VOLUNTEERS who have devoted 20 years’ service each to the annual Durham Shopping Extravaganza have been honoured at the launch of this year’s charity event.
The celebration also recognised retiring committee members who have given their time to the event, which has raised more than £370,000 shared between a total of 72 local charities.
The fundraising organisation started in 1989 and the first shopping extravaganza was held at Lumley Castle in 1992.
Last year it returned to Ramside Hall Hotel, near Durham, its home for the next three years at least, including this year’s event on October 14 and 15.
Those who were thanked for two decades’ service – Niki Trotter, Mina Nicholson, Caroline Broadfoot and Carolyn Ramsbotham – continued a family tradition by first getting involved in 1994.
Niki’s mother-in-law Virginia Trotter, Mina’s sister-in-law Lady Sarah Nicholson, Carolyn’s mother Sally Fenwick and Caroline’s mum Rose Salvin, were among the original founders of the Durham Shopping Extravaganza.
It has since grown to a two-day annual event that is supported by thousands of shoppers from across the region and beyond, and 70 stall-holders selling food and fashion, gifts and garden furniture, antiques and accessories, each donating ten per cent of their takings.
Co-chair for 2015 Nicky Swan said: “Those of us who joined the team relatively recently are in awe of those ladies who have given so much of their time to make the Durham Shopping Extravaganza such an important two days on the North East events calendar.
“So many good causes have been helped by the support of our shoppers, but the event wouldn’t take place, or have lasted so long, without the tireless work of those who organise it.”
Nicky added: “We’re already working on this year’s event and are delighted to be back at Ramside Hall, which is a great central location for many people.”
The Butterwick Hospice has already been confirmed as one of the charities that will benefit from this year’s event.
Last year’s extravaganza raised nearly £20,000 shared between Small Steps Seize the Day, RSVP North East, Enter CIC and Gateway Wheelers.
