Farmborough Community Shop welcomed over 200 members of the local community to its official opening on one of the summer’s hottest days on Sunday, 15th July. Visitors were greeted with a free glass of bubbly pink cider on arrival, before gathering for the ceremony.

Mark Swabey, Chairman to the Farmborough Community Shop Management Committee, gave some background to the project, and also thanked the committee, volunteers, funders and investors, and the residents now making use of the shop. A dedication was also made to Val Hart, one of the four original founding members of the committee who passed away in 2013; a bench plaque commemorates her involvement.

Sally Davis (Memorial Hall Chair and Ward Councillor), Martin Carter (Parish Council Chair) and Preb. Jan Knott (All Saints Church) were then invited to say a few words before the shop was officially opened by one of the eldest (Patience Barnes) and some of the youngest members of Farmborough’s community, including resident ‘Royal’, Nola Francis, who had dressed up in her best blue dress for the occasion.

Following the ceremony, many visitors took the opportunity to browse the shop, some for the first time, including the shop’s ambassador, Anthony Head, who enjoyed sampling the produce on offer, as well as giving the coffee shop his seal of approval. The shop now holds a premises license, so alongside the general groceries and local produce, local ciders, beers, and spirits were also on offer, including a silver award-winning pink gin and a triple-distilled version of the local Oozles gin, that is only available from Farmborough Community Shop.

The afternoon continued with live music from the Bath Spa Silver Band, who set up in a shady spot in the Memorial Hall garden, while visitors enjoyed tea, coffee and cakes and caught up with friends and neighbours. It was a memorable day that marked the opening of a new beginning for Farmborough.

Mark Swabey, Chairman, said: “We look forward to the shop supporting the community, as the community supports the shop, so that everyone enjoys shopping here, the social interactions, and the satisfaction of making our village work as a vibrant community.”