It was with deep regret that GBCT had to make the decision to close our Charity Shop, The Emporium. The shop opened in August 2001, initially at a site in Calder Street and then to the popular site on Victoria Road. Rising costs and the recession have hit many similar shops and we could not justify the costs eventually when rents and other costs continued to rise.
As well as raising much needed funds for the campaign to save the Baths, it served as a social place, where people visited and volunteers formed friendships and learned new skills. The volunteers were a great team who were great advocates for the Trust and, to many local people, the public face of the campaign.
But the success and impact of the Emporium was largely down the work and dedication of one particular person, our shop manager Inga Zaiceva. She was respected greatly by her volunteer staff and also by the wider community. Her multi-lingual abilities meant that she was often the “go to” person for many of Govanhill’s Eastern European community. She was always there for advice and help.
Inga’s vibrant personality brought a new layer of supporters and volunteers to the Baths. In her time with us, her professionalism and skills played a huge part in taking the Trust to where we are now, ready to start the next phase of refurbishing the building and swimming pools. She deserves our heartfelt thanks for her contribution over 8 years and will always be respected and remembered as an integral part of the history of Govanhill Baths. We wish her all the best and success in the future.
