Chairman’s article in May issue of ‘Radley News Special’

Reproduced from the May 2020 issue of Radley News Special

Radley Village Shop has been open for almost 13 years. We are fortunate that, for all this time, John Goodenough has been the manager – ably assisted by a team of willing volunteers, some of who have been involved since day 1. The shop quickly established a core of regular customers and became a central hub for the village. As the shop developed it has been able to award grants to many village organisations to help with the work that they do within the community. Behind the scenes there is a strong and diverse management committee who, alongside John and other specialists, use their combined skills and wise judgements to maintain a successful community shop within the village.

There have been challenges along the way but none more so than at present as we all adapt to a different way of life because of coronavirus. Radley Village Shop would not be able to exist without volunteers. The number has dropped over the years, but we were able last year to recruit several new people who have provided much needed help. Sadly, because of the demographics of the team, many have had to temporarily withdraw their labour and the number available to cover shifts and continue to work in the background fell from 58 to 22. We are very grateful to John and others beavering away to keep the shop running, and also to the additional volunteers from Radley College and the village who have helped us maintain social distancing inside the shop.

We have been pleased to be able to remain open, although on reduced hours, for our many loyal customers. We have welcomed many new customers, from the village and further away, whom we have been able to supply with much needed provisions during this time of crisis. When life returns to normal, as it will, we hope all of our customers – both old and new – will continue to support the shop in the way it has supported them in the bad times. And, perhaps, consider volunteering to make sure that this vital resource will be able to continue for the benefit of the whole village.  

Bob Earl – Chairman, RVS Management Committee

Shop Opening Hours until further notice