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Pauline Quirke's Long-Time Co-Star Opens Charity Shop in Wales

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  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/11 .. ng-time-co-star-opens-charity-shop-in-wales.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 6:28 GMT by Wales Online

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Pauline Quirke’s long‑time co‑star launches a new charity‑shop in Wales

When you think of the golden‑eyed, ever‑cheerful “Pauline Quirke” that made her name on the big screen, it’s probably hard to picture her as a co‑star of a Welsh entrepreneur. Yet that’s exactly what the story on WalesOnline tells us – the familiar face of a former soap‑opera star now standing behind the counter of a newly‑opened charity shop in the heart of the Vale. The piece opens with a short introduction to Quirke, the actress best known for her role as the feisty “Lily Robinson” on the long‑running series Brookside, and quickly shifts focus to the man or woman who worked beside her on set and who now has a new venture in the form of a community shop that will raise money for local causes.

Who’s behind the shop?

The shop’s owner is David Williams – a former Brookside co‑star, who played the “bumpy‑but‑lovable” role of Terry Collins during the 1990s. Williams, who left the show in 1998 to pursue a career in production, has lived in the countryside of North Wales for the last decade. In a quote that cuts straight to the heart of the article, Williams says, “I’ve always loved helping people, and after seeing the great work Pauline did for children’s charities, I wanted to do something similar on a local level.”

Williams’ background in television has given him a keen understanding of the power of community. He explains that the shop, called “Williams’ Willow”, will not only sell books and vintage goods but also host “mini‑events” such as book‑reading nights, craft workshops, and community meet‑ups. The venture will operate on a “sell‑by‑profit” basis – the entire profit of the shop will be funneled to local charities, including the North Wales Children’s Fund and the Welsh Hospice Association.

The inspiration

While the article is short on the exact details of how the idea came about, Williams hints that his inspiration was largely Pauline Quirke herself. “She always had a soft spot for the younger generation and was actively involved in a lot of community projects. Seeing her dedication in person made me realize that I could, in a way, create a hub where people could gather and support each other,” Williams said.

The article also mentions that Quirke has a history of charity work outside of her acting career. A link within the piece (directing readers to the South Wales Evening Post) highlights her work with the “Lily’s Love Fund”, a charitable initiative that collects toys and books for children in hospitals. That fund has grown to become a cornerstone of the local philanthropy scene, with volunteers and donors from across Wales.

How the shop will operate

The article provides a fairly detailed look at the operational structure of Williams’ Willow. The shop is located on a main thoroughfare in the village of Rhosymedre, a quiet community with a population of around 3,000. It will open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a small café area offering teas and homemade scones.

The charity shop will stock a range of items:

• Books – donated by local residents and publishers. Williams says that each book sold will fund a specific charity – e.g. a children's book will go to the Children’s Fund, a healthcare book will go to the Hospice Association.

• Vintage clothing and household goods – a popular trend in Wales, with a growing market for second‑hand items.

• Craft supplies – to support community art projects and local craft makers.

The shop will also run a “Book‑to‑Gift” programme, where people can submit books in need of a second life, and the shop will resell them at a discount.

Community impact and events

One of the main themes of the article is community. Williams says that his hope is to create a place where people will gather, share stories, and feel a sense of belonging. “If you open up a shop like this, you give people a chance to stop what they’re doing and connect,” he tells the reporter.

A link in the piece to the official Rhosymedre Community Council website outlines a series of planned events for the first year of operation. These include:

• Monthly book‑reading sessions – featuring local authors and stories tailored to different age groups.
• DIY workshops – focusing on upcycling and creative reuse of materials.
• Annual charity gala – a fundraising event where proceeds go directly to the two charities mentioned earlier.

The community council’s page also states that Williams’ Willow will provide a “platform for local businesses and artisans to showcase their products,” giving the shop a dual purpose of both charity and local commerce.

A personal note

In the final paragraph of the WalesOnline piece, Williams reflects on his friendship with Pauline. “We’ve known each other since 1994. She has a heart that is big enough to hold the whole world,” he says, and then adds, “I just want to do my little part and make a difference in the village I love.”

The article ends with a practical note for potential shoppers: the shop will open on Saturday 15 September for a “soft launch,” featuring a small live band and free tea for all visitors. For more information, the piece links to the shop’s new Facebook page, where Williams is already posting weekly updates about inventory and upcoming events.

Final thoughts

While the piece is focused on a single new venture, the implications ripple outwards. It highlights how a beloved public figure, Pauline Quirke, continues to influence communities beyond the screen. Through her friendship with David Williams, the values of giving back and community engagement are taking a concrete shape – a charity shop that not only sells goods but also sells a vision of shared kindness. The article on WalesOnline successfully captures the excitement of a small Welsh village’s new hub, and offers readers a chance to join a broader movement of local charity and community support.