We run a charity shop, situated at 72, The High Street, Sidmouth. Opening hours are between 10 am to 4 pm, Monday to Saturday, including Bank Holidays.

The shop was opened in March 1998, and was an instant success - so much so that when the Regional Director visited in July, she was so impressed that she put forward a proposal to the National Chairman and Trustees that they should consider buying the shop for us.

They agreed, and the shop is no longer rented, but indeed owned by Cats Protection. To celebrate, we had a complete refit in March 1999. Work done included replacing the carpets and fittings, construction of extra changing rooms, general modernisation and the creation of extra space for displaying and selling goods.

We enjoy a steady local clientele, topped up nicely by seasonal visitors to this seaside town. Throughout 1998, the shop swelled our kitty by nearly £40,000 - more than half of our total income, making 1998 a phenomenally successful year for us. We owe much our success to our branch members, who have supported us so magnificently, both as customers, and by helping us to keep us regularly stocked with good quality merchandise. So, a big thank you to you all!

As well as the usual charity shop fare, a range of CP goods are on sale. The shop also acts as an information centre, with displays advertising local events, posters of cats looking to be homed, leaflets and literature available on aspects of feline care, and indeed a good deal of cat chat and swapping stories takes place. We are also pleased to accept visitors from other branches, as well as from overseas.

Please do keep coming in to see us, and of course, letting us have your unwanted good quality clothes, books, bric-a-brac etc. for resale.

You can contact the shop on 01395 513394