The last few weeks have probably been some of the busiest we’ve ever had in the shop, not just in terms of foot-fall but also for the number of changes we’ve had to make. We miss all the volunteers and 
customers who can’t come into the shop at the moment and we’re grateful to all our regular volunteers who have increased their hours in the shop and helped to train up new people, not an easy task when we have to stay two metres apart. Of course all you new volunteers are the silver lining to our horrible corona cloud, we’re delighted to have your help now and really hope you’re enjoying your time in the shop and that you may find time to continue when all this is over. Thank you all!
We have been busy packing up and delivering shopping to anyone who can’t go out; please just ring the shop if you need help, we’ll be happy to do our best to deliver what you need. Our account system has made it easy for all customers, especially people stuck at home, to pay for their shopping at the end of every month instead of handing over cash. Most of our transactions are now completed by touch card or accounts rather than cash which seems safer for all of us at present.
Our shop has been going for nearly 9 years now and we have built up a good rapport with our local suppliers who have looked after us well over the last 
weeks. We considered it a major coup when Payhembury Provisions was the only shop in the area that had flour to sell, thanks to the Crusty Cob bakery who normally supply us with bread and buns. Blink and you may have missed the Yellingham farm hogget (rather more mature lamb) which flew off our shelves just before Easter, but if you missed out, don’t despair, Janet tells us there may be more to come in the summer. Halina, our local herbalist, put her expertise to work and has made hand sanitiser for us to sell in the shop and for volunteers to use there. It is made with 65% alcohol with tea tree oil and lemon and is not only safe and effective but also smells good.
At the beginning of April we ordered a screen which will be placed on the front of the counter to protect everyone; a few weeks ago this would have seemed totally alien to our ethos of being friendly and approachable in the shop but times have changed and I’m sure we will all still have a smile and a chat with each other even if it is from behind a screen.
Stay safe everyone!
