Weald Community Shop managers happy to continue in their roles after volunteers step forward to help

Several weeks ago, Ian Walker and Karen Elsom held a meeting to update villagers about the health and the future direction of Weald’s Community Shop and their positions as managers.

Thanks to several new volunteers, Ian and Karen, who were considering giving up their positions, have decided to stay on in their roles.

Ian said: “Three months ago, on the occasion of the shop’s second anniversary, Karen and I announced that we wanted to be in a position to step down from playing an active role in the running of the shop and that we were seeking others, who were willing to take on the day to day operational responsibilities that keep the shop running efficiently and successfully.

“Within two days of making that announcement, we had pledges from a select group of volunteers to take on most of what we had been doing, up until then. Within two weeks of the announcement two more volunteers came forward and took on the job of placing daily orders with our suppliers. This meant that every task that we wished to pass on has been willingly accepted and is now taken care of by others. This was as much as we could have wished and more than we dared to hope for.

“With the majority of the day to day tasks, in the very capable hands of others, the world started to look a little different to Karen and I and, although we talked of completely stepping down, the truth is, we really love being involved with everyone, volunteers, customers and supporters alike and would like to continue to be part of the present and future of the shop.

“I’m pleased to let you know that Karen has agreed to remain as Shop Manager; she will be more involved in looking to the future and, amongst other things developing our range of products, supporting the growing importance of locally and ethically sourced items, as much as is possible. I would like to continue to develop the infrastructure of the shop itself, for example, we now have air conditioning, to keep the shop cool in summer and warm in winter.

“We will be increasing the amount of shelving for products and thanks to grants awarded from Kent County Council, through the efforts of the Parish Council and our local County Councillor, Peter Lake, we will be developing the outside area at the front of the shop, to include more permanent seating on a level surface, as well as install a gate to the left-hand side of the outside of the premises, to screen the side passageways and improve security and also to enhance our storage at the rear of the shop.

“We would both like to work on ideas to introduce activities to keep the shop busier on quieter mornings We are hugely grateful to those who have stepped forward, and for everyone else who continues to give their time, energy and support to the shop and we hope that you are happy that we have decided to continue.”

DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES

Thursday 28 November: ‘Soup & Scrabble’ in the Memorial Hall from noon

– 2.30pm.

Junior Film Club at St George’s Church from 5pm – 6.45pm. Film ‘Peter Rabbit’

Friday 29 November: ‘Teddy’s’ (for mothers/carers with babies and

toddlers) in the Church Rooms from 09.15am – 10.45am

Sunday 1 December: First illumination of Weald Living Advent calendar

at 6.30pm.

Monday 2 December: CAMEO Christmas lunch, 12.30pm at The Windmill Pub

Tuesday 3 December: ‘Sew and Company’: Memorial Hall 12.45pm – 2.45pm

Wednesday 4 December: Women of Weald (WOW) Christmas Party in the Memorial Hall from

2.15pm.

Friday 6 December: ‘Teddy’s’ (for mothers/carers with babies and

toddlers) in the Church Rooms from 9.15am – 10.45am

WHS children’s workshop at 1.30pm

Saturday 7 December: Village walk departing 9.45pm from the Memorial

Hall

WHS Christmas Show at 3pm in the Memorial Hall

Monday 9 December: CAMEO Cakes and Carols in the Church Hall.

Friday 13 December: ‘Teddy’s’ Christmas special (for mothers/carers with

babies and toddlers) in the Church Rooms from 9.15am – 10.45am

Saturday 14 December: Christmas wreath workshop at Riverhill Gardens with Carol Bain 9.30am -1.30pm.

Sunday 15 December: Christmas wreath workshop at Riverhill Gardens with Carol Bain 9.30am -1.30pm.

Wednesday 18 December: Weald Parish Council meeting in the Memorial Hall

at 7pm (please note change of time)

Children break up from school for the Christmas holidays

Sunday 22 December: Carol Service at St George’s Church.

The Weald Village news is compiled by Susan Gidman. If you have any news or events you would like her to consider for the village column you can call her on 01732 454222 or email: newwealdnews@outlook.com