DESPITE relentless rain and flooded lanes which meant that several villagers were unable to leave their homes, many people battled to get to St Matthew’s Church in Cheriton Fitzpaine on Monday, November 21, to support their Community Shop meeting.

Chairman David Plumridge expressed his surprise and gratitude that as many as 50 people turned up to hear the results of the parish Questionnaire.

Becky Smith who lives in the village said: “Of the 257 people who returned forms, 88 per cent felt that a shop was important to them and many were prepared to use it several times a week and especially at week-ends.”

She reported that the information generated by the forms was invaluable in making plans for the future. Many had put their names down to volunteer in the shop and a good number had offered to buy shares or make a donation to the project.

Due to the clear short and long-term plans drawn up by Dave Plumridge much preliminary work had been carried out over the past six weeks, making use of the wide range of skills offered by supporters.

The group was given the encouraging news that an application to the Plunkett Foundation had been successful and the group would soon receive expert help and advice.

Like other community-run shops in the area a Community Benefits Society would be set up with a business plan and a formal constitution.

Secretary Elly Babbedge said: “Because of the energy and willingness of members of the Working Party things have moved really fast.

“I can’t believe that we only met for the first time about eight weeks ago and we are already looking for pledges of money to make this a reality.

“We went to view a fully-equipped Portacabin shop up for sale in Somerset recently and ended up staying for most of the day hearing from the very enthusiastic staff and volunteers there.”

Treasurer Barbara Draper explained how Pledge forms are now available at the current shop and in the two village pubs and people can make a donation or pledge to buy shares costing £20 each.

The community will need to raise money itself to attract the support of grants and other funding.

The current shopkeepers cease trading on December 21 after many years of loyal service to the village and are very supportive of the new venture.

There is a level of anxiety in the village until plans get underway.

One elderly resident said: “The prospect of not being able to pop to the shop for a pint of milk or a loaf of bread seems daunting – I’m hoping the neighbours will help me out…but knowing that there could be something in the future is making it better.”

If you are able to pledge a donation or a share please pick up a form from the village or contact the Treasurer Barbara Draper on 01363 866000 for more information.

The Plunkett Foundation was set up in 1919 by Sir Horace Plunkett, an Irish co-operative pioneer who believed that rural communities didn’t have to wait for someone else to make life better for them; they had the potential to do it themselves – with a little help.

His values are embedded in the heart of the support that Cheriton Fitzpaine parishioners will receive.

Those already involved with Community shops at Grampound in Cornwall, and closer to home, at Sandford and Kennerleigh have also been helped by Plunkett and are on-hand to offer down to earth advice to Cheriton.