Community shop
Claverdon Community Shop, opened in October 2007 on a wing and a prayer, has become a valuable focus for village life as well as a successful operation. It is run entirely by volunteers, and could not exist without them. Village shops have closed all over the country - over 400 in 2009 alone - but resourceful and energetic communities have put time and money into their own ventures and there are now around 230 community-owned shops in the
Till recently the shop was housed in a hired portacabin (top right), but the permanent £98,000 replacement, with twice the space and much-improved facilities was opened on 16 July 2010. Fund-raising events, donations, purchased bricks, and a loan from the Parish Council paid for it all. It's a remarkable achievement.
Opening of the new shop building by Digby, Lord Jones of Birmingham
We sell locally-produced eggs, bread, milk and Fair Trade goods, as well as newspapers of course. And in the new shop the product range will grow in response to local demand.
Come and see! You'll be impressed. BUT we need more volunteers, otherwise we will struggle. It's fun! It's easy! You'll love it, and if you are new to the village there's no better way to meet people. Just an hour or so a week will help.
As Chairman I would be delighted to hear from you, but better still contact our Volunteers' organiser Sally or Fund-raising supremo Barry! Or just pop into the shop and chat about it all. Colin
Claverdon and Preston Bagot Parish News on What's On page, with details of upcoming fund-raising events
