How the Village Shop & Post Office came to be

When Cromhall’s original shop and post office closed in 1992, a small group of volunteers surveyed every household to find out how villagers felt about its loss.

Most people missed the amenity very much, especially older folk, children and those without transport. They did want a shop, but the most obvious result of the survey was the real need for a Post Office and a place to meet and chat.

A public meeting was held, a steering group formed, and the idea of starting a community shop began. With the help of ViRSA (Village Retail Services Association), then in its infancy, the group set up a Village Shop Association with £10 membership.

Buying the old shop premises would have been too expensive, and there were no other suitable buildings in the village, so the group's only option was a portable building on an old allotment site. This piece of land belonged to the District Council, which took some persuading that a Portakabin could look attractive and would not be a permanent option.

Eventually, they granted the group two years on this site. Considering they had to clear the topsoil and put in mains drainage, water and electricity, they did wonder whether it was going to be worth all the effort.

To raise the start-up funds of £14,000, the group sold bonds worth £50 each to villagers, received donations from local businesses and held fundraising events. The Parish Council supplied a loan to buy the initial stock, as there were very few grants available then.

There were many setbacks during the two and a half years it took to open the shop, and it seemed at times the group would never succeed. The shop began to trade in 1995 and is open from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday and until 11.30am on Saturdays. A dedicated, jolly team of volunteers, aged between 14 and 83 runs it; the shop has rarely closed due to lack of help.

When the two years were up, the group applied for an extension of the lease and were thrilled to be granted another six years. in 2003 extension of the lease was granted for a further 6 years.

Crucial to the success of this type of venture is the enthusiasm and dedication of a small handful of villagers. All too often village shops and post offices are not appreciated until they have to close, for whatever reason.

Considering the extensive range of goods on offer, the competitive prices and the friendly atmosphere in Cromhall Shop, volunteers often ask themselves why more people don't use it. For the continued success of the Shop and Post Office in Cromhall, it is imperative that more villagers recognise the importance of that age old slogan..."USE IT OR LOSE IT!"

Finally, we are always looking for more help in the shop. A couple of hours a week from anyone who feels they could spare the time, would be extremely helpful in order to keep the shop open for the hours it does at present.