Community shop becomes a vital 'destination'

Four months after its launch, a Saddleworth village reports its take-over of the village store and post office has turned it into a ‘community destination’.

The Dobcross Village Society say the community are at the heart of the dynamic project, with the mantra encouraging shopping local, sourcing local products keeping carbon footprint low and providing a friendly personal experience.

The co-operative venture is owned by the village, run by a village management team and already their dynamic approach to business is a breath of fresh air.

New lines, more high quality local produce, tasteful artisan gifts and cards, have been added.

Every new product is sourced from a local supplier, including milk and free range dairy products from Roundhill Farm, Dobcross, www.saddleworthmilk.com, high quality artisan Roger's Bread, in addition to bread and muffins from JW Buckley's bakery.

More fresh fruit and vegetables take orders for grocery boxes from Alimentari di Alberti, another local business, just a mile away.  

Local butchers provide meat and fresh pies are a lunchtime favorite from Tunnel End Pie company.  

Honey is another product literally from hives across the road from the shop on Woods Lane.

Gifts, cards and craft items are also on display and avaliable in the store.  

JellyButton gifts, A.R.T. coloured glass and local artist Kevin Haynes cards all reflect the area.

“Our aim is to help showcase local businesses, raise their profile and provide them with an opportunity to grow their business,” says chairman Nathan Beckwith.

“The store is now an attractive addition to village life, the improved frontage is in keeping with the village, a newly-painted door, is the only facility in the village for people to use.

"It not only provides a shop for essential food items, but has become the heart of the community.  

"All staff were TUPE transferred across to the new business, the three of them were worried they would lose their jobs and so this was a lovely start to the new business.”

With a Post Office attached, villagers can access banking facilities and helps many microbusinesses in Dobcross with parcels, packages and business banking and of course holiday money on offer.

Mr Beckwith went on: "We have a core team of about 20 volunteers who work in the shop, one of them stressed that her mental health had improved since becoming a volunteer as she felt she had a purpose and enjoyed the friendship and companionship it gave her.  

"Others who are retired all enjoy the feeling of being 'useful' again and 'keeping their brains ticking over'.

“Supporting our local businesses and bringing them to fore in the shop will hopefully create a ripple effect in the community.”

The aim is to boost business and attract more shoppers of all ages with longer opening hours (feedback stated that the store needed to open longer than 9-5 and not close at lunchtimes), while a loyalty scheme is planned, a delivery service to help our older customers and new ventures such as coffee mornings and a social community space.  

They work in partnership with a local coffee company to provide bean to cup coffee in store, with the table and chairs have encouraged people to stop and chat, our elderly customers have appreciated the companionship this gives them. 

A book exchange, community noticeboards and updates on village life on their website help foster a real community spirit.  

They provide a scanning, printing a photocopying service and often when people use these services they stop for a chat and a coffee - commented that the store is a friendly place to spend time.

Nathan added: "Our volunteers are a diverse group and complete different tasks such as cleaning, stock taking, working behind the counter, DIY, gardening to keep our window boxes looking good.

“The team have formed a partnership with the Saddleworth secondary school and our first work experience student recently completed a weeks work.  

"We have also offered Duke of Edinburgh volunteer scheme places.

“Any profits from the store will be ploughed into the local community, with the first plan to provide equipment to the Shady Gardeners group who turn local wasteland into flowerbeds encouraging pollinating bees, wildlife and enhancing the local environment.”

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