August 2026 update

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It’s been another busy month at the village shop, and we’ve got plenty of news to share.

We’re delighted to say that our new freezers have arrived, thanks to a generous grant from Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC). They’re already proving very useful and will allow us to keep expanding the range of frozen goods available in the shop, as well as being more energy-efficient, so cutting our electricity bill.

We’re also pleased to report that the shop awning has been repaired and is now safely back up—just in time for us to enjoy a little less sunshine! After what feels like an endless heatwave, we’re hoping the worst of the hot weather is finally behind us. We hope you either enjoyed it or simply survived it, and we’re sure the gardens, fields and animals will be very grateful for some good old-fashioned English rain.

A huge thank you also goes to Ethan, our recent work experience student, who has been an absolute star and a huge help around the shop. We’ve really enjoyed having him with us and wish him all the best for the future.

With the village fete just around the corner, we have free flour available at the shop for anyone who would like to bake a cake for the fete. So, dust off those mixing bowls and get baking!

We’re also collecting bottles on behalf of the village fete for the bottle stall. If you have any unwanted bottles at home, please bring them along to the shop and help us fill the stall.

Finally, we have fete raffle tickets for sale in the shop.

And if you’d like to volunteer at the shop, please speak to Bev or Wendy—extra pairs of hands are always very welcome.

As always, thank you for your continued support of our little village shop—we couldn’t do it without you!

July 2026 Shop Update

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Quite understandably, you may well think that supporting the shop means paying a premium price. In fact, whilst we do stock plenty of items that fall under the treat category, you’ll also find lots of very competitive offerings.

So in the freezer cabinet, for example, alongside our popular By Ruby range of ready meals you’ll find inexpensive cottage pies, fish fingers and chips, to name just a few. Plus frozen pizzas for under £3 (we’re trying out different brands to find one that hits the sweet spot of taste and price).

In the fridge, as well as Chalkstream trout and local cooked meats, there are two shop-baked sausage rolls for a pound. Also freshly baked every day are our almond and plain croissants (the latter costing just £1.05), pains au chocolat and baguettes.

We have a good selection of wines for under a tenner, and half a dozen eggs will set you back just £1.88.

With plenty more warm weather on the way (we hope), our well-stocked ice cream chest contains plenty of popular treasures, that can be washed down with a soft drink from the fridge. Last but by no means least, the coffee from our new machine is gaining a growing reputation.

In summary, with the cost of living continuing to rise, we always strive to deliver value for money, and to strike a balance with the products we carry, making the best possible use of our finite shelf space. And with petrol prices soaring, choosing us over a drive to a big supermarket can save you more than just time.

If there’s anything new you’d like us to stock, do let us know. We’ll never use that tired old cliché “There’s no call for it”, because if you’re asking for it, then clearly there is!

Our awning has now been put back in position, with some stronger brackets attaching it to the wall.

Finally, we were terribly sad to hear of the passing of our dear friend Anne Kelly. Anne had been a shop volunteer for many years, with Sunday mornings her particular domain, that she ruled with great efficiency, dedication and friendliness. Our sincere condolences to Anne’s family.

The Shop Team