Case Studies
The community ownership model is proving to be an increasingly successful way of providing valuable rural services. There are now over 255 rural community owned shops nationally and this number is growing at a rate of around 10% each year. Every community has its own inspiring story to tell – all unique yet there are similarities too. We hope that this page will inspire you and your community to take action and return services to your village.
Here are some inspiring stories from communities who have taken the lead and not looked back.
The Rochdale Pioneers
The Co-operative movement as we know it today began in 1844 with the Rochdale Pioneers. The 28 Pioneers wanted to be able to provide 'honest food at honest prices', and a 'new way of living'. Watch the video below for an insight into the Pioneers' story:
Mells Village Shop, Post Office and Cafe
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In 2008 the villagers of Mells, Somerset were faced with news that the current village shop and Post Office faced closure. Determined to keep the shop as a valuable rural service, the local community rallied together to create a project which aimed 'to improved the quality of life for those living and working in Mells and the surrounding area by creating a successful, ecologically sustainable, community-run shop, Post Office and adjoining cafe'.
Community Shop - Making Local Food Work Study Visit
Host Organisation: Ashton Hayes & Mouldsworth Community Shop
Representatives: Lisa Allman (Chairman) and Deb Deynam (Manager)
Visiting Organisation: Pwllglas Community Shop Group
Representatives: Sharon Newell, Helen Roberts, Catherine & Grayson Walker, Steven Kell and Sue
Facilitator: Charlotte Foster
Date of Visit: Monday 24th January 2011 – the shop’s first Anniversary!
Dalwood Community Shop and Post Office: Solar Panels Project
Background: The shop is in the centre of Dalwood Village in Devon about 1 ½ miles off the A35 between Axminster and Honiton. The building is leased from East Devon District Council and was rebuilt from one garage in a block of 3. In 2005 the Council offered the garage next door and the shop was extended. With larger premises and energy bills representing their largest overhead (£2000.00pa), it was decided at the Shop AGM in February 2009 to undertake a feasibility study into renewable energy and funding.
Community Shops in the Snow!
The following three case studies were written by the respective shops about how their shops had coped with the snowy conditions the week before Christmas 2010, and how their shops had served their communities - and vice versa.
Lodsworth Larder: an eco-friendly, sustainable, community shop project
Name: Lodsworth Larder Limited
Legal structure: IPS ViRSA model rules
Opened: November 2009
Lodsworth Larder, an eco-friendly, sustainable community shop project
Broadhempston Community-Owned Shop
The community of Broadhempston in Devon are very proud of their community shop, and rightly so. Like many rural communities, Broadhempston was devastated by the news that their village shop was due to close with no sign of a new shop keeper. However the community refused to let this valuable service disappear.
Tackley All-in-One Centre
The film below features Tackley All-in-One Centre, a fantastic example of a community coming together to provide a valuable village amenity and at the same time creating a strong social core. The film tells the story and reveals the social benefits too of having a shop wihin the village.
