News

Collyweston Community Shop in Northamptonshire has recently won two awards in the Northamptonshire 'Improving your Patch Awards'.  They won the East Northants District Award (£150) and the County Award (£400).  In addition to the two very welcome cheques, the shop was presented with three certificates and a carved oak plaque which is now on display in the shop.  The award money will go towards some new wooden shelving - together with the added discount that is available through the Plunkett Website on Gadsby Basketware.

Lodsworth Larder are delighted to announce they have been awarded the "Public and Community Award" from The Sussex Heritage Trust in the section covering "a new project which provides or improves facilities for the community".

Buckland Brewer residents will be putting their money on the line as part of a community shop fund raising event on Saturday 24 July. Shop supporters in the North Devon village are being encouraged to donate their change by filling the outline of the proposed community shop, which will replace the post office and general store that closed in March 2009. The coin trail takes place at the Buckland Brewer Methodist Church between 10.30 am and 1.30 pm. Shop committee chairman Peter McClymont says: “Losing our local shop last year was a blow to the community.

Get Legal is a new, free, online reference and decision-making tool for charities, social enterprises and co-operative organisations. It is particulalrly useful for communities considering setting up a new community shop.

Get Legal offers clear guidance and information about governance and legal structures. It aims to help individuals, organisations and advisors to make informed decisions as they set up and develop charities, social enterprises and co-operatives. It also explains a range of legal forms in detail.

Warwickshire community benefit project secures award recognition from the RICS

Barford Village Shop in Warwickshire has been awarded a top prize at the annual RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) West Midlands awards ceremony, which took place in Meriden last night.

The development of a new shop and post office located within the village of Barford in Warwickshire secured the coveted Community Benefit award.

After looking at over thirty possible locations, the community group decided to build the new shop as an extension to the existing village hall.

The Community Shops Network Meeting - the first gathering of community-owned shops following the establishment of the online Community Shops Network - is almost fully booked. The event will bring together community-owned shops and all those involved in community retailing.