It’s that beautiful time of year again when the woods at Hampstead Norreys are carpeted in bluebells. The woods are open to the public and are easily accessed: just ask in the shop for directions if you need them. And there is a great playground nearby for young and not-so-young with adult equipment too!
In March of this year we were thrilled to reach the final four of the Village of the Year – a national competition hosted by Penelope Keith on Channel 4. We just missed out on the winning slot but are proud to have done so well. The community shop and café featured heavily in the programme: Patrick Grant (judge, previously judge of the Great British Sewing Bee) described us as ‘a community shop that is so much more than a shop . . . the beating heart of the village’. Come and join us and see for yourself what we have to offer: a warm welcome, a wide range of goods, sourced locally where possible, and a lovely café with barista coffee. We look forward to meeting you. 
Hampstead Norreys Community Shop officially opened its doors for the first time seven years ago this month, on March 26, 2011. BBC Television was in attendance, with a live broadcast featuring Maggie Philbin, interviewing Avril, Mary and our original shop manager Julie. 
Our new chef Jamie is delivering some delicious breakfasts and deli food…available to eat in or takeaway every day of the week….if its his day off (he is allowed one!) then rest assured you certainly won’t be disappointed…..Jamie will make sure of that! Look forward to welcoming you to Courtyard Cafe…….and more things to come soon so watch this space.
Thanks to everyone who supported Mary Dennis by voting for her in the Plunkett Foundation’s People’s Choice Award, celebrating outstanding volunteers. Mary was one of just three finalists chosen from the nationwide competition. Mary, Avril and Pamela attended the presentation ceremony on 6 December at the St Bride Foundation, Fleet Street in London, hosted by the television journalist Helen Fospero. An amazing achievement, congratulations Mary. The winner was Ronald Thorne (Chittlehamholt Village Shop) and the other finalist was Mark Godfrey (Maybush Inn). There is now a certificate showing Mary’s achievement, proudly displayed in the shop. The full details are here. There are also two new videos produced by the Plunkett Foundation featuring Hampstead Norreys Community Shop. This one features Avril talking about how the shop was established and how it has evolved, and this one, telling the story of the “Walkie Talkies” social group, featuring Natalie.
Come and join us on Halloween night for the Best Pumpkin competition. Prize draw in the shop to win this wonderful, spooky cake – just one pound per ticket.
A date for the diary. Christmas gift ideas, food stalls and local suppliers in the Courtyard. Please come along.
The Halloween Witch has arrived – please come in and make a wish with her magic wand! Abracadabra …..
June 3rd, Summer Market – a beautiful day! And a great time had by all.
