Friends of Citizens Advice have two reasons to celebrate

The service was started two decades ago by Ann Le Lerre, as her husband, John, was the manager of the then Citizens Advice Bureau and she saw at first hand the work undertaken and the need for more funds.

‘I started up the Friends to raise money for Citizens Advice and before we had the shop we used to host lunches and treasure hunts just to try and raise a bit of extra money,’ she said.

‘I remember the first ever car boot sale we raised £156 which allowed us to open the accounts.’

Mrs Le Lerre added that it had always been enjoyable and had never been a chore.

The group gathered at Les Cotils for an afternoon tea to celebrate their work over the past 20 years and those who are stepping down from their positions.

Chairwoman Liz Timms has been involved since the start, and is moving to Cornwall.

‘It’s been a lot of hard work, but even more great fun,’ she said.

‘I can’t pinpoint a specific highlight because it’s been so long and there’s been so many.’

Citizens Advice CEO Kerry Ciotti said that without Mrs Timms and the Friends, there would not be such a service.

‘The Friends’ consistent support has allowed me to get on with running the service without worrying about whether we could afford to keep the lights on and pay the rent.’

The charity shop based on the Bridge since 2008 was the catalyst for the Friends’ fundraising success.

‘We managed to raise £1m. through the charity shop and so that is a big part of our celebration today,’ said shop manager Margaret Lowe.

‘Unfortunately we are losing the shop because of the Leale’s Yard development, but we are moving to the building on Mont Arrive which previously had Les Bourgs and Donate charity shops in.

‘We have that on a temporary basis until we can find somewhere more permanent.’

The Citizens Advice charity shop on the Bridge will be closing on 22 September to relocate.