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Mandy and Trish, outside the shop, being interviewed by BBC Radio Berkshire (2 July 21). Thanks to all customers and volunteers who were interviewed - you did brilliantly! You can listen on Radio Berkshire - Listen Live - BBC Sounds Enjoy! |
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We will beat the weeds!
With the weed explosion we’ve had over the last few weeks, we hosted our first two Community Shop Orchard work parties towards the end of June and beginning of July. We’ve been delighted by the number of volunteers who have joined us, not just from Hampstead Norreys, but surrounding villages as well; Compton, Hermitage, Ashampstead and Curridge to name a few. Many hands really do make light work and it’s been great learning to care for your young fruit trees, while chatting and getting to know new faces, in our glorious Shop Orchard setting. We’ve managed to organise beautiful weather for our work party evenings too and we always finish off with some cake and a drink.
There’s still work left to do, so we’ve organised a couple more work party dates for July. We’ll be continuing to weed, fertilise and prune the trees. We would love you to join us: please email hncsorchard@yahoo.com.
With the weed explosion we’ve had over the last few weeks, we hosted our first two Community Shop Orchard work parties towards the end of June and beginning of July. We’ve been delighted by the number of volunteers who have joined us, not just from Hampstead Norreys, but surrounding villages as well; Compton, Hermitage, Ashampstead and Curridge to name a few. Many hands really do make light work and it’s been great learning to care for your young fruit trees, while chatting and getting to know new faces, in our glorious Shop Orchard setting. We’ve managed to organise beautiful weather for our work party evenings too and we always finish off with some cake and a drink.
There’s still work left to do, so we’ve organised a couple more work party dates for July. We’ll be continuing to weed, fertilise and prune the trees. We would love you to join us: please email hncsorchard@yahoo.com.
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Breaking News: Top four in the UK and Ireland!
Not only are we in the top 100 independent retailers in the UK and Ireland, we have just been named in the top four for the category In-Store Display. We will find out if we have won later this month.
A huge well done to Barbara, who creates a range of beautiful main displays, to Vicky, who does the eco-displays, and of course to the staff and volunteers who keep the shop looking so lovely.
Not only are we in the top 100 independent retailers in the UK and Ireland, we have just been named in the top four for the category In-Store Display. We will find out if we have won later this month.
A huge well done to Barbara, who creates a range of beautiful main displays, to Vicky, who does the eco-displays, and of course to the staff and volunteers who keep the shop looking so lovely.
Enjoy the video/photobook, and we hope you enjoyed a complimentary piece of birthday cake.
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26th March 2021 was our 10th birthday!
We are so proud of what we have achieved together but are disappointed that we can't have the huge celebration we had planned. However, we have produced a photobook which is being given free to all those who have played a significant role in the shop history. And, thanks to talented volunteer Vicky, we have a video showing even more photos, and quotes. We also have our very own Hampstead Norreys mugs in store, to commemorate our
first 10 years! |
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This beautiful cake was made by Vonnie, one of our shop team, with an edible montage of the history of the shop. And, fittingly, the cake was cut by Pamela, one of several who worked so hard to make the shop a reality,
March 21: Seed swap
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Calling all allotment holders and green fingered Hampstead Norreys residents young and old!
Many people never completely use all their seeds in their seed packets and there’s lots of people who would be truly grateful for them. It should also encourage gardeners to grow new types of plants & veg they might not have tried before. |
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Too many peas, left over courgette, bean or beetroot seeds? Simply post the seed packets into the tin, and help yourself to any you would like to try.
A Seed Swap Shop from Spring to Summer (try saying that quickly!)
A Seed Swap Shop from Spring to Summer (try saying that quickly!)
Our Christmas 2020 appeal
The community shop is pleased to be working with local charities to support those in need this Christmas.
Phase 1, for November, was to act as a collection point for unwanted/very good quality pre-loved toys and gifts, suitable for ages 0 to 19 (see the poster). We were amazed at the quantity and quality of donations - if the café had not been closed we would not have been able to store everything as in total it filled about half the floor area!
Phase 2, for December, was to collect cash donations to be shared between West Berkshire Food Bank and West Berkshire Baby Bank. We are humbled to report that the total raised was £900! Thank you to all our customers for your amazing generosity.
The community shop is pleased to be working with local charities to support those in need this Christmas.
Phase 1, for November, was to act as a collection point for unwanted/very good quality pre-loved toys and gifts, suitable for ages 0 to 19 (see the poster). We were amazed at the quantity and quality of donations - if the café had not been closed we would not have been able to store everything as in total it filled about half the floor area!
Phase 2, for December, was to collect cash donations to be shared between West Berkshire Food Bank and West Berkshire Baby Bank. We are humbled to report that the total raised was £900! Thank you to all our customers for your amazing generosity.
Phase 2:
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Phase 1:
The photo shows how much we collected by the middle of the month.
We thought that was amazing, but we had yet to see what else arrived - the toys and gifts kept coming.
