History
The Community Shop project was prompted by news of the possible closure of the existing village shop in 2010. More than 200 people attended a public meeting at Motcombe Memorial Hall on January 31st 2010 to discuss the proposal for a community run shop and a committee was formed. Advice was sought from the Plunkett Foundation and the process of raising capital began in earnest.
The tireless efforts of the committee secured £29,556 funding from Sowing Seeds, £20,000 from the Plunkett Foundation and a £20,000 loan from the Co-operative. An impressive tally of £90,000 was also raised from within the village, mostly through the sale of shares in the shop. The committee held two fundraising events to raise additional capital. Thanks to the generosity of the Motcombe community it took just under six months to purchase the shop and post office. We were also most grateful to the local Signpost Residents Community Fund for their generous donation of £2500 towards the cost of equipment for the shop.
With the help and guidance of the Plunkett Foundation and many local tradesmen giving up their time to help, the shop reopened for business on the 17th July 2010.
Since then the shop has continued to make further improvements by purchasing chillers, freezers, shelving and display cabinets to improve our service to our customers. The forecourt has been developed as a covered coffee area with lighting and heating.
Hundreds of customers shop with us every week. The shop prides itself on stocking produce from many local suppliers alongside other competitively priced household essentials. The spacious shop is host to a craft corner displaying works of local artists and crafts persons.
We also offer a range of Post Office services, a weekly dry cleaning service, and freshly baked croissants and baguettes seven days a week.
Purchasing Shares in Motcombe Community Shop
Shares are still available for people that may be interested in buying them. Please contact Alan Francis, Treasurer, via the shop.
Shop Management Committee
The Shop Management Committee exists to set the strategy for the development and direction of the shop as a community project, serving the village; to ensure that the shareholders’ interests are upheld and to support the Manager as required. The committee currently consists of:
- Graham Dunlop (Chairman)
- Alan Francis (Treasurer)
- Paula Hibbens (Shop Manager)
- Jan Leivers (Secretary and Marketing)
- Roger Everiss (Social and community events)
- Mike Bromley (Health & Safety)
- Tim Gill
All can be reached via the shop or by phoning the shop on 01747 859822.
