We are a convenience store and
social hub for the benefit of Otterton Village, its
visitors and the wider community.
It is a Community Benefit Enterprise run on a 'not for
profit' basis to achieve sufficient surplus to ensure the
sustainability of the shop and when possible, financially
support other local community projects.
It is run by a Management Committee with the aid of a
dedicated team of volunteers and a part-time salaried
manager responsible for the day to day trading activities
of the shop.
We support local producers and the rural economy by
providing an outlet for fresh and processed produce.
We promote healthier options whilst increasing the range
and quality of the products on offer.
Our accessibility is of particular benefit to less mobile
customers whilst shopping locally has a positive
environmental impact by reducing vehicle journeys and food
miles.
The
original team
How it all came about
Plans for the establishment of a Community Shop
date from 2011 when Viv Price and John Edmonds, then
Chairman of the Parish Council, collaborated to see if
such a project was feasible. A survey was undertaken in
2012 which showed overwhelming support; 55 villagers
offered to help in the shop, 80 offered to purchase £50
bonds and 28 offered to provide specialist help. A
management committee was then formed.
Various
locations for the shop were investigated that included
locating a portacabin in the car park of the King’s Arms
PH and even operating within the Church as part of a
community centre, but neither were considered suitable.
So when the Snooker Club offered the Committee use of
their clubroom within the Village Hall, the proposal was
accepted. Negotiations took place, planning consent
obtained and a lease eventually signed on 15 September
2014. Work to refurbish the snooker room began in late
September was completed in late November. The Otterton
Community Shop opened for trading on 1st December 2014.
Throughout this period, villagers, volunteers and the
Management Committee members raised funds to cover the
start-up costs. The Village and members of the
Management Committee are extremely grateful to the
following people and organisations who gave or raised
funds to establish the Shop:
⚬ Big Lottery Fund
⚬ Devon County Council
⚬ East Devon AONB
Sustainable Development Fund.
⚬ East Devon District
Council
⚬ Exmouth Rotary Club
⚬ Ladram Bay Holiday
Park
⚬ Norman Family
Charitable Trust
⚬ Otterton Community
Shop Shareholders
⚬ Otterton Parish
Council
⚬ Otterton Village Hall
Committee
⚬ Plunkett Foundation
⚬ Western Power
Over £14,000 was raised
through events and the purchase of shares in the
Community Shop. There are now over 120 shareholders each
with a minimum of one £10 share.
In addition, the OCS Management Committee received
advice and support from the Plunkett Foundation and from
other established community shops, in particular, those
in East Budleigh, Ilsington, Ide and Plymtree. In total,
£43,000 was raised to get the project underway.
We are a convenience store and
social hub for the benefit of Otterton Village, its
visitors and the wider community.