Free for all - to say thank you to locals

Korina Sinclair runs Lydia's Op Shop, which is having a free day this weekend. PHOTO/RAE CLIFFE 121113WCRCOPSHOP01

A Gonville church is holding an open day this weekend, which includes giving away all the items in its second-hand shop for free.

On Saturday between 9am and 1pm, customers at Lydia's Op Shop in Bignell St, will be able to take whatever they want without paying for it.

Shop manager Korina Sinclair said the free day had been happening every November for at least five years, and was Gonville Baptist Church's way of giving back to the community.

"We're part of a church, and this is part of our service to the community," Mrs Sinclair said.

The church next door will be open for visitors to pop in for a cup of tea or coffee and there will also be a sausage sizzle. Mrs Sinclair said visitors were welcome to bring a plate to share as well.

She said the free day has been popular in the past and the shop is usually emptied.

Lydia's Op Shop sells clothes, book and household knick-knacks. Mrs Sinclair said the shop raised some money for the church but also provided fellowship for the community.

"People come in here to have a cuppa and a chat," she said.

The shop is open only on Thursdays and Fridays, but Mrs Sinclair said she'd like to be open up to four days a week.

"We'd really like to get some more volunteers so we can open for longer," she said.