the shop has raised almost £40,000 for Guide Dogs, including £19,608.41 from last year alone.

Dave Arney from Taunton fundraising group which organises and runs the shop, said: “We’re delighted to open the shop again for this Christmas and hope to build on our success in previous years. We’ve been so encouraged by the support and interest we’ve had from the public, with lots of people asking about whether we’re having a shop again, and when it will be opening.”

Krissie Isaac, Community Fundraising Relationship Manager for Guide Dogs, added: “Our amazing volunteers work so hard to put this on every year and really appreciate all the support they receive from the local community, including donations of good quality items that they can sell in the shop. If you’re in the area in the run-up to Christmas, please do come in and say hello.”

“The funds raised through initiatives such as this allow Guide Dogs to continue to be able to fund our life-changing services for people living with sight loss. We’re so proud of our volunteers and would like to thank them for everything they do.”

To learn more about Guide Dogs, including how you can help by fundraising or volunteering, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help

The Mayor plants an apple tree at Orchard

Culminating the inaugural Applefest event on 19th October, the Mayor of Taunton, Councillor Vanessa Garside planted a apple tree at the Orchard Shopping Centre. The tree has been kindly sponsored by Sheppey’s Cider. We look forward to watching it grow and develop, aptly sited in an area of the country famed for its orchards, apples, […]

Sheppey’s pop-up opens at Orchard Taunton

Sheppey’s have ‘popped up’ at Orchard Taunton! Opened on 2nd December, with members of the Taunton Town Football Club and Taunton Titans Rugby Football Club in attendance, the shop will offer products to buy and the chance to sit and have a drink. Why not stop by and take a look? It will be open […]

Local links prove fruitful for Orchard Shopping Centre and Apple FM

With community spirt and local links in mind, Orchard Shopping Centre will be working in association with Apple FM over the coming months in what is viewed as a fruitful arrangement for both parties. Orchard Shopping Centre will be streaming Apple FM in-centre, enabling visitors to tune in while they shop, providing a soothing environment […]

Taunton volunteer at Guide Dogs pop-up shop celebrates 50 years of fundraising

Dave Arney, who lives in Taunton, has been volunteering as a fundraiser for Guide Dogs for 50 years. Most recently, at the Taunton pop-up shop which is currently open in the Orchard Shopping Centre. On Friday (6th December), Dave and volunteers from the Taunton fundraising group were visited at the shop by Guide Dogs Chief […]

GoCreate Taunton launches second pop-up at Orchard Shopping Centre

Following the success of its first pop-up gallery, GoCreate Taunton CIC is delighted to announce the opening of its second Pop-Up Art Gallery at Orchard Shopping Centre, from 10am on Saturday 3rd May 2025. With the continued support of Estama, who manage The Orchard Centre, the new gallery showcases an exciting range of original works […]

Scrumpy – a pawsome update

We’re so proud to share that Scrumpy, the guide dog puppy sponsored by Orchard, has officially passed her training! From playful pup to fully qualified guide dog, Scrumpy has grown into an incredible companion – ready to make a life-changing difference. She has now been matched with her guide dog owner, Keziah. We hope that […]

Taunton Ukulele Strummers Club raise money for Macmillan

Members of the fantastic Taunton Ukulele Strummers Club were in-centre on 25th October performing. They raised an amazing £361.54 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Thank you to everyone who generously donated and a huge thanks to the musicians who braved a cold day!

Christmas Lights Event Survey

Did you attend Winterfest? Would you prefer the Christmas Lights to be switched on at a separate event? Complete our survey to let us know how you’d like the Christmas light switch on to look in future https://ow.ly/3cQa50XANhH