Community run store opens its doors

earlams large

After 18 months of hard work and preparation, Earlams the community run store, cafe and gallery opened it doors for business in Styal and was met with lots of enthusiasm from villagers and visitors.

The store provides essentials and a selection of artisan products, sourced from local suppliers. The cafe, which also has a garden, provides a range of breakfast and lunch snacks, coffees and cream teas for visitors, as well as a social hub for the village. Whilst the gallery runs exhibitions and sells a wide range of items from local artists and crafts people.

The business is run by volunteers and managed by the management committee and store manager Esther Morrison. The business is a limited cooperative, funded by members of the community who have become shareholders, donations and a number of grants. Whilst over 50 people have volunteered to help run the shop, cafe and gallery, the cooperative is actively looking for more volunteers both young and old, and anyone is welcome from Styal, Wilmslow and beyond to get involved in this exciting and rewarding project.

The store was officially opened by guest of honour Maurice Earlam, who is 89 years old and the son of Harry Earlam, who ran the local shop for 30 years and who the business is named after. Maurice used to deliver papers with Terry Waite when they both lived in the village and he was a keen member of the cricket club, which was chaired by his father. Maurice attended with his son Harry Earlam, daughter Ann Smith and her husband Ian.

Village shareholders, donors and supporters celebrated the launch of the business on Thursday, 24th July, and all were impressed with the layout, refurbishment and produce on display.

John Novak, who issued the original questionnaire canvasing villagers for their support, commented "the store and launch, were beyond superlatives, as it had exceeded all expectations".

Simon Poyser, who developed the business plan and brand, commented that "our vision has become a reality and this has only been made possible by the tremendous amount of support given to the project by the village shareholders , donors and the growing band of volunteers who worked tirelessly.

"This is without doubt an exciting community project, which will make a significant impact and achieve its aim of improving Styal village as a place to live, work and visit."

Photo: Members of the management committee and volunteers celebrating the launch.

Tags:
Earlams, Styal
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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Terry Roeves
Tuesday 29th July 2014 at 8:12 pm
Long may it prosper.
Richard Walker
Tuesday 29th July 2014 at 10:38 pm
It's fantastic! What a difference it's made already to the local community here in Styal.
Well done to the committee, shop manager, volunteers, doners and all involved, it's just what Styal needed!