THE first anniversary of the Bere Ferrers Community Shop and Café was celebrated in style on Saturday. The shop and café, which were set up by and are run and organised by villagers following the closure of the local shop, have been a great success and are held in the Church Hall every Saturday morning from 10am to noon. Bunting decked the hall and charged glasses were raised to celebrate the anniversary and the 81st birthday of the Queen. Cllr Christine Grills, who herself sells her free range eggs at the shop, thanked everyone who had supported the project. In addition to the seven regular stallholders, who offer goods ranging from Traidcraft, vegetables and cakes to an ordering service for meat and bakery goods, there are also seasonal stalls. The cafe has had a £3,000 turnover, loans have been repaid and profits ploughed back into the project. There has been an approximate turnover of £15,000 during the year, proving the need for the facility in the village.
