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We’ve done it again. For the second year running Humshaugh Village Shop is a North East Champion in the Countryside Alliance Awards. On March 7th we’re off to London to take on nine other contenders for the National Title in the Village Shop/Post Office category. The regional winners were announced today (January 27th) and this is what the judges had to say:
The Daily Telegraph Village Shop/Post Office category North East Champion: Humshaugh Village Shop, Humshaugh, Hexham, Northumberland
“This shop won last year and is still pushing the boundaries of what a community enterprise can do. There are plans afoot to buy an orchard and some beehives in order to supply the village with apple juice, cider and honey, meaning food yards not food miles. Humshaugh is exceptionally community minded – I don’t know of another shop which uses its profits to give direct support to local groups and projects – the pre-school, the village youth theatre group and a local wildlife project have all benefited from this innovative approach. The team at Humshaugh has only been in charge since November 2009 but has already made a huge difference to the village – what a wonderful shop.”
Highly Commended: Belsay Village Shop, Belsay, Northumberland.
You can find out more on the Countryside Alliance’s website.
WE’RE OVER THE MOON
The shop sells morning papers and magazines, confectionery and groceries including fresh vegetables, milk and bread. It had a major refit in May-June 2010 which has transformed it into a bright and cheerful self-service store. There are improved facilities including extra fridge and freezer capacity and a bread oven capable of producing everything from croissants to baguettes. The shop will also be stocking more local produce and encouraging keen gardeners to grow a crop for the shop.
Humshaugh Shop is run by the nine volunteer directors of Humshaugh Community Ventures Limited and an army of enthusiastic villagers, who work behind the counter, collect supplies or help in whatever way they can.
The shop has won the 2010 Pride in Tynedale main award as well as the award for the community category. It was also the proud winner of the Countryside Alliance’s Best North East Village Shop/Post Office Award. In 2009 the shop was commended in the retail category of the Pride in Tynedale Awards.
For more information on this amazing story of community spirit winning through read our “Background Story” . Alternatively pop into the shop and buy a copy of “Humshaugh Village Shop – the DVD” for just £5.99. The film, which is nearly 20 minutes long, tells the story of how a desperate fight to save the village’s post office produced an award winning village shop. The DVD also includes the 5 minute fundraising video which features on this website.
8 Responses to “Home”
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Steve and all at the shop
Jolly good effort and so sorry you were pipped at the post, but what a great experience and a morale boost for everyone. More power to everyone’s collective elbows!
Lesley. As you can now see on the home page and in the latest post “It wasn’t us”. We’ve been waiting for the all clear from the Awards organisers before we made an announcement.
The results are out today for the contestants – have you made it to the final?
Delighted to see where my great, great grandparents come from. Vote added. But now would like to get one of those bags?
I was about to leave my vote to the Bowes museum but decided to take a look at other worthy causes in the North. My grandfather was head gardener at Walwick Hall in the 1940′s and my father was brought up in Humshaugh. I have very fond memories of your village and of Allendale where my grandmother came from. I now live in Devon but visit your village whenever I am up in Northumberland. My vote goes to you…..good luck……
Ken Armstrong
Several years ago, while an American guest of Nick and Liz Hayward, I visited the village post office, now the village shop. The amount of time and effort that went into the conversion is impressive and your award is greatly deserved. I hope to someday return for a morning of shopping and conversation in your charming shop. Congratulations for your well displayed sense of local history and community spirit!
I was fortunate enough to meet the friendly staff at Humshaugh village shop at Christmas time as I rushed out for last minute presents. Mr Gilmour was particularly helpful in suggesting which chocolates were the best value for money. I also bought some great honey! Good luck to you all and I wil be back!
Saving the Humshaugh village shop from closure can only be described as a fantastic
achievement and shows just what can be done if communities like this actually care
about their community and do something about it.
Let this fine example of community togetherness be an example for others to follow.
The very best of luck and congratulations to all those who have made this happen.