History

The project to preserve a shop in Strood Green began in 2005 when the then shop-owners closed the sub-post office in the shop, at which stage a campaign was started and a committee was formed to try to buy the premises. Unfortunately, despite raising over £60,000 in shares and private loans, plus securing potential grant money, the community's offer to purchase was turned down. The money was returned to all the residents and the project was suspended. The shop closed down, and was boarded up for a couple of years.

In January 2008, unexpectedly,  the new owner of the shop offered the premises to the community for a peppercorn rent. Some of the original committee (devils for punishment!) dusted down the files, registered the Strood Green Shop Association (an Industrial and Provident Society for the Benefit of the Community), and began knocking on doors. With the help of the Plunkett Foundation, Surrey Community Action, local businesses and organisations and a large team of helpers, by October 2008 nearly £80,000 had been raised in grants, donations, share sales (there are now over 430 shareholders in the community), and a loan, enabling Strood Green Shop Association to start renovations to a very dilapidated shop unit. 

 

Over the winter of 2008/9 the shop was 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 was (at 8 years old) our youngest
volunteer, and was very handy with a paintbrush!

Contributors

Reaching our target of £80,000 within eight months represents a lot of hard work from a large number of individuals. There were generous donations from several village organizations and local companies, and we were fortunately able to raise nearly £50,000 in grants, small and large.

Once the funds were raised, the building work began and this time many individuals, companies and organizations contributed with labour, equipment, favourable rates, and their expertise. The last few days saw a mad dash to the finish line of 21st March 2009, with all hands on deck! Teams of people helped with the final painting, shelf-stacking and last-minute preparations for the big day.

There were so many who contributed their time, talents and energy, as well as the shareholders who in many cases added donations to their share fees, that we can't possibly list them all here. However, without those individuals the project wouldn't have gone ahead - so it's one big THANKYOU to you all! 

Our thanks also go to: Plunkett Foundation (ViRSA CORE programme);   Co-op and Community Finance (ViRSA CORE programme);  SEEDA Rural Access to Services Programme;  O2 It's Your Community Awards;  Gatwick Airport Community Fund;  One-Stop Stores, with special thanks to Paul Wilson;  Brockham Vicarage Fund;  Brockham Parish Council;  Brockham Good Companions;  Brockham Women's Institute;  Leigh Residents Association;  Sidney Michael Poland Trust;  Surrey Community Action;  Alan Wyle, Village Shop Adviser;  Ascend Internet Ltd;  Betchworth Electrical Contractors Ltd;  Chalkhill Systems;  Midmar Energy;  One-Stop Joinery;  Premier Carpentry;  Surrey Blinds and Awnings;  Surrey Stained Glass;   Unum Ltd.  Last but not least, we are truly indebted to our landlord John Butcher who made all things possible.