Ilmington is a very special village and our Community Shop – as we are sure you know – is no ordinary convenience store! We are run as a cooperative, existing for the benefit of the community as a whole, and we have around 400 owner-members. So why not join us? This week and next, you have the chance to become an owner in a thriving community business, with a minimum investment of £10. You don’t even have to live in Ilmington to get involved: meet Jane and Charles Williams from Armscote, two of our newest members. (Along with Sidney, the four-year-old Jack Russell, who might have honorary member status. We’d need to check his paperwork.) “This is the first time we have belonged to a cooperative,” says Jane. She and Charles, who are in their 70s, both worked as volunteers behind the counter before the pandemic. Jane, who has returned following her COVID 19 jab, says the shop has provided a lifeline. “It’s an extremely well-stocked shop,” she says. “We’ve used it a lot during lockdown and I think people will continue to use it now. It’s a different way to do your shopping. I also think Michele, our manager, is excellent! She’s got time for everyone and is a seriously hard worker. She’s an amazing lady.” To invest in Michele, the whole volunteer team and an inspirational community venture, go to www.ilmingtonshop.co.uk and download an application form. Our share offer runs until Friday 19th March. As Jane says, “it’s a great way to support the community.”
