After six years of planning and fundraising, Farmborough Community Shop is finally set to open its doors for the first time on Saturday, 30th June at 10 a.m.

As this is a community shop, the manager, Chris Bullock, will be running it alongside volunteers from the local area, to support the village of Farmborough and surrounding communities by providing groceries and local produce; a coffee shop and takeaway; plus, a village hub and meeting space.

Local products will be lining the shelves, alongside brand-name favourites and basic essentials, in order to set it apart. Local producers already confirmed to supply the shop include Tunley Farm Butchers, Willow Farm Gourmet, Timmy’s Chillies, and Maisey’s Bakery, whose bread has been much missed in the village since the bakery moved from Farmborough to Radstock in 2012.

There will be a small coffee shop space serving real coffee; a range of teas and soft drinks, plus locally-produced cakes, pastries and other treats during opening hours. This space will additionally serve as an impromptu meeting place and hub for the village, allowing an opportunity to meet up with old and new friends alike.

A garden party to celebrate this new venture is planned to take place at the shop and village hall on Sunday, 15th July from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., including the official grand opening ceremony, Bath Spa Silver Band, drinks and cakes, and an opportunity to buy some local produce from the shop itself.

Provisional opening hours will be Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is hoped to extend the weekday opening hours and also open on Sundays in the future if more volunteers come forward.

Contact Chris Bullock on: 01761 471811 or by email: [email protected] for more details of how to get involved.

Locals are being asked to support the shop, with any excess money intended for community distribution. The aim is also to help disadvantaged and isolated people within the community which it serves.