THE community shop/café in Bere Ferrers celebrated its 10th birthday last Saturday with a party attended by many regular shoppers.

When the only shop in Bere Ferrers closed in 2006, a group of concerned villagers decided to open a community shop which would also sell refreshments.  It would provide goods which the villagers required and also offer a place to meet neighbours over a friendly cup of tea or coffee.

The venture was an immediate success and has been open one day a week since its inception with a band of volunteers to help.

The Community Shop and Café has donated money to many organisations in Bere Ferrers and also given to Red Nose Day and Children in Need.

The inclusion of so many volunteers in café teams and the popularity of the shop/café has encouraged a real community spirit on the Bere Peninsula. This has been recognised by the award to the shop/café of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, an award which is equivalent to an MBE and was presented to the shop/café by the Lord Lieutenant of Devon in 2012

The birthday cake was cut by Christine Grills, resident of Bere Ferrers and a former mayor of West Devon, assisted by Geoffrey Cox MP.

Picture by James Bird