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Pub’s shop is needed more than ever

Almost a decade ago, Stourpaine lost its village shop and post office. Its inhabitants were facing a journey to Blandford to post letters, pick up parcels or to buy the basics.

That was until Chris and Ali Sargent, landlord of neighbouring pub The White Horse, opened a thriving village shop from the pub selling groceries, newspapers, meat and fresh, seasonal vegetables. Villagers breathed a sigh of relief and Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall gave this community lifeline the royal seal of approval when they called in soon after it opened in 2011.

Chris said: “We felt that the shop was an essential need by the local community to be able to buy their convenience foods and daily necessities right on their doorstep without having to venture into town.”

“When we decided to transform part of the pub into a shop there were no local grants available in Dorset which meant we had to provide most of the development costs. We felt very honoured to be visited by HRH Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall in May 2011 to show their appreciation for the support we had shown to the local community.”

“Speaking to them directly in a conversation since opening the shop, one of the causes close to their heart is that rural communities make the pub the hub of the community, we think that what we try to do here fits with their remit.”

Chris and Ali support local business too, and their stock includes Shroton milk and cream, Dorset Blue Vinny cheese, East Orchard free range eggs, Stourpaine honey, soap and hand cream along with Cranborne Chase cider, beer by the Brewshack and Fordington Gin.

An outreach post office service is provided on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

During lockdown the shop became more vital. “We made sure our shop was fully stocked,” said Chris. “We think we were the only shop that had a consistent supply of flour, yeast and toilet rolls! Instead of doing takeaways from the pub we sold ready meals from the shop and tried to keep the freezer stocked with lasagnes, cottage pies, fish pies and Thai curries. We made homemade bakes daily, sausage rolls, scotch eggs and cakes and delivered newspapers and groceries for people self-isolating.”

And when the pub closed for lockdown two, Chris exchanged his beer for a donation to The Poppy Appeal.

Ali said: “We love our little shop. It’s a fantastic community asset for local village residents and beyond and acts as a social hub, illustrating that the pub building can be one of the finest forms of convenience stores there is.”

Durweston resident David Caddy said: “We were elated when Chris and Ali opened the shop all those years ago. “During the pandemic, the stock has been enhanced and I commend Chris and Ali on their delivery service which has served as a lifeline for the elderly, the vulnerable and the lonely.”

“The atmosphere is very welcoming to everyone and I mean everyone. This shop is a community hub and provides an invaluable service.”

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