Shop Newsletter September 2025
For those of you visiting the Shop recently, you may have noticed some changes. In the last few weeks, we have been busy brightening up the interior of the Shop – see the image below. The redecoration of the Shop units went remarkably smoothly over three Saturdays. We hope that you like the colour and fresh look. In fairness to the old paint, it was much brighter when first applied in 2011 on the Shop moving to its current location in the Old Baptist Chapel but like so many things in life, time has taken its toll!
Huge thanks to the band of volunteer decorators for giving their time and ensuring that the redecoration was completed without any interference to trading.
As part of the redecoration, we decided to dispense with the plastic pricing strips on the front of the units to provide a cleaner and more streamlined appearance. As a result, items will be individually marked or prices will be displayed on small chalk boards. However, if we have missed any items and you are unsure of the prices, please ask.
We intend displaying images of Headley and Ashford Hill, in times past, using photos/images, blown up and placed on the Shop walls at high level. If you have any photographs that you think might be suitable and of historic interest, please bring them along to the Shop where we can take screenshots before returning them to you.
The last three months have seen steady trading in the Shop, very much in line with the previous year but our footfall continues to fall, currently by 2.5% year on year. We really need to raise the number of customers visiting the Shop and each member of the community can play a part. Our customers spend on average less than £9 per visit but there is no upper limit!
For our part, we repeat the offer made on previous occasions that we will deliver free of charge any orders over £20 within a five mile radius of the Shop. This would include Ecchinswell through to Brimpton as well as Kingsclere, Plastow Green and, of course, Ashford Hill and Headley. Orders can be placed by phone (01635 268849) with our supervisors Kerina and Sandra or by email (headleyshop@hotmail.co.uk).
This newsletter would not be complete without mentioning the sad loss of Graham Stewart who was a great supporter, benefactor and member of the Management Committee. We are already missing his support, calming influence and wise counsel. On a practical level, Penny has agreed to assume responsibility for ordering fish from our suppliers Coopers. Contact the shop in the first instance and next day delivery is often available.
The Management Committee