A NEW SHOP FOR ALL OF US
Welcome to the Downderry Community Shop project.
With Downderry Stores closed as of 4th September 2023, a steering group has been created to explore setting up a community shop.
Here on this site you can read the latest news, find information about how you can get involved and connect with the steering group. Welcome!
A month later, an open meeting was held in the Village Hall to talk about the possibility of opening a community shop and a community survey was distributed to households across the local area.
The response was overwhelmingly positive. Many residents volunteered their time, skills, funds and connections and, as a result, a steering group of volunteers has been set up to take the project forward.
OPENING HOURS
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
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WHAT WILL IT BE?
Community shops are owned and run democratically by members of their community. They are resilient forms of business, with a 94% long-term success rate. They have a positive impact on the local economy, supporting local producers and suppliers, and creating employment. There are already 350 community shops currently trading across the UK.
You can find out more about community shops at The Plunkett Foundation.
HELP THROUGH VOLUNTEERING
Already, more than 40 people have volunteered to work shifts in the community shop when it opens which is absolutely fantastic. The steering group will be in touch with everybody who has offered to volunteer over the coming weeks and months as the project progresses.
There will also be opportunities to volunteer before the shop opens. The steering group will promote these opportunities on this website as well as on the Facebook page.
FUNDRAISING
With overwhelming local support, and the need for a shop in the Parish, it is proposed that the premises known as Summink Different be acquired to be used as a site for a new shop.
It is proposed that a part-time manager be appointed, supported by local volunteers, providing retail services and possible a cafe hub to help make the site a cornerstone of local life and an addition to the local economy.
A business plan has been prepared to support the project. Start up costs to cover the purchase of the lease, legal fees, shop fitting, initial stock, and a contingency fund to provide a stable financial foundation are estimated to be £85,000.
Initial funding through Crowdfunder and match funding has now been secured. If needed, this will be supplemented by a Community Share scheme. Our Crowdfunder page has now been paused. If you would like to donate more, please contact the steering group on the email listed at the bottom of this page.