The Stoke Sub Hamdon Sports and Recreation Trust set
up the shop, in Stoke Sub Hamdon, with support from South Somerset
District Council.
Never one to shy away from a challenge, the Trust's
Treasurer Valerie Stokes came up with the idea to support the aims
of the Trust - providing sports and recreation facilities for all
age groups in the village.
Some of the initial projects currently being work on
include upgrading the skate park and BMX track, provision of picnic
tables near the pavilion and BMX track and for new facilities of
the local retirement home, Oak Tree
House.
These projects are in addition to the Trust's management
of the existing sports and recreation facilities on the Recreation
Ground on West Street.
South Somerset District Councillor, Sylvia Seal
advised the trust that there may be funding available and an
application for a £500 grant from the district council's Area North
Community Grants Programme was
approved.
More than forty people queued outside the shop on
the day of the opening in support of the charity
shop.
Peter Hulett, Chair of Stoke sub Hamdon Sports and
Recreation Trust said, "It was amazing how the community and local
volunteers helped us to get everything ready for the opening.
Donations of clothes, toys, bric-a-brac came from all quarters and
the shelves were soon full.
"This is a community project at its very best - it
demonstrates what can be achieved by a hard working group of
individuals with the full support of local organisations such as
the Trust and the District Council."
Cllr Patrick Palmer, South Somerset District Council
Area North Chairman said, "I think the charity shop is a really
fresh idea and it's the perfect example of the community helping to
do something positive for themselves and the future of the
facilities in the village. I am pleased the district council was
able to help - Area North looks to help communities help
themselves."
The shop is open six days a week.
Issued: 30 September 2011