Government grant swells coffers and secures the future of Dobcross store and post office

At the first meeting for members for the Dobcross Village Society, exciting news of a £91,200 grant was revealed.

The grant is part of a Government community initiative.

The news was welcomed by the members - those who initially pledged money to save the store and then financially bought into the cooperative and are now all owners of the Dobcross Village Store and Post Office. 

As a co-operative all the 124 people who bought shares are members of the business and have a say in how it is run at the AGM. 

The grant was awarded on the basis of this strong village support and financial backing.

It forms part of the Community Ownership Fund, a Government package of UK wide levelling-up interventions to help communities improve their local area and help save assets at risk.

In the six months since trading the store has gone from strength to strength, turnover is up, revenue is exceeding what was expected and there are plans to bring even more new lines and initiatives.

“This was a great first meeting and so lovely to announce news of our grant which has made an amazing difference,” said Chair of the DVS, Nathan Beckwth. 

“We had to outline how the money was to be spent and it will go towards paying the lease thereby securing the store for the next five years. 

"We have also invested in new signage, a super till to help with stock control and have plans for an internal refurbishment in early 2025.

“Community spirit is strong in the village, from our members, volunteers and everyone supporting the shop, there is a pride in what we have started and we are now asking for more feedback.

“We want not only members, but everyone to let us know if there is anything else their store can provide, what have we missed, what do you like and what else can we do?” he said.

The aim is the plough profits back into the community and local groups are encouraged to get in touch and suggest ways the DVS can help them. 

"The first group to be assisted are the shady gardeners and news of this will be coming soon."

At the meeting, founder members were also issued with their share certificates and loyalty cards. 

In 2025 a second tranche of membership will become available and the DVS committee will look towards attracting new members to succeed them and bring in fresh ideas and take the store forward.

Using the website contact form at: www.dobcrossvillagestore.com, the DVS are asking community groups to get in touch, set out what their needs are and how the DVS can help. 

Anyone interested in joining the committee can also express their interest using the form, as can those with suggestions for the running of the store and post office.

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