Shropshire Woman

With the rural economy in freefall Shropshire’s countryside is in crisis. In a bleak picture of rural life the backbone of the nation, the farming community, is being brought to its knees as it struggles to compete in a volatile market governed by cheaper foreign imports. By the same token rural sub-post offices face the axe at an alarming rate in cost-cutting exercises; village schools are closing as a result of falling pupil numbers and public transport links are on the road to nowhere. Landlords at country pubs find themselves pulling their last pints as rising costs force them out of business and young people have to leave the communities in which their families have lived for generations as they struggle to find employment and put a roof over their heads. But amid all this doom and gloom there is hope for the future of a regeneration of the rural idyll thanks to a dedicated band of visionaries who are fighting back in a bid to restore the sense of community and belonging which has always been at the centre of village life.

And, as Jackie Jarvis discovers, Shropshire is no exception in this battle for a new, vibrant identity in this changing landscape with life being breathed into the heart of the ailing countryside.

Rebecca and Mum Audrey get a helping hand with their stock-taking

In a tiny village on the outskirts of Bridgnorth a father and daughter partnership is working hard to turn around the fortunes of a village stores which was in danger of being lost forever.

The pair has also been instrumental is restoring a Post Office outreach point in the shop after services were controversially suspended over two years ago.

Now, celebrating their first anniversary at the helm of Cleobury North Village Stores, Rebecca Owen and Melvyn Bacon can sit back and bask in the glory of a job well done. Blowing in on a breath of fresh air, their aim to create a centre for the locals, in addition to running a thriving business, is well and truly on track.

“After a lot of hard work the shop has once again regained its position at the heart of the community,” said Rebecca. “As well as a place to pick up shopping, the store has now become somewhere where people come to catch up with friends, stop for coffee or air any grievances.”

“Our shop is a focal point at the hub of the community. We are a lifeline for those people living in this rural area.

The 32 year-old relocated to nearby Burwarton in February 2008 from Bishop’s Castle when her husband Phil was appointed gamekeeper on the Burwarton estate.

The mother of two young children, Cedrys and Jack, Rebecca worked with her father for three years in the heavy construction industry before the credit crunch hit and the business went into liquidation and they were both made redundant.

Rebecca has a background in accounts and book-keeping, whilst her father spent most of his life on the road working as a long-distance lorry driver.
On moving to the area she soon became aware that the village stores had been put on the market and, looking for a new challenge, decided to investigate further.

“It got to the point that no-one could be found to take on the shop,” she said. “The estate, which owns the building, was on the brink of advertising the property for sale as a private residence. So I suppose you could say we stepped in at the eleventh hour and saved the business. The shop was definitely in danger of being lost had we not decided to take it on.”

A family affair - Melvyn and Rebecca outside their store

The family took over the business on March 25 last year, with Rebecca’s parents, Melvyn and Audrey, taking up residence in the living accommodation on the premises after leaving their home in Brockton, Worthen.

Once in situ the family’s first step was to set about rearranging the layout of the store in a bid to make it more open and brighter.

In a gradual process they built up stock and initially ploughed all their takings back into the business.

“In those early days we asked customers what items they would like to see us stock. We also strive to offer competitive prices. We feel this is only fair to our older shoppers who do not have the ability to go elsewhere,” added Rebecca.

As time has gone on the pair has been keen to diversify.

“As well as all the essentials on the grocery front we stock a range of handbags, have sold wicker baskets created by a local craftsman, and offer CDs and DVDs.

Large bags of dog food can also be purchased and there is the facility to buy pre-pay credit cards, electricty and mobile phone top-ups. The shop also operates a dry cleaning and shoe repair service.

“As well as a place to pick up shopping, the store has now become somewhere where people come to catch up with friends, stop for coffee or air any grievances.”

For shoppers eager to catch up with old friends teas and coffees, along with sandwiches, cakes and pies are served on the lawn when the weather allows. The opening hours have also been extended.

Rebecca and her father are particularly proud that they were able to re-introduce a post office service into the shop last October, albeit limited to one afternoon each week, after a long battle with the powers-that-be. They say they will continue their fight to get the vital service reinstated full-time.

“We will continue to fight on this one but only time will tell,” said Rebecca. “The new outreach service with a post mistress travelling to the shop on a Thursday afternoon is a start. But we do hope to increase the number of days it operates. This facility is something we want to fight for, particularly for our more elderly customers.”

The community-minded young mother has recently been elected onto Aston Botterill, Burwarton and Cleobury North Parish Council where she feels her role in the shop will help the authority become more accessible to local residents.

“I feel passionately that I am playing a vital role in the local community,” she said. “Our shop is a focal point at the hub of the community. We are a lifeline for those people living in this rural area.”

Do you live in a rural community where services are being threatened or have been lost altogether?
Please let us know your story. Or are you and other locals currently rallying round to keep vital facilities going in your village?
Write to the Editor at Reviewmedia or email info@reviewmedia.com