CHRISTCHURCH : HONORARY CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP FOR SKILLS SHOP

Students learning retail skills through the initiative Schools Retail Group, who are currently trading in  a Christchurch retail unit, have been given Honorary Membership of Christchurch Chamber of Trade and Commerce. The students were presented with their certificate by President of the Chamber, Alastair Hoare.

Mr Hoare, of Williams Thompson Solicitors, said: "We are pleased to be part of this initiative which provides good retail experience for the students in all aspects of running a High Street shop. We would hope if they were to go on and open such a business they would also appreciate the benefits of membership and how a local Chamber of Trade supports local businesses."

Jane Hopkins, Vocational Learning Manager at Twynham School, said: "The Schools Retail Group gives students a chance to put into practice what they learn at school giving them hands-on experience as they work towards their City and Guilds Level 2 in Retailing. This is equivalent to a Grade B at GCSE."

In addition to the honorary membership, the Chamber of Trade is also sponsoring awards for the students which will be judged by their teachers during the project. One student is delegated the task of managing the store each day. The students also learn how the Shoplink system works, a Chamber of Trade initiative using radios to connect shops with each other and the town's CCTV control room.

This was the last official duty for Mr Hoare who hands over the Presidency to Peter Watson-Lee, who is also a solicitor with Williams Thomson. The Vice-presidency is held by Julie Ratcliffe.

The unit will be open to the public until Friday 15th July (including the Saturday

9th) and the opening times will be 9.30 to 4.30 each day.