Inside The Old Department Store - May Highlights
It’s been a while since we last shared an update — and there’s much to tell.
First, something close to our hearts: our building has now been lovingly named The Old Department Store by those who know it best — our community. It’s a name that honours the past while making space for new stories to unfold. We are currently designing signage that reflects not only the building’s rich history and heritage, but also the vision and values shaping its next chapter.
We’re excited about all that The Old Department Store is becoming for this town — a place to gather, to grow, to connect, to reimagine and most importantly, to belong.
Since we opened in November 2024, we’ve been deeply encouraged by your feedback and support. But we know this is just the beginning of restoring local spaces, reviving local business, and building community rooted in connection and creativity.
With that in mind, here are a few highlights from May and a look at what’s coming up in June across our spaces.
We were thrilled to host the very first gathering of our Design Council — a thoughtful group of team members, artists, collaborators, and community voices. The Design Council will help guide the creative future of The Old Department Store, drawing together three key threads: to shape a space that honours where we’ve come from, celebrates where we are, and reimagines what’s still to come.
We wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful group from the Nelson Trust who we had the privilege of welcoming into our space. With care and generosity, they gifted us their time and energy — helping to bring one of our meeting rooms to life with a fresh coat of paint. It was great to have Nelson Trust join in with our work.
One of the ways that we look to engage our community is by celebrating international days that align with our vision and values.
As such, we marked World Bee Day with a thoughtful and creative day built around the theme ‘You Bee-Long Here.’
Together with our social enterprises, we hosted a series of hands-on activities that invited people of all ages to slow down, make, learn, and feel part of something shared. It was a gentle reminder of the value of taking part — and of making space for everyone in the hive of community life.
We were joined by a local beekeeper whose passion for the craft was matched only by their generosity in sharing it. With a selection of locally harvested honey to taste and a wealth of knowledge to offer, they created space for curious questions, slow conversation, and a deeper appreciation for the work of bees — and those who care for them.
KIDS STUFF
We were delighted to partner with Sportily throughout May to host their Move More in May sessions — a joyful initiative encouraging movement and play for all ages.
One particular highlight has been Active Tots, a lively and well-loved session for little ones, held in the heart of our Kids Stuff Play Space. It’s been wonderful to watch toddlers explore movement with curiosity and confidence — and to see families connect in the process.
Thanks to the brilliant response, we’re pleased to share that Sportily will be continuing these sessions with us through June. This partnership is and one that we’re excited to see grow.
THE LONG TABLE
On VE Day, we had the privilege of welcoming a group of veterans to The Long Table — an opportunity to honour their stories and share in a moment of reflection and connection.
To mark the occasion, The Long Table held a a pay-as-you-can cake sale — a simple gesture of hospitality that created space for conversation, remembrance, and community.
THANK YOU
It is always a pleasure to host the Soroptimist Group who hold regular meetings together at The Long Table. This group of activists believe in our work and are proud to support all that we do.
We were pleased to welcome Home-Start as they gathered a few of their volunteers at The Long Table.
As we continue to grow and serve our community, we’re looking forward to deepening our connection with Home-Start and finding new ways to work together.
UPCOMING EVENTS
June is shaping up to be a lively and meaningful month at The Old Department Store, with a host of events and activities designed to bring people together and breathe life into our shared spaces. Here are just a few highlights we’re excited to share with you.
Partnering with Sportily, we are offering fitness sessions throughout June at The Old Department Store. To book your session or to find out more information about these fitness sessions, click here.
We’re excited to welcome Remnant Revolution into The Old Department Store for a special Sew With Us workshop!
In this session, you will learn how to turn leftover fabrics into your own unique cushion cover — no sewing experience needed, just a willingness to try something new!
Remnant Revolution empowers women through training, paid work, and community — all while rescuing surplus fabric and giving it new life.
Spaces are limited — book your spot today. All materials provided.
Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter. We’re looking forward to providing more regular updates with you each month — stories, moments, and opportunities that reflect the life of this place and the people who shape it.
We couldn’t do this without your thoughts and feedback so do continue to share those with us and follow us on Facebook for our regular news and updates.
See you soon at The Old Department Store!