Don't know about you, but I'm a big fan of Charity Shops.!
Over the years, I have supported Oxfam, British Heart Foundation,
Cancer Research,National Childrens Homes,Rainbow Childrens,
Marie Curie, PDSA,Sense, Barnardo's, and many more.!
Quite amazing, the wonderful bargains I have picked up.!
Clothing,Video's,CD's,Books,Musical Instruments,Printers,
Designer Lighting,Audio Equipment,Assorted Nik Naks.!,
Sports Equipment,Furnishings, Camera's,list is endless.!
You are doing your bit to support Charities, and get a,
lovely warm glow,from picking up amazing bargains.!
Anyone else out there in our Forum,who does this.?
Sandie Seward
Yes Mike. I support my local Hospice Shop as much as I can.
Like yourself, I have had many good bargains, including vinyl records, furniture, books, and some clothes too.
Ken R
I love 'em as well, I've had many a good book , really good condition and at knock down prices, from local charity shops ! Long may they prosper !
JoJo
I agree, had a good few jigsaws the grandchildren like them,also videos, I give loads as well go through my wardrobe and fill the bags,don't feel so guilty buying new stuff then I only fill bags from charitys I know not when a leaflet is pushed through the letter box asking for stuff some of these are just scams people looking to make money for themselves
Maywalk
I support anything to do with cancer and my local Childrens Rainbows Hospice. I wont buy from them because I had enough second hand items during WW2 but I do pass on perfect clothes and in the past month some collectable Disney memorabilia.
While sorting out some drawers the other day I came across the brooch below.
It was given to me over 25 years ago and its still as bright at the back of it as it was when given to me.
It has an arrow or some such marking on the back of the brooch which can be seen quite clearly.
There are no other markings that I can see. Its curiosity more than anything on my part to find out if it is of any value.
I know that not all gold has been marked and as it hasn't corroded in any way it got me wondering.
I am not expecting it to be worth anything and if it was I would pass it on to my Rainbows Hospice.
I have NEVER worn it so its never entered my head before to see if it does have any value but it would be interesting to find out.
I know absolutely nothing about jewellery because I never wear it.
I dont even wear my wedding or engagement rings because it sets me off with a rash.
Zooman
Your Brooch may be " rolled gold ", ie Gold Plated, or it could be genuine Gold.
Have a very carefull look over it for a mark .925, which is 9 carat.
or any other numbers which indicate the Gold content. It may not be hallmarked,
which means it was made somewhere other than the UK.
Hallmarks have been used in the UK for hundreds of years, the Assay Office tests samples of the batch manufactured, for it's Gold or Silver content, once this is done, hallmarks can be applied.
These consist of Place of manufacture,Year letter,Gold or Silver mark,Purity etc.
In case you have not guessed, I used to work in the Jewellery Trade in London.!
At Auction, without proper hallmarks, Silver is sold as " white metal ",
Gold likewise as unmarked, but could still be Gold.
Good luck.!, hope this helps. Perhaps take it to a Jeweller,
who can do a chemical test to see if it's real Gold.
I only fill bags from charitys I know not when a leaflet is pushed through the letter box asking for stuff some of these are just scams people looking to make money for themselves 
