VOLUNTEERS who have helped turn a community shop into one of the focal points of their village will be raising a glass in celebration of its tenth birthday.

On December 12, Marhamchurch Village Shop mark ten years since its launch, and during that time it has proved a remarkable success story, overcoming initial scepticism to provide a vital service for the local community.

To mark the anniversary an appeal is underway to encourage more people to join the team.

Staffed and run by volunteers, with the help of a part time manager and stock administrator, the shop has grown from humble beginnings in temporary premises at the back of the village hall to occupying a purpose built building.

All of this has been achieved thanks to the issue of a community share offer, numerous donations, grants and fundraising events. It is now self financing, and has even been able to make donations to village needs such as the Methodist Church Hall and the play park.

The campaign for a community shop began after the previous village store closed in 2009 following the withdrawal of Post Office Services.

Since opening in 2014 the shop has proved a lifeline for many local people, particularly during the period of the pandemic lockdowns.

“The shop only survives because of its volunteers” explains Chris Edwards, chair of the Marhamchurch Village Shop Management Committee. “We are always looking for new people able to help out and this seemed the perfect time to encourage new recruits! Most of our volunteers will help out in the shop once a week for between two and three hours, or offer help with specific skills such as DIY or book keeping.”

Anyone interested in joining the team can pick up an application form at the shop.

For more information contact Miriam Green. Call in at the shop or phone 01288 361398 and leave a message.

The annual Christmas “Get Together” for all shop volunteers is being held on December 13 at the Methodist Hall in Marhamchurch at 7pm when it is hoped as many as possible of the original steering committee will be present and their contribution recognised.