Welcome to The Shop at Strood Green!
The Shop at Strood Green is a community shop organised and financed by the community of Strood Green, Betchworth, Surrey. The project has had a long and chequered history, spanning over four years, but the really hard work started in February 2008. By October 2008, nearly £80,000 had been raised in grants, donations, share sales, and loans, enabling the Strood Green Shop Association to start renovations to a very dilapidated shop unit.
Over the winter the shop has been transformed. It now has up-to-date electrics, security, IT facilities, air conditioning and lighting, but thanks to a rather eclectic mix of old wooden shelving and some standard shelving obtained from Woolworths' demise, has a unique and comfortable atmosphere. On 21st March 2009, the red ribbon was cut by one of Strood Green's older residents, John Beaven, along with Toby Songhurst, who is (at 8 years old) our youngest volunteer and regularly helps with price-gunning and shelf-stacking!
Right from the start, the shop has surpassed all expectations. And it's not just the shop that is thriving - the little cafe area at the back of the shop has also taken off, with people already popping in regularly for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat.
CUTTING THE RIBBON,
21st MARCH 2009
The shop sells newspapers, magazines, dairy and regular groceries alongside a good range of locally sourced products: jams, chutneys, cheeses, butters, icecream, sausages and bacon, homemade cakes, local seasonal vegetables, pies, pastries. We have OVER 20 local suppliers! Sandwiches are made on site, plus we offer a bakery - fresh bread and croissants are baked on site every day.
We are launching an innovative scheme called CROP FOR THE SHOP - which encourages the local residents to grow specifically for the shop. If you come to the shop at the moment you will find locally grown gooseberries, redcurrants, fresh lettuce, new potatoes - whatever is in season - and it couldn't be fresher or more local!
We have two internet terminals for public use, and a public photocopier/printer, plus free WiFi. The shop has its own Post Point, which enables residents to send letters and parcels nationally and internationally, with special delivery and recorded delivery available. A Paypoint terminal allows household and general bills to be paid for by cash, as well as mobile phone e-top-ups and the London congestion charge. The shop also offers cashback. A paperback library is situated in the cafe and is free of charge. The cafe can also be used for meetings by any community group.
For detailed information about how the project was planned, have a look at Our Aims.
Come and visit us at 1 Tynedale Road, Strood Green, Betchworth, Surrey RH3 7JD.
RING THE SHOP ON 01737 843965. Managers Jane Holmes and Christine Nolan are always happy to hear from you. We take orders for cakes, bread, sandwiches and flowers, and will soon be launching our home delivery service for general groceries and fresh produce. If you wish to contact the Management Committee, please ring the Shop and they will refer you to the Chair or Secretary.