Salvation Army's Penarth charity shop closed for good

Despite insistence the Salvation Army is still very much active in the town, the ability to walk into the shop and speak to someone seems over.

Instead, now there’s a phone number to ring to arrange for help at the Salvation Army’s base on Plassey Street.

The final day of the store with Major Jo Walters and Majors Geoff and Gladis Bonsell (Image: Newsquest)

We returned to the Care and Share shop on Cornerswell Road on October 12 at 3pm, an hour before the store closed for good.

• Read more: Salvation Army to close store on Cornerswell Road

Even in its final days, the importance of the shop and its location was clear to see, with one customer asking: “Is there another charity shop down here?” The reply being no.

But manager of the shop Major Jo Walters emphasised the Salvation Army is still supporting Penarth.

Major Walters said: “On behalf of all the team I would like to thank our customers past and present for their support since the shop opened more than 30 years ago.

“With the lease due to expire on the property the decision has been taken not to renew at this site.

“However, the Salvation Army will remain active in the community and continue its work locally.”

The store has been on Cornerswell Road for 30 years (Image: Newsquest)

The work might be the same, but the connection is different

No longer will those in need be able to walk into the Care and Share shop for help. 

Instead, they will have to call a number and arrange to meet at the site on Plassey Street – where ‘nit and natter’ and ‘parent and toddler’ events will still be held.

The store was a vital connection for many (Image: Newsquest)

Major Glenis Bonsell’s story highlighted the changing relationship between the Salvation Army and Penarth.

She described how, last year, a lady found out about a bereavement in the shop.

Major Bonsell asked her, ‘do you need help?’ The woman explained what happened and was supported.

The lady in question came back to the store days before the closure to say a final farewell.

Major Geoff Bonsell said the store was more than a shop.

“It’s about building relationships,” said Major Bonsell. “This was so much more than a shop.”

The final message to customers (Image: Newsquest)

'If we had known sooner maybe we could have fought to save the shop'

Carol Dacey said volunteers did not know about the closure until only weeks ago when arrangements may have been in place for months.

"I found out (about the closure) a couple weeks ago," said Ms Dacey. 

"It's probably been known months ago. Had we known sooner we probably could have put up a little bit of a fight."

Volunteer Carol Dacey says if they had known sooner they could have fought for it to remain open (Image: Newsquest)

Major Walters said when we lose something we need to talk about it as part of the grieving process, but did hint the Salvation Army could come back to the community in another form.

This was a sentiment echoed by Major Bonsell who said: “It is the end today, but we do not know what the next story will be.”

How does the closure of the Care and Share charity shop affect you? What are your memories of the Salvation Army on Cornerswell Road which is closing after 30 years? Did it help you? Do you have a message for staff?

Let us know in comments, on our Facebook page, or by emailing harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.