A GROUP of 70 volunteers, members, and staff, along with many customers celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Churchinford and District community shop.

After a false start a new committee officially incorporated Churchinford and District general stores CIC in Nov 2010.

The newly launched Churchinford & District shop opened on May 14, 2011, with a mission statement: “To establish a friendly, efficient village shop providing for the needs of the local residents and a showcase for local products as well as a community hub that is owned and run by the people of the area”. Back row, left to right, Ian Reed director; Helen Jones, director; Sophie Greenhalgh, director; Bill Morris, director. Front row, left to right: Ruth Marshallsay, shop and Post Office manager; Nick Strange, chairman; Mandy Lee, deputy manager; Mike O'Carroll, Post Office

The shop launched in a porta-cabin sited in the village hall carpark. With help from many volunteers, to build a ramp, signage, shelves, and of course stocking.

With a new development in the village and a 106 agreement from the developers for a retail unit to be part of the build.

The shop board members worked tirelessly to enable an agreement whereby the community shop could purchase the unit.

The result was that in two years after its first opening in 2013 the shop was officially opened in its new premises. In the presence of the village’s oldest and youngest residents.

Six months later a new extension was added creating a new community coffee shop space, complete with book swap, a community computer (for anyone to use), and displays of local artwork. Chairman Nick Strange

In 2015 the shop was further enhanced and continued its community work by opening a full-time Post Office in the shop.

At the same time, the shop committed to continue the support to other villages by running the Post office Outreach services to 6 other villages.

Having now come to celebrate its 10th year, albeit a year later due to Covid, the shop has achieved and exceeded its mission statement, going on to be an essential hub for not only Churchinford residents but for other parishes (9 at the last survey) and visitors from far and wide.

A spokesperson said: “The shop would not be where it is today if not for the continued commitment from the volunteers, board, staff, and customers both past and present.

“This was never truer than with the recent pandemic when our original order and delivery for a few most venerable residents was expanded.

“Seeing it come together with local residents to not only keep itself and the post office running, set up online and telephone support for ordering, deliveries, and connections to other help. “We also set up food-trained teams to bag up bulk commodities such as flour, fruit, pasta, etc and pallet purchasing bulk items such as paperware, ensuring the shop stayed stocked with essentials for its customers.”

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