Spring Has Finally Sprung!

As we ease ourselves out of what has been, let's face it, a very long and dark Winter, I'm sure we're all looking forward to what the next few (hopefully?) slightly warmer months may bring.

The students have been super busy sorting through all the donations that are literally arriving in our shop two, sometimes three times a week - which is fabulous! It's proof in the pudding that even just a little bit of extra promotion on our socials is working at spreading the word in and around the town. So, from Streisand to Sinatra, Coldplay to Cream, Elvis to Eminem, Raye to Rihanna and everything in between, you're bound to find something to pick up, take home and play to your hearts content! We stock new and pre-loved vinyl, pre-loved CDs, cassette tapes (yes, a little retro but we promise they're making a comeback!) music DVDs, music books, and trade magazines. We'd like to thank Gatefield Sounds in Whitstable for their continued support in providing us with our new vinyl...

As we are approaching the better weather, the students have been decorating our Learning Room window with flowers, each one utterly bespoke to their own creative design. It's really brightened up the space! We've also been decorating some marvellous Mother's Day cards for those lovely ladies in our lives who look after us. Everyone shared things about their Mum's and those who are like a Mum to them. Talking of decorating, we've been really busy down in the shop painting walls and putting up new artwork - pop in soon and see the changes! There's some really amazing artwork adorning one of the spaces from Uncle Stubble and you can see more of his work on Instagram @stubbleuncle2 The RPM shop is a work in progress and we've still got some exciting plans for over the next few months, but don't worry, we'll keep you posted. Here's Danny & Sam showcasing Uncle Stubble's artwork...

Another addition to our service is the introduction of Gift Vouchers. Available in denominations of £10, £20 & £50, they are valid for six months from the date of purchase. So those birthdays, anniversary's and festive presents? Sorted!

Aside from the retail skills that our students continue to learn each and every day with us, whether it's mastering the art of good customer care, working out how to give change on a shop sale, researching the prices for our stock or keeping all our areas clean and tidy, we also try and share some knowledge about life in general. So last month here at FFF was 'Fab Fruit Feb' (see what we did there?) where everyone learnt all about healthy eating. The students enjoyed trying out some different fruits that they perhaps hadn't tasted before - with mixed results it has to be said!

Friendships are crucial here at FFF; we call ourselves the Fenner Frost Family, and it's true. Everyone supports one another with kindness, compassion and positivity. So it was hard to say goodbye to both Katherine and Steven who have moved on - we all wish them the very best for the future.

We try to post regularly on all our social platforms; Facebook, Instagram and Twitter/X and will continue to so so. However, delighted to announce that we have just launched a brand new Instagram account specifically for the RPM (Reaching People Through Music) Record Shop. Pop over to Instagram and find us @RPMRecordShop. This is where we will let you know about everything happening in the shop; new releases, specialist vinyl, unusual CDs, in fact anything that's gonna whet your music appetite and ensure you pay us a visit.

Lastly, as well as all the wonderful donations of music that we welcome onto our shelves, you can now support our work in another way - by PayPal donation. Just click on the Donate button at the top of our homepage - we would be most grateful.

That's it for now! Enjoy the sunshine...

Lou Fowkes - Charity Director

29 January 2026