by Maralynn Smith, Islip, Oxfordshire

We used to have a few shops in Islip but they gradually disappeared until there was just one general store. It was such a friendly place (people used to weigh their babies on the fruit and veg scales!) but after 44 years, the owners wanted to retire. There were no buyers so it looked like our village would lose its last shop.

A lady called Henrietta Leyser was not to be discouraged. She found out Cherwell Council had funds available for start-ups, then organised a questionnaire asking Islip residents whether they wanted a village shop and if they were prepared to volunteer. That was when I got involved, like lots of others, by offering to run the shop for an hour a week.

We have quite a big space in the village hall now, but it wasn't like that to start with. The hall committee offered us - for no rent at first - their cloakroom, it was the tiniest room you've ever seen. Some villagers generously gave financial donations to get it kitted out.

We're open as much as our 30-odd volunteers can manage. The shop is a real community hub, with a packed noticeboard, a regular newsletter and an email update.

The effort involved in keeping it vibrant, getting interesting stock and ensuring we offer services people value - we'll deliver free to people who've just had a baby or can't get out - is just as important as the initial effort to save it.

We specialise in organic and Fairtrade goods, and stock local produce like meat from a nearby butcher. He's kind enough to give us a 20 per cent discount, and he's not the only one; it's that sort of support that makes all the difference.

A pensioner came in the other day and spent nearly £40. Having a local shop is very important to people like that.

Reproduced with permission from the Countryfile website
Fiona Cowan
5 March 2010