The village of Paulton is sadly a little emptier, with the retirement of two well-known faces last week. Terry and Caroline Wynne, both awarded MBEs for their service to the community and responsible for helping to raise an incredible half a million pounds for Paulton Hospital over the past twenty years, have now closed the doors on the League of Friends charity shop.

The couple, who met at the now closed Cadbury’s (Fry’s), in Keynsham, took early retirement from factory life and found themselves shopkeepers, helping to raise money for the local hospital, which bought a huge range of equipment to benefit the facility and enable residents not to have to travel to Bath or Bristol, also acting as passionate campaigners from time to time as the hospital’s maternity wards faced closure, something that was avoided, to the benefit of local families.

Paulton Ward Councillor, Liz Hardman, has nominated the couple for a B&NES Lifetime Achievement Award, which is due to be announced this week. She says: “Last week was a sad time for Paulton. Terry and Caroline Wynne have helped to finance a huge amount of equipment, from maternity beds to physiotherapy equipment; machines for the ear, nose and throat clinics, help with a sensory room and so much more.

“Their contributions have meant that those living in nearby towns and villages have not had to travel to receive medical help.”

The couple, who also ran a friendship club for ten years for the elderly of Paulton, will continue to help the hospital with their fundraising tombola, which has raised thousands over the years – also donating to a local family in need and the RUH Cancer Care Appeal.

Anne Lyons, Chair of Paulton Parish Council, said: “It is the end of an era, but we won’t be saying goodbye to Terry and Caroline, as they will still be raising money for Paulton Hospital. A huge thank you from all of us in Paulton and beyond to this amazing couple and their great team of helpers.”

On Wednesday last week the Parish Council held a ceremony at the shop to thank the couple, followed by a celebration on Thursday, organised by Café Bombero, which is based in the Paulton Hub library facility.

The couple had a huge task ahead of them in clearing the shop, which has always been well supported with donations. Much of the stock has gone to help local sources, including Dorothy House and the Bookbarn, Hallatrow.