Our Vision…
A thriving village shop and café in Frittenden, owned and run by the community, providing basic shopping needs and locally sourced produce as well as being a place to meet and enjoy a sense of belonging.
Background
When Acorn Stores closed in spring 2019 we were all saddened by the loss of the shop that Eileen had run so successfully for many years. It was more than a shop, it was also a social hub for the village.
With the closure of Acorn Stores the idea for a Frittenden Community Shop and Café was launched. A village shop run for the community by the community, within the framework of a Community Benefit Society.
Sean and Rosie’s pop-up shop, Stable Stores, was very well supported during the pandemic and showed how important a village shop could be to our community. The turnover achieved demonstrated the viability of a shop in our community, even without a cafe. With all restrictions now lifted this pop up shop has closed allowing the pub to return to full operation.
Our vision is to have a community store and café in the village that will provide a social hub for all Frittenden residents, for those who work in our village and who contribute to our community.
Our aim is to provide basic shopping needs for local householders and stock a range of foodstuffs to include local produce from our village farmers/artisan food makers. In addition, to provide a café with tea/coffee and light snacks during the day.
Our objectives are to enable Frittenden residents to have a place to meet where they feel they have a ‘sense of ownership’ and a ‘sense of belonging’. This will help reduce social isolation of the elderly and other households by providing a social hub to visit.
The venture would also enable members of the community, old or young to volunteer in the shop/café, acquire new skills, tackle mental health issues and encourage community cohesion. All so important as we tackle the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on our rural community.
