Performing arts group opens shop to raise funds

The shop was opened by Trowbridge's town crier, Trevor Heeks

A performing arts organisation, which offers performance and music opportunities, has opened a shop to help it raise funds.

Starry Eyes Performance Foundation was set up in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, in 2000 and offers chances in the arts for all ages and abilities free of charge.

The store, which is in the town's Castle Place Shopping Centre, was opened on Friday by town crier, Trevor Heeks, and will sell a mixture of second hand clothes, bric-a-brac and jewellery, amongst other things.

Co-founder, Sally Boyle, said the shop's opening is the culmination of a lot of hard work and will help them continue to support those who want to get into the arts.

Sally Boyle co-founded Starry Eyes in 2004 with the late Valerie Priddey

Co-founded with Valerie Priddey, who passed away in 2019, Ms Boyle said Starry Eyes has come a long way since its first day: "We actually started off as a talent show for the year 2000, so it was a millennium show.

"We thought that was going to be it, but it snowballed, more and more people got involved, we've done lots more shows and workshops.

"I would never have thought I'd be standing here 25 years later. I think if Val is looking down on us she'd be really proud."

The organisation has been credited with helping young people find interest in the arts and giving them something to focus on.

Josh Lanfear taught himself how to play guitar before getting involved with Starry Eyes

Volunteer Josh Lanfear, who has previously taken part in some of Starry Eyes' performances, helped to get the shop ready.

"I self-taught myself guitar in my own time, in my own privacy and then my nan found out that I was playing and roped me in," he said.

"I wasn't very confident or social and Starry Eyes brought that out of me.

"I've spent the last two weeks helping build all these shelves and stuff, after everything they've done for me, it's really nice to give back."

The organisation has moved into the shopping centre in the hope it will encourage people to come to the town centre.

Alison Urch, Starry Eyes' chair, said it was important to make sure the shop was accessible.

"One of the things we were passionate about is making sure that we can take any size wheelchair or scooter in here and a double buggy," she said.

"Everyone's worked so hard, and it's brilliant. I see a future for Castle Place.

"It's actually been a vibrant place, not the ghost town that people were saying it was."