The shop at Kirkoswald has seen a very busy six months since it was bought by members of the local community, having been put up for sale following the death of its previous owner.
In just seven weeks in May and June they not only met but exceeded their ambitious £200,000 target by raising £205,000 through a community offer which invited people to purchase shares in the shop.
There are now more than 600 supporters who own a piece of this treasured village asset, which has served the community for more than a century.
Following the community takeover, sales have grown each week and are now almost 50 per cent higher than when the community shop opened its doors on July 1.
It is open seven days week and the 20 volunteers who help out there have been kept very busy.
Ruth Anderson MBE, who chairs the shop’s management committee, said: “We are always grateful for the generosity of our volunteers in giving their time to help the community. The shop couldn’t operate without this dedicated band of supporters.
“During recent bad weather and power outages, the shop has come into its own — supplying logs and kindling, candles and other essentials to grateful local people. We also offered a free hot flask filling service to those without power, demonstrating the added value that the community element of the shop is able to bring.”
Irene Jackson and Anne Haugh are two of the volunteers who help out at the shop.
They said: “We enjoy volunteering. It’s always nice to talk to villagers and meet newcomers and holidaymakers.
“We used to volunteer under the previous ownership and we have carried on because we believe it is essential for the community and we are glad it has been able to continue as a community shop.”
The manager of the shop, Karen Bouch, has been focusing on increasing the range of locally sourced products and produce on offer and these newly stocked items are proving popular with customers.
Besides an extensive range of local meats, breads and cakes, it also stocks Kirkoswald’s home-made June’s Jams as well as delicacies from Traybakes, of Penrith, and spicy creations from Mr Vikkis, also based in Penrith.
Karen said: “I am keen to provide space and emphasis in the shop for locally sourced products.
“Small businesses like ours thrive on supporting each other. Local products also prove a draw to customers who come along to see these specialist items and then go on to shop for their more general grocery needs.”
The shop also offers its own Kirkoswald Community Shop blends of quality ground coffee and loose leaf tea, supplied by Carlisle-based John Watt Coffee and Tea.
“We are also now pleased to stock beers from the Hesket Newmarket Brewery as we are keen to support this fellow Cumbrian community business,” said Karen.
Christmas has provided an opportunity to showcase locally crafted items at the shop.
These include hand-crafted Christmas decorations in wool, wood and glass which have prompted many people to step in and have a browse.
Also popular have been graceful wreathes made to order and a large selection of Christmas cards, wrapping paper and other essentials for the festive season.
