community shops: case study helen melia founder member, strood green shop association
DESCRIPTION
Fundraising beginsTRANSCRIPT
Community Shops: Case Study
Helen MeliaFounder member, Strood Green Shop Association
Brief history
• Deteriorating privately owned village shop• Village offers to buy in 2005. Declined, shop CLOSED• In 2008, new owners offered a peppercorn lease to
the community• £80,000 needed for complete refurb, fittings and new stock
Fundraising begins
And continues....
Collating 1500 share packs
Community engagement
• Formed an Industrial & Provident Society• Sold £10 shares (over 400 shareholders)• Fundraising events• Applied for grants• Took out a loan • Opened as a community-run shop in March 2009
Transformed....
From open days.... To Opening Day!
A shop to be proud of
Our first Christmas
What it offers the community• Employs local people• Employs & trains teenagers • Rota of volunteers• Offers postal services• Sells local produce• Internet cafe• Free wi-fi• Free library• Social hub
The need for the shop
• A lifeline in bad weather• Meeting place & rallying point• Reduction in food miles• Reduction of car journeys• Supports the local economy• Community spirit
What does it stock?
• Everything! • Local produce• Groceries• Sweeties• Alcohol• Fresh veg• Bakery
How does it work?
• Society is run by Management Committee (all volunteers) elected by Members• Paid staff report to Committee• Volunteers support staff
Support from outside
• County councillor very supportive – helped obtain grants
• Parish council also supportive regular funding• Rural community council facilitated a grant• The Plunkett Foundation for finance, advice & training