Inspiring Story - Crookham Village Stores
A VILLAGE shop has undergone a remarkable renaissance thanks to the forward thinking of its new owners.
When partners David Long and Caroline Shand took over Crookham Village Stores just over six months ago the shelves were almost empty and the back garden overgrown.
But the couple has quickly transformed the shop into a thriving community store.
Its upturn bucks a national trend that has seen the decline of village shops and pubs as rural populations fall and large supermarkets draw residents away.
In July this year the National Housing Federation, the Rural Shops Alliance and the British Beer and Pub Association revealed fears that 600 rural pubs and 400 village shops across the country could close.
The groups said 1,200 village shops had closed in the preceding two years.
“When we started it was very run down and there was nothing in here,” said Caroline.
“The Post Office was here but wasn’t being used that much.
“There wasn’t anything for anyone to come in here for really.”
David said: “The first thing we needed to do was to stock the shop up and after endless trips to Bookers we managed to do that quite swiftly.
“We then thought the front of the shop looked so bland so we contacted a local flower wholesaler.
“He started us off with five buckets of flowers and said he probably wouldn’t see us again but how wrong he was.
“We are now selling 40 to 50 buckets a week – it’s absolutely unbelievable.”
The couple then set about sourcing as many local goods as possible.
“We now we sell cakes, chocolate brownies, caramel slices and lots of other goodies from The Hartley Wintney Country Market,” said David.
“Our bread is delivered fresh every day from The Bramley Bakery and our eggs are delivered twice a week to keep up with demand. Even our milk comes from Hampshire.
“We then started talking about introducing a coffee shop and tea rooms next year but the response was so positive we decided to bring it forward to this year.
“Thank goodness we did because we have served over 1,600 customers including families with small children, older folk and local business people bringing in their clients for lunch.”
The couple then set about tackling the overgrown gardens, including a 30-foot high hawthorn hedge that had not been touched for years, and four-foot high grass.
They have now opened a coffee shop, decorated and designed by Jane Morgan Interiors of Crondall Road.
The new-look store also sells paintings and prints by local artist Colin Tophill, books by local author John Smale of Kiln Workshops and honey, jams and chutneys from Hartley Wintney.
Its cakes are made in the village by Eileen Collis, the scones by Jane Morgan from Hampshire Cream Teas and the jam is made just over the road by Joyce Stace.
“The clotted cream comes from a farm on the Isle of Wight, which is the only place we could find in Hampshire that makes it,” said David.
The couple have also introduced a winter menu and are looking forward to hosting a Christmas bonanza on December 12 featuring carols by pupils at Dogmersfield Primary School, music from the Salvation Army Band, a snow machine, hot dogs, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.
The couple will also be selling 150 Norwegian non-drop Christmas trees in various sizes.
“You can place your order in the shop, there is no deposit and we will deliver it locally free of charge,” said David.
Full English breakfasts are now served from 7.30am and the chimney breast has been re-opened after 42 years of being boarded up.
“It means we now have a lovely real open log fire in the coffee shop,” said David.
Sue Wilkinson, Surrey regional organiser with the Federation of Small Businesses, was delighted the village shop is doing so well.
“It’s good to hear such positive news, particularly considering the climate we are in,” she said.
“I have to say things are starting to improve and I’ve heard a number of success stories over the last six months.
“I wish the people at Crookham Village Stores all the best.”
