Dozens sign up to safeguard future of Humshaugh Shop
Oct 1 2009 by David Black, The Journal
DOZENS of local people have signed up to join a community venture aimed at safeguarding the future of the only shop in their remote Northumberland village.
Residents in Humshaugh near Hexham – who last year lost a battle to save their local post office from closure – have set up their own company to buy and run the village store, amid fears that it too could be lost.
Humshaugh Community Ventures has raised more than £36,000 in funding to purchase the shop, in which the post office counter was located until its closure in January.
About 65 people attended a public meeting in the village hall, which was organised by the shop committee to give them more information about the venture and seek volunteers to help make it a success.
More than 40 agreed to sign up as members of the company – which means they will have voting rights at its AGM – with more than 30 volunteering to work in the shop once it becomes a community-run business.
In addition, pledges and donations totalling £800 were given at the meeting, with the promise of more to come from others who couldn’t make it on the night.
Wealthy racehorse-owning businessman Graham Wylie, who lives locally, has promised to do all he can to make the venture a success.
