Charity Shop Hidden Gem’s Journey Down Under 10 November 2022 When a couple from Australia visited our Melrose Boutique whilst holidaying in Scotland, they didn’t expect they’d be leaving with a 6-piece dinner set! They excitedly spotted the set by Royal Albert called “Hazy Dawn” straight away as one of their mother’s had had the very same set which they’d salvaged from her home when it was being sold several years before. Despite the difficulty of carrying it safely home to Australia in their hand luggage, they were committed to bringing it home as it was such a special find for them. Once they had arrived home with the dinner set still intact they sent a lovely message to our Melrose store. “We thought your staff would like to see some of the pieces set out on our dining table, safely home! Many thanks to them, and all credit for the best presented charity shop we have ever seen. Well done!” They said, “Your staff wrapped the pieces beautifully in bubble wrap and were somewhat amused at our need to buy sports bags to spread the weight evenly for the plane trip home. “We thought your staff would like to see some of the pieces set out on our dining table, safely home! Many thanks to them, and all credit for the best presented charity shop we have ever seen. Well done!” There’s always lots of special hidden gems to be found in our stores across the country. Pop down to your nearest store and see what you can find! chss.org.uk/yourstore