Postal Services
Due to the rural situation of the shop and the fact that one by one the local post-offices were closing, it became clear that a postal service was needed.
A full post office within the shop was not possible, but the local community was surveyed to find which postal services were required and a scheme set up with the help of the Post Office.
The Village Shop has proved such a successful model that we have been able to help and advise other community projects to implement similar schemes.
How The Brockweir and Hewelsfield Village Shop came into being.
For many years Brockweir and Hewelsfield each had a general store. By the millennium both had closed, and arising out of community debate about the needs of the village came the idea of a community shop.
This idea was discussed widely and supported by a majority of the village.
The hard working committee visited existing community shops, drew up initial plans and set about raising funds. They were fortunate to discover a local resident who had a genius at finding funds and making successful applications and from these endeavors the money was raised.
The aims of the new shop were:
- To be non profit making and put back any surplus into the community
- To create an outlet for local foods
- To provide through the café a social meeting place
- To offer IT facilities and training
- To be environmentally neutral
