Left to right, we have Astrid Matts, Sarah Beebee and Sophie Welch: three strong, professional women who will bring fresh energy and insight to the running of the cooperative. “I think the shop is a real asset to the village,” says Astrid, a retired physiotherapist who has lived in Ilmington for 30 years and whose children once attended the primary school. “Being on the committee is a way of getting involved and putting something back.” Sarah has lived here for six years. Her four children have flown the nest and she can be seen on an early morning shop shift with husband Rob. “I’ve made cakes for the café and done different shifts over the years,” she says. “The shop is so valuable – if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it!” Sophie arrived in Ilmington eight years ago as a single mum of three. She’s since remarried and put down roots, running the marketing and branding company “By Nine” in Ilmington with husband Wilf. “We are here for the duration,” says Sophie. “We use the shop, we come to the events and we said ‘we really need to step up now’.” We love that Astrid, Sarah and Sophie have stepped up and look forward to working with them in the months and years to come
