Shop Local, Support the Arts: Blyth and Wright’s Raffle Boosts Theatre Future

An historic Sheringham shop is helping the town’s theatre future by holding a big fundraising raffle.

Blyth and Wright has more than 100 items in its money-spinning effort which will help fund a new cinema screen at Sheringham Little Theatre just a few doors up the road.

And they are hoping for more prizes and ticket sales in the coming weeks ahead of the draw which will take place at the theatre after Christmas. More details will be announced in December.

The current prizes range from garden seats and electrical goods to soft toys and a stunning quilt made by Norfolk Knitters and Stitchers. Tickets are on sale at Blyth and Wright’s shop in Station Road.

Blyth and Wright has been trading as an ironmongers in the town since 1897 but now has a reputation for being a destination store with china, housewares, kitchenware, leisure and other departments selling everything from a single screw to a set of garden furniture.

Owner Chris Wright said: “We are a long-established local business which relies on our community for customers, so we always try to support the area through local donations and raffle prizes.

“When we saw the theatre, which we have a good relationship with, was fundraising we wanted to help. We began by writing to our suppliers asking for prizes and had a great response, Then, when we put it on social media, we got other local businesses and individuals.”

The raffle was the idea of senior supervisor Sharon Alton, who has been supported by shop manager Craig Cole.

The last time the shop did a major raffle was in 2013 when it raised around £8000 for play park equipment in memory of Chris Wright’s brother Jamie who died suddenly from a rare blood disorder.

Theatre director Debbie Thompson said: “We really appreciate this generous fundraising effort by Blyth and Wright which will help replace our cinema screen that has a tear and is coming to the end of its 20-year life.

“Without support like this from our friend and neighbours our charity-run theatre would really struggle to provide our range of arts events for the community.

“We send them a big thank you, and would encourage people to pop down to the shop to buy some tickets.”

Other prizes include a basket of dog toys and treats, air fryer, sleeved fleece blanket, wine, whisky, garden chairs, glassware, saucepans, cutlery, crockery, novelties and much more.