SHOP CAFE POST OFFICE
HISTORY OF THE SHOP
Aveni
The original village shop was situated in the heart of the village opposite the village green. There was also a butcher, hairdresser
and tea room. This village shop closed down in 2011.
(photo credit Ide Hill Society)
A temporary shop run entirely by volunteers opened on the 13th August 2011 operating from a storage container in the car park for 2 years while funds were raised and plans drawn up. At that time, it sold newspapers (which were collected each morning from a local newsagent) and a basic range of groceries & confectionary bought from a cash and carry. In winter it was FREEZING!!
Funds were raised through a combination of donations from the local community, the sale of shares and a number of grants, and the shop was built where it stands today. The official opening of the new shop was on Friday 27th September 2013. The new shop also included a post office.
Over the years the range of products has grown, and in 2019 the shop was extended to include extra seating and a stock room and we said goodbye finally to the storage container. Also, the back of counter area was reordered to provide better serving arrangements with more space. This time as well as donations, the sale of shares and grants, a significant part of the funding came from profits.
During the pandemic of 2020 the café was closed for most of the year and home deliveries began. During March to June newspapers were delivered daily to those isolating and 22 houses had grocery deliveries twice a week. After lockdown the shop has continued to deliver to elderly residents in the village weekly.
2021
The shop has continued to grow despite the cafe remaining closed due to the restrictions.
On the 13th August we celebrated our 10th birthday.
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" What is a Community Shop?"​
Our community shop is owned and run by local people, for local people and visitors alike.
It’s not just a place to buy essentials - it’s the beating heart of the village.
Benefits to the Community
Convenience - everyday essentials close to home, vital for those without transport
Hub for all - a friendly place to meet, catch up, and stay connected
Local support - volunteer opportunities, plus sales for local producers
Resilient & sustainable - keeping the village self-sufficient in tough times
(here for you during the pandemic when other shops felt unsafe, bad weather, snow, floods, heatwaves, fuel shortages, or just a stretch of the legs)
Profits stay local - reinvested into the shop or community projects
Pride & belonging - builds ownership and togetherness
Care for the vulnerable - deliveries, friendly check-ins, staff who know you by name
In short: a community shop provides more than milk & bread - it helps keep the village alive.
Unlike commercial shops, the benefits don’t leak away to big chains - they stay here.
How You Can Help....
Use your shop - milk, bread, papers, fruit and veg, essentials and treats
Volunteer - make friends & keep the shop thriving
Use the Post Office
meet up for a hot drink/cake or a sandwich in our coffee shop
Point walkers & visitors our way - we’ve have supplies and gifts to brighten their day
In short: your community shop keeps the village alive, self-sufficient, and connected.
Support us even when you don’t need us… so we can be here for you when you do.
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