First year of community store success is welcomed by locals

Customers at a community-driven Village Store and Post Office proved the pies really do have it when they revealed impressive results in its first year of trading.

More than 40 supporters and locals who attended Dobcross Village Society meeting at the village Band Club learned that every item bought at the bustling shop makes a difference to the success of the operation.

In the last year, for example, customers at the enterprising business bought a total of 7,496 pies, 2,411 packets of muffins, 4,012 pints of milk and 2,542 eggs.

And share membership will soon be even more accessible with entry level reduced to just £25 (still one member = one vote).

Once the change is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority it will open the door for more villagers to get involved.

But in the meantime, interested folk can register their interest by email or by leaving your contact number at the shop on Woods Lane.

The committee itself remains strong with five existing members re-elected, but the team need more helping hands to support the loyal band of helpers who maintain the shop’s seven-day a week operation.

Said a committee spokesperson: “We’ve had a successful first year.

"And, thanks to our amazing staff and volunteers, sales are healthy.

“But remember, it’s always a ‘use it or lose it’ situation.

"Every pint, pie and paper you buy makes a difference.”

And to support the store’s first year, the business had a £200,000 turnover and 124 members with the aim to boost it to 600.

The spokesperson added: "We’re proud to support more than 20 local suppliers in a 10-mile radius.

"Keeping it local is what we’re all about.

"Together, we’ve saved our shop. Now let’s grow it!”

The next meeting is on October 15, from 7pm at The Swan Inn in Dobcross.

This meeting is for committee members, but anyone interested in joining the committee to help run the shop is welcome to get in touch.

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