Much in store at village pub

The new store at the March Hare in Dunton was opened by the Reverend Lindsay Dew, the rural dean, earlier this month.

Landlady Janice Pritchett, who runs the pub with her husband John, said: “The freehouse is rapidly becoming one of the focal points of the village and it is very much part of village life, valued and respected.

“To help the community further, we have decided to add a small community shop in a refurbished storeroom within the pub.”

Much of the shop’s stock is based on suggestions made by people in the village and nearby.

Janice added: “It is hoped that the shop will provide a friendly local service to the community, making life easier for those who find it more difficult or do not want to travel to the nearest shop three miles away.

“The new community shop should have a positive impact on the local community.

“It will save time, work towards reducing individuals’ carbon footprints and it will be a gathering place for villagers.”

The shop has been set up with help from the Pub is the Hub organisation that helps pubs to provide new services for their communities.