Stillington Community Association was formed with the specific purpose of saving Stillington Village Post Office and Shop from closure and now remains to continue running that business. Since the purchase of the Post Office and shop, the business has gone from strength to strength. Support from the local community continues to be very strong and this has given the management committee confidence to embark on some new, long term developments.
After an assessment of stock and the decision to gradually run down some low selling lines and introduce new ‘look-see’ products, the first major decision taken was to buy a new EPOS, (Electronic Point of Sale), till. This computerised every transaction within the shop and gives information concerning stock levels, number of transactions at various times of day, method of payment etc, etc.
The shop is run entirely by volunteers and each ’shop assistant’ has been given till training. Regular meetings are held for volunteers to learn more about the business and to offer their comments/advice resulting from their experiences.
New lines have been introduced, with a leaning towards local products - local honey, yogurt, sandwiches, cooked ham, sausages and bottled water have been sourced and are now on sale. Weight watchers meals are a new line and proving to be popular. Takings are up and profits are rising. There is tremendous interest in the venture, not only from Stillington village, but from the surrounding villages. Some shareholders live in adjacent villages and give strong support.
The newspaper and magazine business continues well and the early morning sorting of papers for delivery at breakfast time starts in the shop at 6.15am each day. This too is operated by volunteers only. The paper boys and girls are all paid. The shop is open from 6.15am to 5.30pm
The Management Committee meet monthly; sub committees for the shop and building works meet separately as required.
For the immediate future, planning applications have been made - and permission received - to demolish the existing homemade, steep staircase and build a new one at the rear of the premises by adding a small extension at the rear. This will also provide the opportunity for improvements by changing an old flat roof to a new, pitched roof design. This new staircase is to be built to comply with the building regulations for public access and the Committee intend to utilise the upper floor on a commercial basis. There are several suggestions under consideration - all of which will provide extra services to the villagers and bring in more revenue.
The Post Office business within the same premises flourishes. Three part time, paid staff and one volunteer (the Post Mistress) run the Post Office. Recently, through the ‘Stillington News’ the Committee has published lesser known services provided by the Post Office. This has resulted in an upsurge of requests for foreign currency, more use of parcel services, flowers by post and, recently the sale of vehicle licenses (for which staff received special training).
One year ago the committee had no idea of the road they were about to tread. The learning curve has been steep for everyone as different skills have been acquired at every stage of the enterprise. Great credit goes to all concerned - volunteers, staff, customers and other supporters alike. The shop IS a community amenity, it is a place where many people go - sometimes several times a day - to see people and buy their goods and services. The atmosphere is friendly and cheerful, it is a pleasant place to be.
If goodwill and hard work mean success, this venture can only go from strength to strength. With additional space and a redesigned and refitted interior the future looks exciting and everyone waits with anticipation for WHAT COMES NEXT!
