It’s a frequent grumble that nowadays High Streets are all charity outlets and coffee shops. It is sad that there aren’t the shops that existed ten or fifteen years ago, but Havant is lucky that most of its shop units are occupied. The charity shops are bringing in a good income for their causes, which has to be better then boarded-up units; possibly covered with graffiti and vandalised, bringing the town down.
Let me take you around the town’s charity shop offerings:
Stella’s Voice – a large unit behind Marks and Spencer – this has quite a lot of furniture and good bric-a-brac, household goods plus a children’s area. Also good that it has some parking so it is easy to drop off and collect larger items. They also have a branch in Waterlooville.
Now into the main West Street precinct area:
Just after McDonalds is the British Heart Foundation which, as well as clothing, has a couple of cases of books and the Cancer Research shop which is long and narrow, but squeezes a fair bit in.
Across the way and next door to each other is The Rowans – sadly no bric-a-brac, but they seem to be extending their craft offering, and the Cat and Rabbit (also Guinea Pigs) Rescue shop – they have recently had some good old jazz vinyl on sale, and often have new bits suitable as a gift for a cat owner (yes, I regularly buy their catnip mice!).
A little further along is the PDSA, then, opposite St Faith’s church, is The Chestnut Tree House, supporting a children’s hospice; a big shop with furniture, clothing, bric-a-brac and books.
North Street and Market Parade:
Don’t give up yet, round the corner in North Street near to Poppins and the Ethos coffee shop is St Faith’s own charity shop. As well as a good selection of clothing and bric-a-brac, there is a whole room of books, with its own children’s section. There’s even a table and chairs so there’s space; particularly useful if you have children with you.
On the way towards the railway station, in Market Parade, there’s a further two charity shops; Revitalise, which often has knitted window displays – someone there is very skilled – a highlight last year was the excellent display for Children’s/World Book Day, and at the bend in the road, is the Age UK shop.
Finally within The Meridian Centre is the Fat Face Foundation shop which sells their own brand’s end of range clothing and accessories as well as samples in support of their own charity. This shop is more expensive than in the other stores listed here as all the clothing is new.
Further afield:
If you are hungry for more, Emsworth is a pleasant walk, either along the road or if the tide is out go along the shore. A good range of charity shops is to be found around the Square including another Rowans and Revitalise, British Red Cross, Sue Ryder and a St Wilfred’s Hospice shop. These all have clothing and bric-a-brac, however none have furniture as the shops are too small. The 700 bus is a good option from Havant, there are usually three buses an hour during the day, and if there are no road works, it’s only 10 minutes or so away. Until the end of 2024, if you don’t have a bus pass, it will only cost £2 each way, if you do have a bus pass, what’s stopping you? There are several tea/coffee options, too, or perhaps an ice-cream near the mill pond when the weather improves?
Further out, also on the 700 bus route, is the St Wilfred’s Hospice charity shop at Chidham place, Nutbourne (on the main road) which is quite a large shop, with clothing, bric-a-brac, CDs, books and small furniture.
Just about all these shops have a good range of greetings cards, not just for Christmas!
I’m a charity shop regular, usually bric-a-brac, as there are a couple of ranges of china that I collect, though it’s increasingly difficult to find. There are also those moments when I see china that my mum or an aunt used so was familiar from my childhood. I always look at the books, particularly old local history, rarely at clothes, but there are times when a pattern or colour catches my eye. That could be why I have three mid-blue cardigans!
Although not all these charity shop branches have furniture, many will collect for free. This is great if you are redecorating or have to clear a property. Much better than having to book a dump run. As you can see, there is a good choice of places to donate those items that the kids have grown out of, or you know that you’ll never wear again, or ordered online, were unsuitable, but you didn’t send back!
Key to map:
- Stella’s Voice
- British Heart Foundation
- Cancer Research UK
- The Rowans
- Cat and Rabbit Rescue
- PDSA
- Chestnut Tree House
- St Faith’s charity/book shop
- Revitalise
- Age UK
- Fat Face Foundation (in the Meridian Centre)
Other charity stores mentioned:
Opinions are the author’s own. Obviously what each shop offers changes from day to day and is as good what has been donated. If you are going on a charity shop trail, please check the opening times; for example, I know that not all the shops are open on Sundays.
Havant Civic Society 