Putting the spotlight on retailers whose business is an important part of the community
When the shop and Post Office closed in Antrobus back in 2003, villagers swung into action.
Through a combination of grants and shares bought for £10 each and their tremendous ‘can do’ spirit, villagers set up the Antrobus Community Shop Association and traded successfully from rented premises for 15 years.
Unfortunately, in April last year, the building which housed the store was sold but rather than give up on this much-needed resource the village rose to the challenge once more.
Following a public meeting a steering committee was formed and the shop moved to a temporary home in the Village Hall, with the addition of a new tea room. Then in July they bought a static caravan, which opened in September.
Overseen by one of the Antrobus Village Hall trustees, Martyn Bracegirdle, a team of volunteers, including local electricians, plumbers, plasterers, labourers and tradesman pitched in. Those who couldn’t help with the labour, baked goodies which has now turned into a ‘bakers’ rota’ supplying the shop weekly.
Now villagers don’t have to go far to shop for staples such as eggs, milk, cheese and meats, as well as produce from local suppliers such as honey from Goosebrook Farm, eggs from Poplars Farm and potatoes from Antrobus Hall Farm.
‘Martyn bakes scones most weeks and they just fly out,’ says Karen Peploe, who runs the teashop.
‘Antrobus now has a new cafe culture which has become the hub of the village and we have become a popular destination for cyclists, walkers and passers-by who like to visit for slices of homemade cake and a good quality coffee.’
‘This couldn’t have happened without the support and dedication of all the volunteers.’
Antrobus Community Shop and Tearoom 07938 703463
