Mountbatten Hampshire patron, Alan Titchmarsh CBE, cut the yellow ribbon to officially open the charity’s newest shop, at 36, Jewry Street, Winchester, on 9 April.

The broadcaster, author and TV gardener joined Hampshire Lord Lieutenant, Nigel Atkinson, as well as the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Sudhakar Achwal and the Lord Mayor of Southampton, Cllr James Bailie, for the celebratory event.

Mountbatten’s Winchester shop is the newest of ten across Southampton and Hampshire. A large proportion of the money Mountbatten Hampshire needs to operate comes from these crucial High Street charity shops, supporting the provision of end-of-life care services, as well through fundraising events, donations and grants.

The Jewry Street store offers high quality, pre-loved clothing, china and collectibles. The shop’s windows were specially decorated with painted sunflowers — Mountbatten’s signature emblem — by Hampshire artist, Nikki Paints, who donated six hours of her time to create the eye-catching artwork.

Addressing invited guests, which also numbered supporters, staff, volunteers and trustees, Alan Titchmarsh said: “Ninety-nine point nine per cent of human beings are simply filled with kindness, and the ones we rate most of all are the ones who demonstrate that kindness by doing something important, like working for Mountbatten.”

Around 85 per cent of Mountbatten Hampshire’s care is delivered in people’s homes, 24/7. This complements specialist inpatient care and day services, at the hospice's inpatient unit and Frances Sheldon Centre, in West End, Southampton, explained CEO, Becky McGregor, who also welcomed people to the official event.

Becky said: “Mountbatten Hampshire supports over 2,000 people and their families at end-of-life. Our clinical teams care for those people throughout the day and overnight, if somebody’s symptoms change or deteriorate. Our charity shops are an important source of income, helping us continue to provide for the growing demand — and need — for hospice services.”

Winchester Mayor, Cllr Sudhakar Achwal, said: “The shop’s location is excellent, and I have no doubt it will play an important role in raising vital funds to support the outstanding work of Mountbatten Hampshire.”

Mountbatten’s Head of Retail, Chris Papageorgieu, said: “Our new Winchester shop enjoys a fantastic spot in a beautiful and historic town. We are delighted to be able to offer our customers top-quality products, which are even more of a bargain when you consider the difference you are making to the people Mountbatten Hampshire supports – those dealing with death, dying and bereavement.”

Shop manager, Denise Gillies, who is supported by a host of volunteers, previously worked as a national fundraising manager.

“Moving into retail feels like a dream transition for me,” said Denise. “I’ve always loved fashion and I’m really looking forward to meeting and greeting customers, becoming part of the Winchester community, and creating a warm, welcoming space while raising awareness and funds.”

“A good life is very important, but so too is a good death,” added Alan Titchmarsh, before cutting the ribbon to mark the official opening of the shop.

To volunteer at Mountbatten Hampshire’s shop at 36, Jewry Street, Winchester, please drop in for a chat or email [email protected].