News item

*** NEW COMMUNITY SHOP IN CROWLE MARKS OFFICIAL OPENING ***

Over 100 local people attended the opening ceremony for ‘The Shop at Crowle’ on Sunday 18 November, when Tony Rowley, Chairman of Wychavon District Council, declared the store officially open.

The Shop, a new community enterprise run largely by volunteers for the benefit of local residents, will give customers easy access to a wide range of products from local suppliers and farmers, as well as convenience items. The Shop also includes a Café with inside and outside seating, serving light refreshments.

Stephen Denne, Chairman of the Shop’s Management Committee, says that the Shop is set to bring many wider benefits for local people: ‘The Shop will be a new social focus in the local community, not only for shoppers and patrons of the Café, but also for the many volunteers who work there, providing personal development opportunities for all ages and backgrounds.’

The Shop’s part-time paid manager, Joan Goodman, adds: ‘I’m so proud to be part of this new community venture, and am committed to make it a success. We have had fantastic feedback on our coffee and cakes, our pies, sausages and bacon, and many other lovely local products. And many people have said what a difference the Shop is already making as a local community hub’.

The project cost £109,000 to complete, of which £30,000 was raised by  local residents and clubs, and the balance via grants. Wychavon District Council contributed Community and Business Start-Up grants, as well as partnering with Crowle Parish Council to provide a New Homes Bonus allocation of over £23,000. Other grant funders included Severn Waste Environmental Fund, The Prince’s Countryside Fund, Big Lottery Awards for All, Worcestershire County Council, and Crowle Charities.