Target reached!
If we exceeed our initial target then we plan to create a buffer of reserves that wi...
Longborough Village Shop
Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Aim
To support Longborough and Sezincote village shop, which is run by the community for the benefit of the whole community.
Longborough’s lovely shop is under threat. Without immediate action there’s a real possibility that it will close this Summer.
For most villages a shop is a vital lifeline and for some people, especially those without transport, it is an important connection with the world beyond their front door. It is a meeting place, communication centre and an important lynchpin of village life. Much of the appeal of our village rests on its sense of community. It is the reason many people have moved here and remain here.
As well as the shop, the Longborough and Sezincote community is lucky to contain a number of other 'crown jewels' including a church, a school, a village hall, a pub, a cricket club and even an internationally acclaimed opera!
The shop faced increased costs during the pandemic, as paid staff were hired to carry out the work that its volunteer base couldn't do - they were locked down and unable to help. Costs remained high and, combined with significantly higher food and energy costs, the shop is finding it difficult to find the funds to restock.
An Action Group was formed and its first task was to galvanize residents and holiday homeowners in the village and to survey their views. The result was a clear desire to keep the shop open. An action plan was constructed to reduce overheads, increase sales, review product lines and form a support group - the LOLS - Lovers of Longborough Shop.
The village stepped up, with increased sales and a healthy number of volunteers. Now the shop needs a 'fighting fund' to enable it to restock and make it the vibrant hub of the community that it once was.
Please help us save this important village 'crown jewel".
This project successfully funded on 1st July 2023