July 26
What a privilege to welcome visitors from Ukraine to our community shop and café today.
They came to learn how our community-run shop and café works, and to explore how similar ideas can help bring people together in their own communities.
We were delighted to share our story, exchange ideas, and prove once again that a small village can have a big impact. Thank you lovely Ukrainians for visiting—we hope you enjoyed your time with us, and we wish you every success for your future!
Ukrainian Visitors
July 2026
We were thrilled to be shortlisted as one of three finalists in the RBCA Awards sponsored by Plunkett UK in London.
Our amazing shop was one of 25 finalists represented at the awards. An incredible achievement as there are over 850 Community Businesses in the UK so we are in the top 3%!
We were finalists in the Howard Plunkett Award for businesses over 5 years old. In the end we were runners up to "The Bookery", a community owned Bookshop in Devon - however it was a great opportunity to meet other people from community based businesses and celebrate the achievements of all 25 finalists.
We really couldn't be prouder of how our Shop and Café continues to thrive as the heart of our Hampstead Norreys community and that is down to all of our customers, staff and volunteers. Thank you!
Finalist
April 2026
Today we welcomed youngsters to our free ‘Make an Easter bunny’ workshop - these were then filled with mini-Easter eggs. Great fun!
Happy Easter!
March 2026
On March 26th 2011, Hampstead Norreys Community Shop opened its doors for the first time. What a way we have come since then. Huge thanks to all those who have supported us in the last 15 years, and we look forward to the next 15!
We are 15!
A proud moment for HNCS
January 2026
We are honoured to be featured in this short video from the Plunkett chief executive James Alcock.
Christmas meal
17 December 2025
It was a joy to welcome local people, aged 65 or older, to our subsidised Christmas meal - a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, including Christmas pudding and wine or a soft drink. A great start to Christmas!
Thank you to everyone who made this possible, including Karen and Ani in the kitchen, and volunteers who transported people around.
Candlelit Market
8 November 2025
What a great day! The weather was kind, the stallholders (all 55 of them) brilliant, the live music and lighting were amazing, and the food and drink great. Click on the link to see photos of our event - and thanks to everyone who was involved.
Zombie Walk
31 October 2025
We met at the Village Hall at 5:50pm ready for our 6pm Zombie Walk to the Shop for spooky treats. Despite the rain, we estimate about 80 children, adults, witches, wizards, and ghouls came along - huge thanks to Vonnie for the scary cakes and packs of sweets. A great event!
Apple Day
13 September 2025
A free, open-to-all celebration of everything apple! Over 250 litres of juice pressed on the day. Follow the link to read more and enjoy the photos!
AGM
June 2025
Thank you to those who attended our Annual General Meeting at the shop on Tuesday 24th June to share a glass of wine and to hear the latest news. The annual report for 2024 can be found here.
Easter Hats
April 2025
What creative children came to our Easter activity! Hats with flowers, with Easter ornaments, with felt cut-outs, with card, etc. Beautiful!
To see more pictures, please visit the projects and events page.
Finalists!
April 2025
Exciting! We’ve made the final three in the Newbury Weekly News Best in Business Awards.
The grand reveal was on Friday 4 April at Newbury Racecourse. Sadly, we didn’t win, but we are proud to have made it this far
Easter Activity
Thursday 17 April 2025
3pm to 5pm
All children welcome to this free event in our shop café. No need to book, but arrive promptly to be sure of a space!
Now we are 14!
26 March 2025
Happy birthday to us . . . It’s hard to believe it’s now 14 years since we opened. What a difference the shop has made to our community.
Thanks to all our loyal customers, volunteers and staff.
Candlelit Market 2025
November 8th 2025
3pm to 7pm
To find out more about having a stall at our lovely outdoor event, please complete this form but don’t leave it too late - stalls get booked up very quickly!
Christmas Lunch for the over 65s
December 2024
Roast dinner with all the trimmings, and Christmas pudding to follow, with wine - for the bargain price of only £15. And we even delivered to people’s homes if they were unable to join.
Volunteer of the Year
December 2024
The wonderful Barbara gets the award this year for her astoundingly creative and beautifully crafted displays. Barbara, your dedication and talent have made such a difference, and we are truly grateful.
Our MP, Olivia Bailey, with Trish and Ani
November 2024
“I was pleased to pop in to the brilliant Hampstead Norreys Community Shop and say hi to the fab team. What an amazing asset for the local community.”
Candlelit Market 2024
November 23rd 2024
What an amazing event, despite the horrible weather which meant a hasty change of plan as we decamped to the village hall. The number of people attending was way, way more than anticipated and we are grateful to those who queued in the wind and rain. Fingers crossed for better weather next year!
Afternoon Treat
October/November 2024
Treat yourself. Treat your friends!
Photography Competition
Autumn 2024
This stunning image, from Alexander, aged just 11, is one of the winners in our photography competition on the theme of ‘Our beautiful world’. This and other photos are on the walls of our café for all to admire.
The Shop Orchard
Autumn 2024
Our volunteer-run Shop Orchard is now thriving, thanks to Vanessa and her team who water, prune and weed. Hopefully next year we will see the benefit of your hard work.
Top rating
June 2024
Well done to Trish and all the team for our excellent food hygiene rating!