We are amazed at the generosity of so many people from many of our villagers.
The quality of most of what has been donated is outstanding (the few things not good enough to be given as Christmas presents are being taken to a charity shop). THANK YOU!
We thought that was amazing, but we had yet to see what else arrived - the toys and gifts kept coming.
We are amazed at the generosity of so many people from many of our villagers.
The quality of most of what has been donated is outstanding (the few things not good enough to be given as Christmas presents are being taken to a charity shop). THANK YOU!
December 2020: Christmas competition, for children and adults
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Small prizes available
DECORATE A WOODEN CLOTHES PEG (available, free, in the shop or use your own) Take a photo of your peg and send it to hncshop@yahoo.co.uk with your name (and age if under 18). Then attach your peg to the line on the shop porch so others can admire your craft. Deadline: 20th December Collect after Christmas if you would like it back. |
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This free competition is open to all, whether or not from Hampstead Norreys. Let's get our creative juices flowing!
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October 2020: Warm, no matter what
To all the lovely people who responded to the HNC shop appeal for good quality goods to be taken to the West Berks Community Baby Bank, THANK YOU, both from the shop and from Kayleigh who helps organise the donations, pictured below. Vanessa and Olly took a full car load to the bank. What an amazing and very generous response from our wonderful community. |
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October 2020: No child hungry
Our shop is joining the many different businesses offering free school meals during the holidays. So, if you’re a parent or carer with children who receive free school meals, or if your family would benefit from support, please just pop a note in an envelope addressed to the shop manager saying how many children are in need, and we will arrange free packed lunches for them during half term. No questions asked. It will all be done discretely, no-one but you and the shop manager will know, so please let us know if your children would benefit from this. And if you know of anyone you think may benefit, please let them know. We are looking to set up a way of helping families in need with Christmas presents for their children, and for food. No child should go hungry, no child should be cold, and no child should be without presents. |
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5 September 2020, 10am to 1pm, at the front of the shop
We are very pleased to welcome the Pantry Refill Company - a family-based eco-friendly zero waste company who handcraft produce bags for your home and shopping, as well as refill your pantry store cupboard with dried food buying only what you need for you and your families. UPDATE: Click the link to see more information about the amazing produce and goods from Eloise. Thanks to all who supported this venture, and we hope to repeat in the near future. |
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June 2020
Will your loofa be bigger than my loofa? We are pleased to announce our very own 'grow your own loofa' competition. Take your free loofa plant home and nurture it - then bring your fruit to the shop in the autumn (date to be confirmed) to be judged. Spare loofa fruit will be used in workshops later in the year. 
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Please also see information about LOCKDOWN WOOD on the community projects page showing how you can help our environment by planting unwanted tree seedlings from your garden. |
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March 2020 On March 26th, the shop had its ninth birthday! We have achieved some wonderful things in that time and we had hoped to share a celebration with you, but Covid-19 put paid to that. For now please just wish us well and we hope to have a BIG celebration next year. |
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SORRY, NOW CANCELLED BUT WE WILL RUN IT AGAIN AT A LATER DATE
March 2020 An original present for Mothers’ Day — make her some soap Mothers’ Day is on Sunday 22 March, so on Saturday 21st March we are running a soap-making workshop in the café. For just £2 take home two beautiful and original soaps. Children and adults welcome. We are running four sessions starting promptly at 3pm, 3:30pm, 4pm or 4:30pm. Take your pick! |
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February 2020
Ani and Lesley representing the shop at the national finals of the Rural Business Awards in Manchester, introduced by Paul Scully, MP, and hosted by Jules Hudson of Countrysidefile. The competition was fierce and, sadly, we didn't win our category (best rural social enterprise, charity or community project). We are very proud that we won for the whole of the south-east of England and came third nationally. Feedback from the judges: "I love this submission. The community has really thought about what the local needs are and done their best to facilitate solutions. But this isn't just about shopping and transactions - it's about inclusivity and opportunity. I particularly like the fact that they've made respect a priority and they've been able to capitalise on their success. Excellent". Congratulations to the worthy winners - the Pheasant community pub at Neenton in the Midlands. |
February 2020
Calling all village organisations/activities
The aims of the shop are to:
* provide a local resource for shareholders/villagers to buy goods and services, as well as provide a valuable social and focal point for villagers/customers;
* support local producers and growers by stocking and showcasing their products;
* generate sufficient income to meet its fixed and running costs, build reserves and any surplus profit made is for the benefit of the community.
The shop has not had to pay out as much as anticipated for equipment and maintenance recently, so we may be in a position to donate any surplus profit to organisations/activities based in Hampstead Norreys later this year. The management committee welcomes suggestions—please get in touch via email (hncshop@yahoo.co.uk) or through a suggestion box in the shop. Thank you!
