Whitley Stores marks one year as community hub

A community shop in Whitley is celebrating its first anniversary, marking one year since it opened as a volunteer-run community hub, bringing people together and providing locally sourced essentials.

Whitley Stores opened last year as a community-owned volunteer-run shop offering a full range of everyday essentials from local suppliers and running some events, including a craft market and tasting sessions with local suppliers.

Based in the Pear Tree Inn car park, Alison Candlin, chair of the Shaw and Whitley Community Hub, which runs the shop, said it has been ‘really embraced’ by the community, with around 70 volunteers.

The shop also encourages social connection with a small seating area, including a ‘Chatty Bench’ donated by Community Action Whitley and Shaw, and is known for its seasonal outdoor displays, including a recent one marking VE Day.

Alison said, “We’re amazed and delighted at how many villagers come and shop with us regularly, give up their time to work a shift or more behind the counter, help out behind the scenes with ordering or maintenance and it’s lovely to see firm friendships that have been made through Whitley Stores.

“We have customers who come and sit at our table for a chat, who really value the company and friendship they find here. We have volunteers for whom their regular shift is a highlight of their week. After a recent volunteers social gathering, one of our team told me, ‘It was a wonderful sight to see and hear all those people enjoying each other’s company. I have lived in Whitley for over 50 years and have never sensed such a spirit of community. Huge credit to you and your team for what you have created.’”

The shop’s building was purchased from the village of Blunsdon near Swindon, where it was previously used as a community shop. Over 18 months, 20 volunteers helped to renovate and upcycle the portacabin into its current form.

“Seeing our cabin lifted into place was both terrifying and exciting with a huge element of relief to see that it sat perfectly on the foundation pads we had positioned,” said Alison.

“Watching its transformation from ugly site cabin to the beautiful wood-clad shop and deck we have was nothing short of miraculous and the generous help and support we received from local businesses was really heartwarming.”

Alison said highlights from the past year include the run-up to Christmas and the buzz on sunny days. “On Saturdays, there’s a rush to grab croissants before they sell out, children sit on benches with ice creams, and dogs pull their owners in for a biscuit—it all reminds me how worthwhile the hard work has been.”

Looking ahead, the team hopes to expand its range, add shelving to improve space and host more tasting events and promotions. They are currently recruiting additional volunteers and a part-time shop manager.

“We’re looking for someone to help improve purchasing and stock management, and to come up with seasonal ideas to keep the shop fresh,” Alison said. “Shifts are just two hours, and we also welcome occasional volunteers.”

“We must thank Jackie and Adrian of the Pear Tree Inn for their generous offer of a scrubby bit of car park to host us when we had nowhere to go. They have been instrumental in enabling us to create something really special here.”

Anyone interested in volunteering is invited to email volunteers@whitleystores.org or drop into the shop to find out more.