Andrew Garman: 751557 or andrew@qfutures.co.uk
Naomi Deynem is the oldest volunteer at the shop. She has lived in the village for over 40 years. She said: “I think that a village without a shop is a village without a heart. I’ve been closely involved in the project as I feel it’s so useful. The shop has always been the focal point of the Community.”
The shop has already endured several transformations and now as it’s community led it has been refurbished. The major change is that the till has been moved from the back of the shop to the front. There has recently been two new chillers installed as well as a new Till, Bake and Bite shelf and greeting card stand.
Store manager Deb Deynem said: “We are providing lots of local produce such as the fruit, veg and eggs. We have some lovely jam made in Manley, it’s all going down a treat.”
The store also shares some space upstairs with ‘The Ash-Worth Time Bank' who offer a free community service to all people who live locally for help with jobs and for general company.
Volunteer Alison Forster, 47 said: “I am volunteering as I want to keep the shop going and I have retail experience.”
At the event there was a mini-market and several market traders promoting and showcasing their various products. These were things such as local Weetwood Ales from Utkinton, Organic soup, Family Jam and samples of local fresh produce. There was also a free raffle to which the winner recieved a sum of money to spend in the store.
Fundraising has played a vital contributor to the conversion, with over £30,000 raised. There was a lot of support from the Going Carbon Neutral project, who had a display in one corner of the shop.
Mrs Rimmer said: “I feel a huge sense of relief that the shop is now a shared project. What they have done to the premises is absolutely amazing and I’m really happy.”
The Ashton Hayes shop is open Monday to Friday from 7.30am-6pm; Saturday 8am-5pm and Sunday 8am-12pm. For further information please call 01829751210.
Sarah Tuson, special reporter
]]>As promised, this will go entirely towards the effort to purchase the recreational field. It was an enjoyable evening.
My thanks go specifically to those who came, bought some tickets, had a bet or two and parted with their own hard earned cash in support of this. Thankyou.
Also to the Ashton Lions Football Club who, as promised, set up the event in the first place and supported the evening so enthusiastically.
To those who generously donated prizes. These were gratefully received and much appreciated.
To the management of the Golden Lion for their hospitality and generous support of the night in a number of ways.
Thank you all very much -
Pete Boddy
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