Shops take charity appeal to heart (From Stourbridge News)

Shops take charity appeal to heart

12:44pm Monday 4th February 2008 in Local By Bev Holder

BIG-HEARTED Wollaston traders hope getting shoppers in the mood for love will help pull in much-needed funds for the British Heart Foundation.

For the second year running the country's leading heart charity has organised a best-dressed window competition in the village.

BHF volunteers Stephanie Hogarth and Noelle Lister have so far signed-up 12 shops which will be creating imaginative love-themed displays and organising their own raffles.

Black Country BHF fundraising manager, Janet Jones, said: "I am delighted so many businesses have asked us to run this event again.

"It provides a splash of colour during wet, dreary days and highlights the community spirit that exists in the village of Wollaston."

Many shops will also be displaying the charity's Love Notes in their windows and are encouraging shoppers to call in and write their own personal message to a loved one for £1.

Janet added: "Romantic messages, pictures and even marriage proposals are all very welcome. "Platonic messages of love are also appreciated - including poems for pets and messages of friendship."

Children from The Ridge primary school will also be making their own love hearts' to be displayed in the Tile Studio from February 8.

All money raised from the campaign will go to the BHF's Valentine Appeal to support specialist heart nurses and the charity's Heart Information Line.

The windows will be judged on Monday February 11 by the Mayor of Dudley - Councillor David Stanley, Luke Mallett, BHF's regional head of community fundraising and Stourbridge college art and design lecturer Kath Jackson - and a cup will be awarded to the winners.

Last year Wollaston Post Office scooped the top accolade, with highly commended certificates given to The Princess pub, Deli-Shus, Websters and the Tile Studio.

To find out more about the Valentine Appeal go to bhf.org.uk/valentine