THE afternoon of Saturday, May 12, saw the Grand Opening of the new Community Shop in Cheriton Fitzpaine.

The purpose-build timber framed shop was constructed by AllTimber Frames of White Cross, Cheriton Fitzpaine and sits on land to the side of the Methodist Chapel, in the heart of the village.

More than 150 people, of all ages, gathered outside the new shop to mark the event.

Two key members of the team, the ever positive Chair (David Plumridge) and hard working Secretary (Elly Babbage) were unable to be there on the day, and so it fell to other members of the Shop Committee to welcome the representatives of major donors REAL Devon (Chris Prentis and Roy Gould) and Councillor Mrs Margaret Squires from Devon County Council, and thank the many local companies and individuals who helped with the project.

Not least of these were 50+ stalwarts of the Shop Management, Publicity, Buildings and Fundraising Groups.

Thanks were also given to the “Paper ladies” led by Barbara Draper and Elly Babbage who have braved freezing early mornings to keep the villagers supplied with newspapers from the very start.

In only 18 months from the first Village Meeting the volunteers have taken the project from the drawing board to a fully functioning Village Shop, a process that takes most Community Shops between four and five years.

Special thanks were given to the Treasurer and Chief “Paper Lady”, Barbara Draper, and to the Head of the Buildings Group, local architect Eddie Holden, who designed the shop and co-ordinated the build.

The shop was formally opened by local rugby star, from Exeter Chiefs, Jack Yeandle, who also cut the celebration cake.

The cake was adorned with the Community Shop logo and was designed by Jack’s young cousin, Jemma, whose Scarecrow design won a competition run for children at Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School.

First to enter the newly opened shop was manager, Kevin Boddy, who was quickly doing a roaring trade in ice-creams.

Jack delighted many local Chiefs fans (old and young) by signing shirts and rugby balls.

He was also on-hand to draw the star prize in the shareholders raffle, a £100 voucher to spend in the Community Shop, which went to Jack and Susan Hewson.

Head of the Fundraising Group, Charles Mossman said: “It was a marvellous afternoon and thank you to all the people who came to help us open the shop.

“We received grants from REAL Devon, The Prince’s Countryside Fund (supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery), the Big Lottery Fund, Tesco Bags of Help and Devon County Council through Councillor Margaret Squires, but half of our funds came from the sale of shares and donations from local people.

“It has been a real Community effort and we are delighted to be able to say that Cheriton Fitzpaine once again has a Village Shop.”