When Encore opens its doors on April 1 it will be to provide an outlet for bargain-conscious shoppers who enjoy a smart setting and low, low prices.

The concept has taken several years to come to fruition, but in an age of rising costs, the members of St. John's, St. Monica's and St. Augustine's churches finally decided they had to act to help those in need and offset the high costs of upkeeping their buildings.

"We like to have our churches looking smart inside and out, but maintenance is so expensive these days that we knew we had to do something to raise extra funds,'' church warden Mrs. Brenda Bridgewater explained.

Mindful too that many families were struggling to make ends meet, the congregation decided the time was right to do something positive as part of the church's out-going programme.

In addition, it intends to help local charities by making a donation to a different one each year from proceeds of sales.

With all this in mind, Bermuda's newest thrift shop successfully made the journey from idea to drawing board to reality.

Set just inside the back entrance to St. John's church grounds, opposite the Tennis Stadium, the brand new building is a monument not only to the committee's faith, but the generous contributions of so many who have already helped to offset the $70,000 cost of the project.

From an original design by Mr. Don Joliffe, intern architect Mr. Kirk Bridgewater prepared the latter-stage drawings which were successfully piloted through Planning by Mr. Neville Cave and Mr. John Barritt, Jr.

It was then up to Mr. Andrew Cooper, president of Sea-Land Construction Co.

Ltd., foreman Mr. Maurice Caines and their crew to carry out the construction.

From the day work commenced on January 3 this year it took just two months for the job to be completed.

With just over 500 square feet of space to furbish, the committee then found members of the public willing to assist them.

Home Paint Company donated all of the paint; shelving was spray painted by Mr.

Morris Brangman; Ace Limited donated all the carpet tiles, and Bermuda Ceilings Ltd. the glue to put them down.

The Encore sign was donated by Mr. Lawson Mapp and the cash register by Mr.

Elroy Ratteray.

"The general public have been very generous to us,'' an obviously pleased Mrs. Bridgewater said.

Although many more fund-raisers must still be held to clear the $70, 000 debt, the church warden said that her committee was grateful for the support it had already received.

"Local artist Ms Leslee Christopher-Stevens gave a solo concert in aid of Encore late last year, and she also performed in concert with Canada's Albert College last month,'' she explained. "Mr. and Mrs. Edward Amaral, who are members of St. John's, will be helping us with a Mothering Sunday brunch at Palmetto Bay this weekend.'' Meanwhile, when shoppers do arrive at the purpose-built thrift shop, they will find an exterior as bright and pleasing as the interior.

Punctuating the traditional Bermuda architecture are gothic-style windows, which blend harmoniously with the nearby church.

Inside, the colour scheme is grey and royal blue. Continuous rails run the full length of one wall -- already near-filled with clothing for men and women. Above it is shelving on which a parade of immaculate stuffed toys share space with sports equipment and electrical goods.

Shelving on the other wall holds a variety of children's clothing, cushions, cosmetics, and linen.

Central tables display a wide range of household items and kitchen gadgets as well as handbags and sweaters, some brand new.

Elsewhere there are cosmetics, rows of shoes, rain gear, negligees, jewellery, hair ornaments and cedar handbag handles.

There is even a guitar, played just twice; as well as sports equipment, lamps, cushions and a bread maker.

"We have had some lovely things given to us,'' Mrs. Bridgewater said proudly.

As will always be Encore's policy, everything on sale has been carefully inspected to see that it is in fine condition and eminently saleable.

Organisers have stressed that donations should be of a quality they themselves would wish to purchase.

A set price list reflects the committee's desire to particularly help those on very limited budgets, and enable them to purchase essentials at very low cost.

Other bargain hunters will also find much to interest them.

For ladies, evening dresses and suits will retail at $10, while shoes will be $8 a pair, dresses $5, sweaters $4; and skirts, slacks and blouses $3. Men's suits will be $13, jackets and shoes $10, trousers $8, dress shirts $3, and sports shirts $1.

Children's clothing will range from $3 for slacks, sweaters and shoes, to $1 for shirts. Babies' outfits will be $3.

Small toys will sell for between 50 cents and $3, and in what must be the ultimate bargain, paper back books will sell at five for $1, while hardbacks will retail from $1 up.

Plants and homemade jams and marmalade will also be sold.

Managing the shop will be semi-retired Mr. Arthur Mello, who sees his new job as "a very nice hobby'' after many years in a busy Hamilton store, where he was a supervisor.

"I'm really looking forward to it,'' he said of the venture.

Under him will be a rotating team of approximately 40 volunteers. Each Saturday shift will consist of three people, one of whom will be male "for security reasons''.

Due to space limitations, Encore will not sell large items. Instead, it will offer sellers space to advertise on its bulletin board at $5 for a limited period of time.

Alternatively, sellers can advertise on the bulletin board and donate the full proceeds to Encore.

Apart from items already donated, Mrs. Bridgewater said her committee has written to Hamilton merchants seeking unsaleable merchandise to sell.

"We hope they will respond positively to our request since it is for a good cause,'' she said.

The thrift shop will be officially opened by Bishop William Down on Saturday at 4 p.m., and from April 1 will open to the public on Saturdays only from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"The congregation is very excited about this endeavour, and one member is already selling citrus and making marmalade for the shop,'' Mrs. Bridgewater said.

Equally excited is the rector of St. John's, Archdeacon Ewen Ratteray. "I am very pleased at the response of the parishoners in terms of donating items to sell, and also the number of volunteers who will help,'' he said. "It is fantastic.'' Father Ratteray also had high praise for the construction team.

"I am very pleased about the building and how well Sea-Land did it. It was a delight having them around. The workmen were ever so pleasant, and co-operative in every way.

"It was a great experience for us, and they have done an excellent job. We are very happy.''