Titchmarsh Village Shop
Titchmarsh opens Titchmarsh
The committee of Titchmarsh Village Shop was well rewarded when a crowd of 500 people turned out to see Alan Titchmarsh open their shop at the end of September 2007. The Northamptonshire shop is housed in the former home of the village horse-drawn fire engine on the village green and has received funding from the Village CORE Programme.
Soon after plans first started for the village’s community-owned shop, one of the committee realised that the aim of their shop was not only to provide a convenient source of goods, but also to create a focal point for the community and recreate a sense of village. This meant engaging all sections of the community, and the management group devised the exciting and innovative idea of having a youth committee.
About ten 13- to 18- year-olds formed the committee, taking their first steps towards community responsibility as well as ensuring the shop is “their shop too”. One member of the youth committee, Helen Rowe, said, ‘We have learned to work together…it’s fun to be involved in a successful project. We are treated like adults and our ideas are listened to.’ Jordan Ward-Williams said, ‘We are getting a feel of how a village shop runs, as well as getting to know more adults.’ The youth committee comes up with ideas which would appeal to other young customers, as well as getting involved with the actual running of the shop, for example, unpacking and restocking, and serving behind the counter. Working together, the teams have got to know people of all ages and backgrounds, and there is a real cohesion in creating something positive and successful together.
The shop provides locally produced food and goods, convenience goods, chilled foods and a delicatessen range, a drop-in café with beverages, cakes and sandwiches, and services such as home delivery of shopping and collection of prescription medicines.