Located on Downpatrick SERC campus, Truffle aims to equip students with enterprising skills

Enterprising students and staff at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) are tapping into the vintage vibe with a new shop onsite in the College’s Downpatrick Campusplaceholder image
Enterprising students and staff at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) are tapping into the vintage vibe with a new shop onsite in the College’s Downpatrick Campus

Enterprising students and staff at South Eastern Regional College tap into the vintage vibe with a new shop on its Downpatrick Campus

Enterprising students and staff at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) are tapping into the vintage vibe with a new shop onsite in the College’s Downpatrick Campus.

Taking over two year to develop, the new retail outlet called ‘Truffle’ which stocks pre-loved, vintage and handmade goods and clothing aims to equip students with enterprising skills.

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Enterprising students and staff at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) are tapping into the vintage vibe with a new shop onsite in the College’s Downpatrick Campusplaceholder image
Enterprising students and staff at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) are tapping into the vintage vibe with a new shop onsite in the College’s Downpatrick Campus

Anne Murphy, associate lecturer in Foundation Skills, said: “The new retail outlet Truffle has been a two-year project in the making. It aims to give our students on the Skills for Life and Work course valuable experience and helps the college boost its commitment to sustainability.

“Truffle shop, located in the foyer of Downpatrick Campus, will stock pre-loved, vintage and handmade goods and clothing. It promises to be a treasure trove for anyone who loves the perfect ‘find’.

“Many of the items on sale have been donated by staff, family and friends. We have done our research, and it seems that there is a healthy demand for buying vintage, upcycled or recycled goods. People are becoming more conscious about the need to consume less so buying vintage or recycled makes sense.”

Lecturer Catherine Rooney, with Skills for Life and Work students, Ryley Mills (Killyleagh), Breandán Laverty (Downpatrick) and Justin Turner (Drumaness) and lecturer Joanne Murray at the opening of Truffle, a new shop stocking pre-loved, vintage and handmade goods at the College’s Downpatrick Campusplaceholder image
Lecturer Catherine Rooney, with Skills for Life and Work students, Ryley Mills (Killyleagh), Breandán Laverty (Downpatrick) and Justin Turner (Drumaness) and lecturer Joanne Murray at the opening of Truffle, a new shop stocking pre-loved, vintage and handmade goods at the College’s Downpatrick Campus

Calling on students and the local community to support the venture, Anne added: “Many of our students have small enterprises so we are

already looking into showcasing their goods which will mean an ever-changing selection for customers fuelled by our students’ imagination and

creativity.”

Truffle will be open every Wednesday 10am – 3pm during term time only.

Anyone interested in showcasing their work or making donations should contact Anne Murphy email: [email protected]

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