Well, I’ve got a treat in store for you this month. Especially if you’re an Archers fan. I might be exaggerating a little bit – this treat is actually about two months out of date; I’ve only just become aware of it, but it was actually released in June, so you might have heard it already. I’m talking, of course, about the Archers podcast. Episode 35 is all about the community-run shop. There are loads of cross-overs between the Ambridge shop (where the Archers live) and ours: the Plunkett Foundation have worked with both (and incidentally, ours, not Ambridge, is now one of its showcase examples); both are run by volunteers for the benefit of the community; both have a PO counter; and, probably most significantly, both are at the heart of their respective communities.
Of course, one thing Ambridge doesn’t have is a monthly column in a local magazine – in fact, I don’t even think Ambridge has a magazine. They need to come to Findon to see what we do. Neither does the Ambridge shop boast a volunteer WhatsApp group. We have recently started one and it is proving to be a very effective way to communicate. Thank you everyone who has joined the group.
Curiously, both Ambridge and Findon have surveyed customers recently to ensure that they are providing what their communities want. I wondered who copied who? Thank you to everyone who completed ours. The results were overwhelmingly positive, which is always reassuring, and thank you for all the suggestions that you made. Unfortunately, floor space prevents us from stocking more freezer food or special offers; the PO stays open long hours to support the shop volunteers and to maximise benefit to our community; and we already offer a delivery service – please speak to Angus if you’re interested.
Well, Angus was certainly right when he predicted good weather last month. Customers and visitors alike appreciate the water station outside our shop, and our ice creams, soft drinks, wines and beers have been very popular. We have recently received a delivery of interesting-looking cocktail mixers and non-alcoholic cordials to tempt you …
If you are planning a holiday, we stock euros, and can order other currencies for the following day (just show your ID), although why anyone would want to go abroad when it is so hot here beats me.
When you go into the shop, it’s easy to miss the crackers, eggs, teas and coffees behind the door, so take a look next time you visit. And do go through to the back, where we stock all sorts of delights: a wonderful selection of greetings cards for every occasion, and an all-singing, all-dancing hot drinks machine that serves cappuccino, flat white, mocha, americano, hot chocolate, and – wait for it – water (I thought I’d save the best ‘til last). We also stock newspapers, store cupboard foods, stationery, household essentials and first aid/health products. As I say, we pack a lot into a small space!
Jean Burden