Kilmersdon came together to look at plans for a new Community Shop and Café for the village last Saturday. Representatives from both Mells Village Shop and Freshford’s Community Shop were also on hand to talk about their experiences.
The event was organised to bring everyone together in an attempt to address concerns over parking in the village and fears that the status of the village could be at risk in planning terms, opening it up to further development. The village shop committee say that the resource would be a valuable one which would bring the community together and help those that feel isolated. It would also be a resource for a ‘top-up’ shop for goods and a space for people to meet.
Speaking to The Journal, a Village Shop committee member said: “If it proved one point, it’s that people love the chance to come together and talk – as long as they have a cup of tea and somewhere welcoming.
“It also showed that this project is too all embracing to leave to committees, councils, or the pages of the Parish News. The Open Day was an all too rare chance for villagers to get together and share their views.
“On Saturday, we had a constant flow of visitors. In fact, some were still deep in conversation as the doors were closing at 4.30 p.m. We also had offers of support from those wishing to join the shop committee, as well as others who were keen to volunteer in the shop.
“All in all, it was a very open-minded and friendly event with many enjoying the chance to express their support or doubts. It was helped greatly by the presence of David Sheridan, Chairman of the Mells shop committee and Gitte Dawson, from Freshford Galleries, which gave everyone a chance to speak to those with real-life experience of a community shop project. David and Gitte shared their obvious enthusiasm for our proposal, along with their own stories of overcoming the challenges, and how their communities are benefiting.
“The one constantly raised concern was how a small village such as Kilmersdon could support a shop and café. Kilmersdon actually has 541 people (2011 census). That
compares with other local community shop projects, such as Hinton, which has 485, while Maiden Bradley has only 331, and the very successful Chalke Valley shop in Broad Chalke, with a population of 680. Nearby Mells has 638.
“So, while we might be small, we are also in very good company! Naturally, some of these shops are more successful than others, but all are making a huge difference in helping their communities flourish.
“Following the distribution of the brochure and Open Day’s success, we hope everyone has a better and more accurate picture of how the proposal might take shape. But, more importantly, it shows how everyone’s input, whatever their particular concerns might be, will be invaluable to contributing to a project that works for everyone in the village. We thank everyone for taking part.”
Voting slips are now being collected from householders in the village this week to find out what people really think – in a bid to show the Parish Council that the shop is wanted.
For more information on the project, readers can visit: www.facebook.com/Kilmersdon