More than 500 visitors flocked to Nottinghamshire Hospice’s new Community Shop in Sherwood on Saturday, opened by Nottingham’s Official Robin Hood, Tim Pollard.

Cutting the ribbon, Tim, who has personal links with the hospice, said: “My late wife Sal was really helped by the hospice and they are helping me and our family still. So when you come here to buy or donate stuff you are doing good for a lot of other people who really appreciate your help even though you may not know it – and I can say that from the heart because I’m one of them.”

Shoppers browsed the extensive vinyl collection, span discs in the retro 70s listening booth and stepped back in time to try on vintage clothing in Dr Who’s Tardis – regenerated as a changing room.

The Doctor himself turned up with companions. “We’ve come to check the Tardis has been decommissioned properly,” he said. “We can recommission it at any time however!”

Doctor Who, Robin Hood and the Time Tech Team with Notts Hospice Area Retail Manager, Penny Cooper.

The shop, which moved to its new premises from a smaller location across the road, did a roaring trade all day, and attracted 20 potential new volunteers.

Penny Cooper, Area Retail Manager for Nottinghamshire Hospice says: “It was buzzing all day. People were intrigued by the Tardis and loved the layout of the shop and said it was a really good atmosphere.

“We exceeded expectations and took more than £1,700 on our first day.”

The Sherwood shop is one of nine shops across Nottinghamshire which bring in more than £1 million annually to benefit people with a terminal or life-limiting illness.

Special thanks go to the team of volunteers from BDO LLP who helped display stock, Tim Pollard (Robin Hood), The Geek Force’s Gary Barwell (Doctor Who) and the Time Tech Team for making the grand opening such a special one, and to Matthew Cooper for making our legendary TARDIS.

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