You cannot fail to notice the invasion we have had over recent weeks. Not exactly a life-size army, but, still potentially intimidating if you were alone and suddenly came across rows of R2-D2 like creatures. Silent and immobile they might be, but, if you were feeling vulnerable, you could easily imagine the orange lids opening and closing, full of menace and threat! I refer, of course, to the food waste bins that have been distributed to every household. Now, if you are able to summon up all your courage and open the lid, you will find a smaller caddy complete with a roll of compostable bags. All twenty-five of them. The generosity of our council knows no limits! So that’ll get you started on this new routine. But I hear you say, twenty-five bags won’t last long, (twenty-five weeks at most) and what happens then? Will the bin, hungry for food, start gnashing its lid and nip you as you pass? Well, that’s where a trip to our Village Store will help. In fact, we could stop the fearsome monster in its tracks before it threatens such a dastardly deed. We sell the self-same bags, so get yourself down here, and keep feeding the bin!
As I often say, we are a community shop, run by the community for the community. Trips off the tongue quite nicely. But how does it work in practice? We know it is run by volunteers (almost entirely), and that it is owned by Findon-folk who have bought shares in the ‘Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service’ winning enterprise (and we would always like to hear from anyone wanting to buy shares), but what are the benefits? Well, they are multiple. Firstly, the shop and PO are both open very long hours; in fact, I’m sure the PO should be in The Guiness Book of Records. Secondly, a visit to the shop will leave you feeling uplifted; everyone is so friendly, you can’t fail but smile. And, of course, we’re the keeper of lost keys etc. Volunteering in the shop is a great way to get to know people. Oh, that reminds me, we have a volunteer social coming up on April 16th, so, please, all you lovely volunteers, put the date in your diary if you haven’t done already. And, last but by no means least, we use any profits we have to make Community Distributions to groups or organisations who could do with some financial support. Our website has details of how to apply. Previous beneficiaries include: the Swimming Pool, the Village Hall, the Preschool, and the Christmas lights.
And now for more mundane matters. Easter will soon be upon us, and we stock all the goodies you would expect – simnel cake, eggs, cards etc. So, for all those last-minute bits, just come and see us.
Our Easter opening hours are:
Good Friday 07:00-16:00
Easter Sunday 07:00-12.30
Easter Monday 07:00-12.30
Happy Easter to all our customers, staff and volunteers.
Jean Burden