A new shop at the White Horse at Corton in Suffolk was officially opened by village resident and pub-goer, 91-year-old David Williams, returning an essential service to the community.
The village lost its shop over 18 months ago so Beverley Cooper and her partner Chris Nilsson decided to open one at the pub with help from rural Pub is The Hub. With help, advice and a grant from their Community Services Fund towards the cost of the refurbishment works, Beverley and Chris were able to realise their new venture.
Beverley said: “We are opposite the village school and have a large car park that many of the parents use during term time, so we are hoping to see a regular trade from locals, school children and their parents.
“We are incredibly grateful to Pub is The Hub for contributing £3,000 towards the cost of refurbishing the building from their Community Services Fund. They gave us the impetus that we needed.”
The shop is selling daily essentials, groceries, newspapers and tobacco and is open from 8am to 6pm from Monday to Saturday and from 8am to 2pm on Sundays.
Terry Stork at Pub is The Hub said: “Beverley and Chris have created a useful new local service for the village and surrounding area. Since the village shop closed people have had to do a 5-mile round trip to Lowestoft for essential provisions.”
The photo above shows Beverley Cooper and Chris Nilsson with David Williams and Terry Stork
outbuilding into a well stocked shop.