Irene and Liz, Marion and Michele, Debbie and Sue all brought some handiwork along to the café, where a space was set aside for knitting, nattering, sewing and the sipping of tea. “We want to create community activities here at the shop and café,” says manager Michele Hall. “Our cooperative is owned by local people […]

Are you watching Wimbledon or Wembley, rooting for England, Andy Murray, or both? Whoever’s got control of your remote control, we are ready to supply the armchair refreshments here at Ilmington Community Shop. We’ve got the beer, crisps and squash, the pizza and ice cream. Come to us for Pimm’s and local strawberries, or mix […]

you might cynically presume that it’s factory-made and promoted by a clever marketing team. But Maggie Sorensen, who supplies jam, chutney and marmalade to Ilmington Community Shop, is no marketing ploy: she makes her own wares in her own kitchen with her very own partner Harry Robertson. “We live in sin in Chipping Norton,” she […]