The Living Room Charity Shop Celebrates its 20th Anniversary

When the Living Room Charity Shop first opened its doors as Revival in June 2006, the world looked very different. Now, as we celebrate 20 years, let’s look back at what life was like two decades ago.

In 2006, someone else was celebrating an important milestone too - the late Queen Elizabeth II turned 80. She was the first British monarch to celebrate an 80^th birthday in modern times, and she had now been on the throne for 54 years.

Tony Blair was currently in his third term as Prime Minister, before handing over to Gordon Brown in 2007. In 2006, the government confirmed it would push ahead with plans to introduce a public smoking ban in England, which came into force the following year.

2006 was a World Cup Year (just like 2026), and a devastated England saw their team, (managed by Sven-Göran Eriksson) crash out of the quarter-finals, losing 3-1 to Portugal on penalties. It was the third time England had been eliminated on penalties. Shortly after, England captain David Beckham announced his retirement from international football.

What was happening in Stevenage?

On a humbler footballing note, Stevenage Borough FC was playing in the Conference National (now the National League). In 2006, the club appointed Mark Stimson as manager. He was the architect of the squad that would later win the 2007 FA Trophy Final, at the newly rebuilt Wembley Stadium.

2006 was a year of local elections (as is 2026) which saw one third of Stevenage’s council seats up for re-election. The Labour Party successfully stayed in control, winning some 32 seats.

The council spent £1m in 2006, upgrading the town centre car parking payment systems, allowing cards and notes to be accepted for the first time.

The new “pay on foot” system aimed at reducing delays and improving traffic flow. There was also a significant investment in expanding CCTV in the town centre and surrounding areas.

2006 also saw the installation of the infamous “yellow “G-string” canopy in Stevenage town centre. This cost £58,000 (aided by an Asda grant) and was designed to improve the link between the superstore and the town square.

Alas, by 2014 the canopy was looking decidedly the worse for wear, its colour faded and the fabric deteriorating. The council decided to remove it, at a further cost of £5,000 to the public purse.

Residents were critical of the episode. John Camp, 37, said, “It served no purpose in being there. You might as well put a sleeping bag on your head -that would be more useful.”

2006 Prices

Average house price - £160,319.

Pint of milk price – 40p

Finally….

What memories of 2006 do you have? We’ll be celebrating 20 years this summer, with a Twenties-inspired party for staff and volunteers. The Living Room shop will be looking its best, with a special balloon arch and festive banners, and there will be a birthday cake to mark the occasion.

For over two decades, our wonderful local Living Room community has donated, shopped and volunteered. This makes an amazing difference, as all proceeds go directly to our charity. So, join us in celebrating and here’s to another twenty years!