Danny Dawes
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Danny Dawes is a notable figure in Bognor Regis, known for his extensive community work as the founder and driving force behind Grandad’s Front Room, a Community Interest Company (CIC) based in the town.
Since its inception in 2015, Grandad’s Front Room has grown from a small initiative into a vital support hub for the local community, providing furniture, white goods, food, and pastoral care to those in need, often at no cost. Inspired by his grandfather’s ethos of selfless help, Danny, alongside his partner Reni Tyrolczyk, started the project by upcycling misspelled furniture listings from eBay—such as “droors” instead of “drawers”—initially to sell, but soon shifted to giving them away to struggling families.
Operating from a shopfront on High Street, the CIC has become a cornerstone of Bognor Regis, fostering inclusivity and community spirit. Danny’s efforts extend beyond material aid; he’s known for creating a welcoming space where anyone can stop for a free cup of tea and a chat, aiming to support the lonely, the struggling, and the unheard. The organization has earned numerous accolades, including the Civic Award 2018 for services to Bognor Regis, and Danny himself received the Community Hero Award from Spirit FM in 2018.
His work also involves collaboration with other local groups, tackling issues like homelessness and supporting initiatives like the Bognor Regis Men’s Sheds and community allotments. Despite challenges—like the threat of losing their venue in 2023 or difficulties securing council support for storage—Danny remains committed to “healing Bognor’s fractured community,” as he put it in 2016. His reputation is one of resilience and dedication, often prioritizing smiles and gratitude over financial gain, making him a beloved and influential figure in the town as of today, February 28, 2025.
A not for profit Community Interest Company.
We’re here to do solely what should be done; to bring people together and to help them without judging them.
People donate us anything and everything; furniture, white goods, art, toys – you name it.
This is the community helping the community.
Anything that is upcycled, vintage or antique, we sell to create an income stream.
Well, for instance, we heard about an insulin-dependent elderly lady who had a broken fridge.
She couldn’t afford a new one.
But so long as he had a warm bed, food and a roof over his head then he believed that you should help others in any way that you could.
My partner and I sold our car and for £670 ten years ago and opened the shop. It has grown from there.
How does Stevie fit in to Grandad’s?
Stevie joined me five years ago.
He retired after 27 years as a paramedic in the Royal Navy and landed in Bognor.
He started helping in the shop, then he became a Director.
All our Directors are representative of different parts of our community.
There’s a lot of laughter at Grandad’s, isn’t there?
We do the best that we can and we bring a little bit of fun and irregularity to it.
We started what we call ‘Belling’.
This is what Stevie and I do for our neighbours here in the east end of Bognor town centre.
If we hear that someone has a birthday, we turn up and surprise them by ringing bells and singing Happy Birthday!
We even give them a ‘You’ve Been Belled’ certificate!
What do you need most at Grandad’s at the moment?
Cheap or free storage space! We are desperate for it.
I would kneel before anyone that could help us and worship them.
Storage space would free up more room in the shop and enable us to help more people.
How do we find out more or donate? Visit www.grandadsfrontroom.org.uk or find us on Facebook
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