I could write a book about my job, as it’s so diverse and varied.

I’ve been a charity shop manager for six and a half years. Coming from commercial retail of thirty plus years.

Little did I know what to expect when I took on the role.

No two days are the same and the plan I’ve written for myself the day before is normally scrapped before my first cup of coffee.

Obviously we rely on donations. The first ones of the day are normally waiting for me by the front door when I get to work.

To say we are lucky is an understatement. Our supporters are so kind. Without them we would not be able to fund the work that the hospice does.

The majority of the day consists of sorting, hanging, tagging and steaming.

Talking to another charity shop manager one day, she hit the nail on the head. She said it’s like moving house every single day and it’s right!

We have some strange donations through the door, many have you scratching your head as to what they actually are. We normally come to a conclusion though, with the help of the internet for research.

My main priority each day is to get the shop floor nice and clean, tidy and full. Constantly changing the shop around to keep everything fresh and looking different.

If there is an unusual or higher priced item, it will be listed on Ebay to reach a wider audience and get a higher price.

I remember selling a High Karate gift set, which was really rare, I was over the moon as this was my first on line sale!

PAT testing is another string to my bow. I PAT test all the portable electrics we have donated into the shop, so we can sell them on. Electrical items can bring good money in the shop, so I always make sure I get these PAT tested for resale.

My volunteers are my back bone. I would not manage without them. They are so helpful and kind with their time and are all loved by our amazing customers.

The shop is very busy and my customers are so loyal. I know practically all of them on first name terms. The shop is a real community hub. People share their worries and their happiness and theres a lot of laughing that goes on. The atmosphere in the shop is always lovely and people constantly praise us on this.

I love my job, but don’t get me wrong it’s hard work, but it’s very rewarding and different every single day, the hours fly by and before you look around it’s time to go home.

One day I text my friend and said oh I’m that exhausted I’ve sat down twice today. Mistakenly I sent it to my boss, where he jokingly replied( well at least I hope so). Well stop sitting down. Ah Ah.

Mandy Jenkins