Farmborough Community Shop

Supporting our village and local community

Chris Bullock named finalist in national awards

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Chris Bullock, manager of Farmborough Community Shop, with wife Natalie, get juicing at the Big Family Apple Day 2019

Chris Bullock, manager of Farmborough Community Shop, has been named as one of the finalists in a national award to recognise some of the most inspiring community businesses in the UK.

Our voluntary-run, community-owned business, which opened its doors for the first time on Saturday 30 June 2018 after 6 years of planning and fundraising, offers a range of staples, alongside unique local products and gifts, as well as providing a space/hub for local people to meet over fresh coffee, tea and handmade cake.

Chris’ work in managing the shop is now being recognised by national charity the Plunkett Foundation – an organisation which supports rural communities across the UK to tackle the issues they face through community business. Chris is one of three finalists in the People’s Choice Award which recognises an outstanding individual who has contributed so much to their community business. The award is sponsored by Hastoe Housing Association.

Sam Ross, Company Secretary for Farmborough Community Shop, said: “Chris’ commitment to the shop is continuing to bring in new customers and new volunteers. His keen eye on the health of the business also helps the shop committee to prioritise initiatives that allow our business to grow as well as support our local community.

“Our shop is still learning to find its feet, but Chris’ enthusiasm and ability to adapt to change cannot be underestimated in these early stages of our business. The committee is indebted to Chris for his unfailing support in helping us to achieve the dream that was so long in the making. We are proud that he has been a crucial part of our early success and would like to recognise him for his important part in this, which has changed our village for the better.”

Twenty-one community businesses across the UK have been shortlisted for the 2019 Rural Community Business Awards. Finalists range from farms and pubs to cafés, shops and a woodland.

The awards are sponsored by Hastoe Housing Association, who specialise in providing sustainable, affordable homes to enable local people to remain within their communities and are being presented in partnership with Power to Change – the independent trust that supports community businesses in England – and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation which supports organisations that are building an inclusive, creative and sustainable society.

The awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday 27 November at Burlington House in London.

Winners will take away a cheque for £250.

Find out more about the finalists: https://plunkett.co.uk/awards-2019-finalists/

Find out more about the awards: https://plunkett.co.uk/awards/

Come Wine With Us!

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Head on down to Farmborough Community Shop for a fun wine tasting evening where we will be pitting reds against whites to see who comes out on top!

We will be introducing the world’s first ‘Wine Swingometer’ to gather opinions and display the final result, as well as debating the burning questions of our time:

– what colour does Farmborough prefer – red or white?

– what three words describe each of the six wine candidates? and

– who will win the final vote to become PW (Prime Wine)?

‘Come Wine With Us’, Thursday 14 November from 6.30pm!

Cost to sample all 6 wines – £3.50, subsequent glasses of wine £3.50 each. Bottles of wine will also be available to purchase, along with any items available in the shop.

Pig ‘n’ Perry Sausage Sizzle 2019

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Join us for our fourth Community BBQ and Family Fun Day on Saturday 3 August from 3pm-7pm at The Rec in celebration of our first year.

Locally made sausage or burger in a bun, onions, sauce/chilli marmalade, and either cider, perry, or soft drink. Meal deals, plus kids, family and vegetarian options available.

Local suppliers: Sausages – Willow Farm Gourmet; Burgers – Tunley Farm Butchers; Bread – Maisey’s Bakery; Perry/Cider – The Tiny Welly Boot Vineyard; Chilli Marmalades – Timmy’s Chillies.

This is an opportunity to get to know your neighbours and make new friends with lots of family games to play, including Skittles, Giant Connect Four, Giant Twister, Splat the Rat, Coconut Shy, Egg Throwing Competition plus a raffle! Download and share the poster: Pig ‘n’ Perry Sausage Sizzle

Please note that we will be sharing The Rec with the cricketers again this year, so attendees must keep dogs on a lead and also respect the boundary of the cricket pitch.