News Item (31-10-2008)

The new Barford Community shop opens on Saturday 01 November with a grand opening at 12 noon. A staggering £270,000 has been raised over 2 years to complete the project.  To mark the occasion, villagers were invited to bring their own scissors to help cut a giant ribbon placed around the shop. A number of other activities took place including a grand prize draw, opening promotions, live music and competitions.

The support of the villagers and village groups in the form of donations, loans, time and fundraising has been instrumental in the success of the project. The community shop has also been supported by a number of local businesses. Banbury based shop-fitting company Quadraco donated the sales counter, Grease Management Limited of Leamington donated the janitorial items, Barford Electrical provided extensive hours of labour, Biffaward - a multi-million pound environment - fund contributed to the Internet Cafe, a local painter provided interior decorating services free of charge, the coffee room furniture was donated and assembled by another benefactor, Wanzl of Warwick donated shopping baskets, Colins Construction of Leamington donated labour and materials and Expo Management of Leamington provided printing services. The Village Shop Action Group were also allowed to use the shelving from the old village shop by Mike Hope which reduced the amount of new shelving they had to buy.  

The shop, which is open from 8am - 6pm Monday to Saturday and from 9am - 1pm on Sundays, is staffed mainly by volunteers. The shop sells everyday and essential items including fresh, local produce, as well as newspapers, fruit, vegetables, groceries, medicines, hardware items, cigarettes and alcohol. In addition there is a deli area, bakery, internet café and Post Office. An outside seating and play area is being installed in the spring.  

Kirsty Healey, Chairperson for the Village Shop Action Group, stated "We are delighted that our new Community shop is now open after two years of hard work, effort and determination. Everyone has worked tirelessly in supporting the project and we wish to thank all those involved. We hope that as many people as possible will enjoy using the Shop and help turn it into a thriving, successful business."

The Village Shop Action Group is currently looking for more volunteers to help run the shop.  Anyone with some spare time in their day and who relishes the opportunity of running a village shop should contact the Action Group on 01926 624445.

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