The Abbotts Ann village Shop is run by the community for the community and any profits are returned into investment in the shop and other community projects, so the shop actually runs on a not for profit basis.  The shop is managed by a team of two: Manager Judeth Dashwood and Deputy Manager Beverley Banks, and operated by an army of volunteers resident in the village.  The post Office is run by Sub Post Mistress Maureen Flood and her team.

Award-winning Abbotts Ann Village Shop, set in the heart of the village, is owned by the village and staffed by volunteers with the help of Judeth and Beverley, our managers. So if you’re looking for top quality local meat and cheese, Charcuterie,  homemade pies, flans and cakes, a bottle of wine, or the freshest warm croissants with a cup of coffee, then the Abbotts Ann Village Shop is the place to come. You can also pre-order your newspapers and simply come in and collect them. In addition, we stock fresh fruit and vegetables which are delivered daily.

When my wife Veronica and I first visited Abbotts Ann last July, I’m sure we weren’t the first people to fall in love with the shop before even seeing the house we ended up moving into in October – in our case 3, The Old Bakery on Dunkirt Lane. Enjoying delicious coffees served by the friendly volunteers, we decided that this was the village for us.

Having seen the shop in operation over the subsequent months, it’s even more clear what a jewel it is, in so many ways. What struck me most was how vital it is in providing company and companionship for people who just want to come and spend some time there, helping to combat the threat of loneliness and isolation.

My dad played a major part in setting up one of the pioneering community village shops (which is still thriving today), in South Harting, the other side of Petersfield, back in the 1990s, so I have always had a strong affinity for the idea.

To give some background on my past experience: In west London, where we lived previously, I was for many years Chair of The Upper Room, a charity that feeds around 40,000 meals every year to the homeless and disadvantaged, provides employment advice, and runs a pioneering project that helps ex-prisoners and young people who are at risk of offending to get a driving licence, leading to work opportunities and reducing re-offending.

In a somewhat different field, I was also Chair of Ealing Croquet Club for a number of years. Both these charities rely heavily on volunteers, so I am well aware of the vital role they play.

I very much look forward to helping the shop and Post Office continue their brilliant work, and to co-operating with the many other splendid community organisations.
Finally, a reminder that our AGM is on Tuesday 14th July at 7pm at the War Memorial Hall. It would be great to see you there.  Simon Tuke, Interim Chair

Why not come into the shop and enjoy a coffee and chat while browsing our extensive and changing range of high quality goods. Or you may instead want do some browsing using your laptop or phone, well no problem with the shops FREE Wi-Fi

Perhaps also take the opportunity to become “Friends of the Village Shop” which is just £15 per year. For more details contact Paula using the “Contact Us” form