Thorndon Community Shop, run by local volunteers, marked 14 years of trading with a visit from local Member of Parliament, Adrian Ramsay
We were delighted to join Adrian Ramsay MP at Thorndon Community Shop to celebrate its impressive milestone of 14 years of trading. During the visit, we had the opportunity to meet the dedicated volunteers who keep the shop running and the vital role it continues to play in supporting the local community.
The shop is owned and run by the community for the community, this includes serving, stock management, financial management, supply chains and volunteer management.
Thorndon’s shop has also provided Duke of Edinburgh Award opportunities for local young volunteers working towards the national accolade. Many of which have returned as volunteers following completion of their DOE award period.
Molly and Poppy who did part of their Duke of Edinburgh award by volunteering in the community shop, alongside Adrian and Marion
Marion Ravenhill, Chair of the community-run shop, said: “Thorndon had for many years, a shop and post office. When the last shop closed Darren Hayward, from the Black Horse Inn, recognised that Thorndon still needed a shop and decided to open one in the car park of the pub. The shop was opened in October 2009 by the then Chair of the Parish Council, Marion Ravenhill.
“In the summer of 2011 Darren handed the premises over to the community and in August 2011, guided by Plunkett UK, it became a community shop. Our motto then was ‘run by the community for the community’ and that is still true today. Since 2011, we have served the local community 364 days every year – closing only on Christmas Day.
“Throughout the COVID years a group of volunteers joined forces and managed the safe opening of the shop every day. During that period, we worked with others from the community to coordinate the collection and delivery of medicines and food to the most vulnerable in our community. People were exceptionally grateful for the service. As we celebrate our 14th year of trading, the same motto remains; ‘run by the community for the community’.”
Adrian Ramsay MP for Waveney Valley reflected on his visit:
“Thorndon Community Shop is a brilliant example of what can happen when a community comes together. Owned and run by the community, it is more than just a shop. It is a vital hub at the heart of the village. I was delighted to celebrate fourteen years of trading this month with Marion, David and the small army of volunteers who make the shop possible. Thorndon Community Shop isn’t just a shop; it is the heart of the village.”
David Lydiat, Head of External Affairs at Plunkett commented:
“It was a pleasure to meet with Adrian, Marion and all the fantastic volunteers who ensure Thorndon Community Shop is not just serving local people but is the heartbeat of the village. Plunkett is pleased to have been able to support the community in Thorndon and congratulates them on 14 years trading and we are sure the shop has a bright future in Thorndon for many more years to come.”
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As a charity supporting communities to set up and run community-owned businesses, Plunkett UK was delighted to organise the visit to Thorndon Community Shop. As a Plunkett member, Thorndon is one of over 800 community businesses nationwide to have benefited from our advice and support.
Your membership, which for individuals’ costs just £22.50 per year, will support our ambition to grow the community ownership movement across the nation.