Calling all village organisations/activities
The aims of the shop are to:
* provide a local resource for shareholders/villagers to buy goods and services, as well as provide a valuable social and focal point for villagers/customers;
* support local producers and growers by stocking and showcasing their products;
* generate sufficient income to meet its fixed and running costs, build reserves and any surplus profit made is for the benefit of the community.
The shop has not had to pay out as much as anticipated for equipment and maintenance recently, so we may be in a position to donate any surplus profit to organisations/activities based in Hampstead Norreys later this year. The management committee welcomes suggestions—please get in touch via email (hncshop@yahoo.co.uk) or through a suggestion box in the shop. Thank you!
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January 2020 Huge congratulations to Jana who collects and sorts the waste plastic from our shop (and from many other places). She is the winner of the West Berkshire community champion award scheme, and has been named volunteer of the year. We are so grateful to you Jana - the award is very, very well deserved. |
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January 2020
Calling all stallholders . . . If you would like a stall at our summer market, please email hncshop@yahoo.co.uk Information about previous markets can be found on the community events page. We are also taking bookings for stalls at GreenFest 2020 - scroll down for details. |
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January 2020 The only plastic recycling accepted in our area of West Berkshire is plastic bottles, so many of us are trying to find a way to stop plastic from going to landfill. We are pleased to expand our plastic recycling collections on behalf of the community - we already accept biscuit and cake wrappers, crisp packets and Pringles crisp tubes - but now we can also accept plastic sweet wrappers. Use the correct green bin outside the shop, but please note what we can and can't accept. The lovely Jana Little, a volunteer, sends this plastic waste to Terracycle. If we include incorrect plastic they will reject it, so please help by only including the plastic types listed. Thank you! |
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January 2020 Calling all stallholders and small businesses: if you are interested in showing your eco-friendly wares at GreenFest 2020 on 5 September, please email hncshop@yahoo.co.uk with brief details of what you can offer. As it is a community event, stalls are only £15. Scroll down for a summary of GreenFest in 2019 with pictures. It was such a great day! And for more information, see www.ourgreenfest.co.uk |
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December 2019
We're thrilled to announce that we are a beneficiary of the Rural business Awards Christmas campaign! Seven charities, social enterprises or community organisations from across the UK have been chosen 'who work hard all-year-round to make rural Britain a better place to live and work'. More information can be found through this link: |
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October 2019
On Friday 18 October, Vonnie and Lesley went to Canterbury for the regional finals of the Best Rural Business Awards, 2019. Much to our delight, we won the category Best Rural Social Enterprise, Charity or Community Project, for the south-east region. The national final is in February 2020, in Manchester, where we will go head-to-head with other regional finalists: a pub, another community shop, an organisation providing community transport and two organisations supporting vulnerable children. How these different enterprises can be compared is unknown but we are immensely proud to have got this far. |
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October 2019 Breaking news - we are setting up a community shop orchard. The scheme will be based on a plan and design produced by Andy Howard of Heritage Fruit Company - his talk at our GreenFest event inspired us! http://www.heritageappletrees.com We aim to plant a seasonal range of new fruit trees, to include heritage varieties of apple, pear, cherry, plum, gages and damson, with supporting hedgerows to help the natural pollination process. |
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A range of early, mid and late season fruit trees will be planted to give a spread of crop across a large part of the year. The fruits that are picked will be used in the shop and café. The fruit can be sold or donations sought for surplus. Varieties of apples and pears will be made for juice, or for jam-making or cooking generally in the café kitchen, and we are investigating options for storing and drying the fruit.
The project will be overseen by the shop committee, with a volunteer sub-committee appointed to work with people from the community to run the project. We would like to organise open days during the year to engage the wider community, for example: a fruit-picking day, juicing day with picnic, and educational visits for school children, helping us all (young and old) to live more sustainably in our environment.
If you are able to support this enterprise you can do so through the Good Exchange who will match-fund donations. Thank you!
https://app.thegoodexchange.com/project/17432/the-hampstead-norreys-community-shop/creation-of-an-orchard-for-hampstead-norreys-community-shop-cafe
Update: see Shop Orchard
The project will be overseen by the shop committee, with a volunteer sub-committee appointed to work with people from the community to run the project. We would like to organise open days during the year to engage the wider community, for example: a fruit-picking day, juicing day with picnic, and educational visits for school children, helping us all (young and old) to live more sustainably in our environment.
If you are able to support this enterprise you can do so through the Good Exchange who will match-fund donations. Thank you!
https://app.thegoodexchange.com/project/17432/the-hampstead-norreys-community-shop/creation-of-an-orchard-for-hampstead-norreys-community-shop-cafe
Update: see Shop Orchard
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June 2019
Having won the regional final for the south-east of England in the Countryside Alliance Rural Oscars, Avril, Barbara and Lesley went to the House of Lords for the national final - here we are with our MP Richard Benyon shortly before the judging. We won! To be named best rural shop in Britain is an amazing honour. The resultant TV, radio and newspaper publicity was incredible but we couldn't have achieved this without our amazing staff and volunteers so thanks to them all! |
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