Community Stores
From Lacey Green History
COMMUNITY STORES
Community Shop Project by Tony Molesworth
Well we finally made it! Lacey Green Stores opened - its doors to the public for the first time on Thursday 16 July 2008.
There was a steady stream of visitors, including of course the inquisitive souls who just wanted to see what it was like. But also a useful number of shoppers who kept the till going (and occasionally confused the operator who had only learned how to use the till a couple of days previously).
So many thanks to all our customers who gave us such an encouraging start.
The room in which the shop is housed is small, although we think that we have achieved an effective layout, and made good use of the space available. We are still working on some additions to the fixtures and fittings that will provide additional shelf space.
At present the shop will be open on Mondays and Thursdays from 08.30 to 1 pm, but we hope to be able to extend the opening times and days.
If we could open every day, we would be able to increase the range and variety of products and services, and, for example, to provide newspapers on a regular basis.
We have a good team at present and the time involvement for any one person is quite small – on average about 5 to 6 hours every 4 weeks or so. To operate with longer opening times we will need more volunteers to help. If you would like to join the team please contact Tony Molesworth (01844 344975), or Angela Roberts (01844 347603), or just drop into the shop and tell us (after buying something of course).
The shop provides basic foodstuffs and household goods. We obviously can't provide everything, but we will do what we can to ensure that your requirements are met, wherever possible. Your feedback to us would be welcome — what would you like us to stock, what opening hours would you prefer, anything else? Preferably, leave a note in the shop.
Just a final note, thanks to everyone that has contributed to the successful opening of the shop. No names — you know who you are! It would not have been possible without your support and enthusiasm, which | hope will continue into the future.
-
The following is an excerpt from the obituary of Tony Molesworth written by the Editor of Hallmark in 2018 - "It is true to say that without the commitment of Tony Molesworth the Shop Project may never have got off the ground. With the backing of the Village Hall Committee the shop opened in 2008 and has been running for ten years. Tony kept a close eye on the sales and was keen to analyse the results of each day's takings department by department. No mean undertaking for a shop measuring 8ft x 12ft.