Vintage fashion doesn’t normally spring to mind when thinking about horse welfare, but at Redwings they go hand-in-hand as the Sanctuary launches its very own boutique, Vintage Aylsham.
From flappers to flower power, rockabilly to new romantic, the charity’s new vintage shop – opening 2nd October 2015 at their Aylsham visitor centre in North Norfolk – is set to be a treasure trove of original clothing, jewellery, shoes and bags dating from the 1940s right up to the 1980s.
Treasure hunters may even find Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco accessories and homewares and some vintage-inspired modern pieces too!
All items on sale in Vintage Aylsham have been donated to Redwings by its wonderful supporters and every penny raised will go towards helping rescue, rehabilitate and provide a safe future for horses in need. Indeed, once gladrags have been bought, shoppers can enjoy meeting more than 50 of Redwing’s rescued residents who live at the Aylsham centre and whose care will be supported by their vintage purchase.
The vintage shop has been devised and set up through the inspiration and hard work of Anne Galloway, Redwings’ Gifts in Kind Manager. “As a charity, Redwings relies entirely on the generosity of the public and we have some fantastic supporters who send in lovely items for us to sell and raise funds,” explains Anne. “I realised that we were receiving more and more vintage clothing and accessories and found a perfect space to set up our own vintage shop within Redwings Aylsham”.
Anne has already valued and priced more than 300 items for the grand opening of Vintage Aylsham on Friday 2nd October. Just some of the pieces available will include stunning silk evening dresses from the 1950s and 60s, a pair of beautiful Art Deco gloves, a vintage travel vanity case, 1950s mother of pearl necklace, hand-painted tablecloth and napkin set, and a selection of classic coats, jackets and skirts to take you into the winter.
Located in the spacious visitor centre building at Redwings Aylsham – open all year round Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 10am to 4pm – satisfied shoppers can also put their feet up in the on-site café serving hot and cold food and drinks, and enjoy the lovely views of the stunning Norfolk countryside.
With the retro-style currently on trend, Vintage Aylsham is sure to be a hit and Redwings hopes that more people will be inspired to donate their vintage clothing, accessories and homewares to the charity too. It’s a great way to give a new lease of life into classic pieces and make a real difference to the hundreds of horses, ponies, donkeys and mules that Redwings helps each year.
To donate items, please contact Anne directly on 01508 481070 or email agalloway@redwings.co.uk.
Redwings Aylsham.
Spa lane, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6UE.
(just off the A140 junction at Henry Page Road – follow the brown signs).
Tel: 0870 040 0033.