ALL ABOARD celebrated the opening of their new branch at 51 The Broadway, Mill Hill, NW7 with Rhubarb the clown giving away balloons to the children, and fully attired town crier Tony Appleton, (now nicknamed Custard!) announcing the grand opening with his clanging bell and giving opening day discount leaflets to the lucky passers-by on Wednesday 29th July 2009.
As is customary at an ALL ABOARD opening, queues of people hoping to snap up opening day bargains, could be seen just before the 12.00 noon opening. One patient lady at the front of the queue, who had a flight to catch later that afternoon, was delighted with the set of hand-cut Venetian glasses she purchased. Drinks and nosh were handed round as Trustees of ALL ABOARD, staff and volunteers admired the latest addition to their charity shop chain. Retail and Property Manager Jack Cohen, commented : “ We knew that Mill Hill would be a great area for us, since we were lucky enough to trade temporarily in the adjacent empty shop for five months at the end of 2008 prior to new tenants taking possession. When the adjoining unit became available, we snapped it up in the happy knowledge that the Mill Hill Community would generously donate their no longer loved and needed clothing, bric-a-brac and household items in abundance to keep the shop fully stocked with interesting merchandise for keen charity shoppers to snap up at reasonable prices.” Executive Administrator Carol Marks added “Money raised at the shop goes to UK registered Jewish Charities including Kisharon, Chai Cancercare, Jewish Care, SAGE, Seed, Nightingale, AJEX, and many other worthy causes.