Broadhempston Community-Owned Shop

The community of Broadhempston in Devon are very proud of their community shop, and rightly so. Like many rural communities, Broadhempston was devastated by the news that their village shop was due to close with no sign of a new shop keeper. However the community refused to let this valuable service disappear.

Inspired by the many success stories surrounding community-owned shops, and with the support of the Village CORE Programme, Broadhempston made the decision to adopt the community-ownership model, and has not looked back.

 Broadhempston re-opened its village shop on the 6th April, after the old shop had been redecorated, restocked and had benefited from a new set of signs to mark the community takeover. Under community ownership Broadhempston Shop has become increasingly popular, trebling its previous turnover in the first few months of trading, and has becoming a buzzing social hub as well as a place to shop. The shop provides an essential service not only to Broadhempston but also the nearby villages of Littlehempston, Staverton, Landscove, Woodland and numerous surrounding hamlets.

An official launch and celebration was held in the shop and village square 12 weeks later in July 2009. Residents from Broadhempston and the surrounding villages turned out to ‘celebrate their shop’.  Local suppliers also attended to promote the availability of local food within the shop and the square hosted a café for people to enjoy the celebratory atmosphere and live music.

The success of Broadhempston Community Shop is a result of the determination, dedication and generousity of its villagers. The support for the shop is clear; through fundraising (succeeding in raising its £20,000 target), with over 40 volunteers helping with the everyday running of the shop and an active committee, Broadhempston has ensured the survival of a vital rural amenity.