McKee Meets...
Ulrike is the dynamic German lady who runs Sobell House, the charity shop that lies midway down Little Clarendon Street. Walking in to the jazz-filled treasure trove the atmosphere is more burlesque boutique than bargain basement. The shop has gained something of an upper crust reputation on the charity circuit; in charity shop terms it's Oxford's Harvey Nicks.
Ulrike retired to England three years ago having previously run two large German businesses. She adores England's bad weather, meadows and the understatement of the English character.
"I love how someone will walk in here in a big mink coat and buy nothing and then someone in a stained old mac will come in and buy all the most expensive things in the shop."
I ask Ulrike what led her to charity work. "After two weeks of retirement I realized that I was a workaholic - so I took over the runnings of this shop three years ago. Now we are open 363 days a year, have our own pick up, delivery and house clearance service as well as our own website."
"What I love is the varity of people from all different walks of life. I've delivered stuff to people who have newspaper carpets and to people who live in huge mansions. Japanese tourists come in and take lots of photos followed by students looking for costumes for Medieval plays."
"And it's like Christmas every day - we've been given everything from old newspaper supplements to paintings that now hang in museums. Sometimes you'll be left a little box you'll open it and there will be a ring in it. Some people come in here and think that everything should be a pound but you can't sell diamonds or emeralds for a pound!"
Also on the staff is an aimiable German Shepherd named Tsar.
"He's loved by everyone... He makes old people feel relaxed and the volunteers feel safe - since he's been here there have been no more drunks or indecent exposures in the shop. Last Christmas he got 22 presents from customers including a £30 ham on the bone!"
19th Feb 2004