March 2010 – Public meeting in Bray to see if there is enough interest in trying to open a community shop – over 90 people attended showing enough support to continue with research.
April/May 2010 – Questionnaire sent to all villagers to obtain projected shop usage and requirements
September 2010 – Steering group set up – officers elected and given responsibilities
November 2010 – First round of funding applied for with guidance and support from the Plunkett Foundation
November 2010 – Support and agreement from Parish Council to grant us a lease at peppercorn rent
January 2011 – Architect chosen and instructions given
February 2011 – Meeting with architect giving first draft of plans
March 2011 – Public meeting in Bray to show villagers plans
119 people attended 45 comment sheets – all positive
March 2011 – Revised plans drawn up after analysis of comments from villagers at public meeting
March 2011 – Funding granted by East Cornwall Local Action Group to cover costs of Parish Council solicitor fees, architect fees and planning application.
April 2011 – First fundraiser – Quiz and live band in the Bray
May 2011 – Ongoing discussions with Parish Council solicitors. Work starting on business plan for main funding bid
June 2011– Bingo Night in the Bullers
June 2011 – Plans submitted to Cornwall Council to obtain planning permission
– Application sent to become an Independent Provident Society (agreed)
August 2011 – Stand at Revel to keep villagers updated on shop plans
August 2011 – Meeting with architect – Planning application withdrawn whilst planning issues with the Conservation Officer resolved
August 2011 – Organisation now known as Marhamchurch Village Shop.
September 2011 – Revised drawings to be shown to Conservation Officer before re-submitting plans.
October 2011 – Website set up to keep villagers informed.
November 2011 – Plans agreed by Conservation Officer.
December 2011 – Plans resubmitted for planning.
January 2012 - Parish Council passed shop plans. Tender advertised – end of month deadline. £20,000 needs to be raised by village.
January 2012 – Children from Marhamchurch School drew a logo for the new shop The winning drawing upon which the logo will be based was drawn by Jade Aston and this was chosen as we thought that it represented what the shop will mean to the village. Her original drawing will be displayed in the shop once opened.
6th February 2012 – PLANNING GRANTED
February 2012 – Over 90 villagers attended a public meeting in the Bray where the Community Share Issue and virtual ‘Bricks’ were launched to raise some of the funds needed. Shares are being issued at £10 each and bricks are £5 each.
December 2014 - The temporary Village Shop is opened in the Bray Institute.
15th April 2019 - Our brand new shop is open for business!
4th May 2019 - The Official Opening!
The time-honoured ribbon cutting ceremony was ably performed by our local ‘celebrity’ Bobbie Heathcote, who in her previous role as Clerk to the Parish Council has been a steadfast and guiding light through the many complications along the way. The ribbon was held by representatives of the Marhamchurch C of E Primary School Council, and the entrance was festooned with colourfully painted bunting made by all the pupils. We had a superb turnout of local residents along with the many guests who had supported the project in various important ways along our journey. In his opening speech our Chairman, Peter Hillenbrand, gave heartfelt thanks to all of those organisations and the numerous individuals who have been instrumental in the success of the project. Marhamchurch can certainly be proud to have such a superb new shop, initiated and run by the community for the community. Our spacious new premises has been an instant hit with everyone since we opened our doors on the 15th April. With a vastly increased turnover, a much wider range of stock at competitive prices and many more customers coming in from near and far, the signs certainly look good! What we do need now are many more people to start using the shop regularly, even if it is just for a small purchase; in this way we can ensure our future success. Once more we would like to appeal for more volunteers to help in running the shop, even if it’s just an occasional session when the time suits you – please think about it and pop in for a chat. The more volunteers we have, the more hours we can stay open, such as lunchtimes and evenings, which will provide an even better service to the village.