Whereas many of its former neighbours have moved on to pastures new, the Oxfam shop is yet to find a new home and faces a very real threat of extinction unless a new premises can be found soon.
The Woolmead shop - located opposite Oxfam’s book shop in East Street, which is not threatened - supports various people in the community, such as vulnerable young adults and those with learning disabilities, as well as overseas humanitarian aid and development projects.
However, Oxfam Trading, the global aid charity’s retail arm, is yet to make a decision on whether to fund a relocation within Farnham, leaving the shop’s manager and volunteers in limbo.
Owners of The Woolmead, Berkeley Homes, are expected to submit detailed plans for the demolition and redevelopment of the building in the spring, and Oxfam have been asked to vacate its premises by December 14.
The shop will remain open up to this date, offering lots of Christmas bric-a-brac, toys and clothing bargains as usual. It is also still welcoming donations.