Whitley Stores grand opening!

WHITLEY’S community shop – run and owned by local volunteers – was officially opened earlier this month. 

The shop on Top Lane, which stocks local produce for local people, was opened following a year-long campaign by villagers in Whitley and Shaw to provide a shop for the area. 

“There was a huge turnout from the village, with a great buzz,” said Alison Candlin, one of the volunteers. “Visitors to the shop can now find a variety of local produce on offer to buy with all money raised from the shop staying within the community to support local projects or organisations.  

“Customers took the opportunity to try tasters of our local bread (Hobbs House), beer (Kettlesmiths of Bradford on Avon and Box Steam Brewery), wine (Quoins of Bradford on Avon), ice cream (Lacock Dairy), yoghurt (Bybrook Dairy, Box) and even honey from Biddestone. 

“Two of our 45 volunteers were picked at random to cut the ribbon and officially declare the shop open – they were Bob and Cecily Brownrigg, who have lived in Whitley for more than 30 years and are great supporters of the shop and the local community. 

“We’re thrilled with how the shop looks and have had loads of positive feedback from our customers.”  

Shaw and Whitley Community Hub Chair, Nathan Hall, added, “I would like to thank shareholders and members for their support, along with the Melksham Without Parish Council and Melksham Area Board for the grants have provided. Also, the Plunkett Foundation for their support and advice, and Tom and Amy from Spindles/Barbastelle for approaching us and allowing us to rent space in their shop to make our own shop possible. 

“Everyone involved in the shop would also like to thank the other Steering Group members – Charlotte Yates, Dominic Szanto, John Lister, Martin Moorshead and Alison Candlin – for their hard work in getting the shop off the ground and of course we all thank the volunteers who are manning the tills and working behind the scenes now we are open. 

“Michelle Donelan MP also visited and was impressed by the range of produce and the fit out of the shop.  

“Later in the afternoon, Gill Walton of Barbastelle officially opened the ‘whole’ shop of Spindles, Barbastelle and the Spindles Coffee Stop by cutting a bike chain across the door, after congratulating Tom for his hard work in getting the shop ready and thanking the Spindles team and a wider group of family and friends for their support along the way.  

“It was a vibrant joint venture with visiting cyclists and villagers all mingling throughout the afternoon and discovering more about the three new businesses in Whitley.” 

Pictured above: Volunteer Doris, with Michelle Donelan MP, Dominic Szanto and Nathan Hall. Right: Bob and Cecily Brownrigg declare Whitley Stores officially open.