BERE Ferrers villagers have rallied to provide somewhere to purchase provisions following the closure of the village shop. Residents met to discuss the possibility of a community shop after it was learnt that the existing shop at The Lanterna was to close following the sale of the property. The village was to be left with just a Post Office which is open mornings, but which only sells newspapers and some items of stationery. A questionnaire was circulated, which brought support for a community shop and offers of help. As a result, there will be a weekly mini-market on Saturdays, starting on April 22. Initially there will be stalls selling home-made provisions, vegetables, herbs, cakes, gifts and cards, Fairtrade goods and bric-a-brac. Downing, the butcher from Bere Alston, and Honey?s, the baker from Horrabridge, will be there each week to take orders for collection the following Saturday. A coffee shop will also be run by volunteers and a raffle will help raise funds. It is hoped support will be sufficient for this venture to supply local food to residents to continue.
