Bring out the cake, candles and party poppers (we sell them all!), our birthday is in July and we're going to be eight years old. We've made some changes over the years; when we started we had a part-time paid manager but now we are completely "do-it-yourself" except for professional help to oversee the book-keeping each month. We have tried to respond to what you, our customers, have told us you would like to be able to buy; more local produce, more fresh fruit and veg and a great range of competitively priced wine. We hope that when you …
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Ed East's Lamb Dauphinoise and a trio of luscious desserts were on the menu for our annual  Volunteers Supper this year and were much enjoyed by everyone. The supper is our opportunity to get together with all our volunteers who work so hard during the year to ensure the success of the shop. We had over 40 sitting down to supper this time and when we counted up later, and included those who sadly weren't able to be there on the evening, we realised we now have 50 volunteers. Anne, our volunteer coordinator, would kill me if I didn't mention at …
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We are sad that Leonard Salter, one of our most loyal and loved customers, has died. He was a true gentleman who came into the shop nearly every day wearing his battered old hat, and with a twinkle in his eye he would raise a smile from everyone. His knowledge and love of Payhembury and the surrounding countryside was unparalleled and he was always generous in sharing this knowledge with anyone who asked. We miss him. Are we heading towards a cashless society? When the shop was opened 8 years ago who would have thought that our cash …
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We're lucky in Payhembury to have local producers who supply our shop with all manner of food and drinks which often can't be found in big supermarkets. We have, for example, Farstrete free-range eggs from Whimple; has anyone else had the excitement of finding a double-yolker in their extra-large eggs? From Clyst Hydon we have honey made by bees kept by the Mitchem family, and near Dunkeswell the Common Loaf bakery make the most moreish cheese crackers you're ever likely to sample. Probably our nearest suppliers are Tuck Mill beef and the East …
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It seems like half the nation has been watching Marie Kondo tidying her drawers. If you're in the half of the nation who hasn't a clue what I'm talking about, she's the Japanese lady on the internet who is encouraging us all to de-clutter and clean up. In our shop we have many good value cleaning products to help you do just that, from bleach, floor cleaner and soda crystals to rubbish bags, J cloths and polish. So, if you get the urge to spring clean, we're sure we can provide what you need. Cleaning and checking the shelves in the shop is an …
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It's the start of the Chinese New Year on February 5th; and it's the year of the Pig so that should go down well in Payhembury! To celebrate here's a recipe with a Chinese flavour; it will satisfy the urge for something fresh and zingy at this time of year and you'll find nearly all the ingredients you need on our shelves. Spicy Crispy Beef Ingredients: Approx 250g left over roast beef (or chicken,duck, pork or tofu) Vegetable oil, for frying, 3 tablespoons cornflour, * 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder, a little very finely grated orange …
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Many of you may have already discovered that at the shop we have been overcome by the festive spirit and goodwill to all men (and women, children and babies!) and so all our hot drinks are free until January 7th. Do come in out of the cold and warm up with a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Although our free hot drinks offer ends at the beginning of January, our goodwill and grateful thanks to all our volunteers and customers will carry on throughout the year. There are so many people who contribute their time and energy to the shop to …
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Shop Holiday Hours   Xmas Eve (Mon 24) Xmas Day (Tues 25) Boxing Day (Wed 26) New Year's Eve (Mon 31) New Year's Day (Tues 1 Jan) 8am - 1pm CLOSED 10 -11am ONLY 8am - 1pm 10am - 12pm …
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I'm sure what everyone is eager to read this month is a nice long article about the complexities of Brexit and how it might affect our village shop but I'm afraid we're going to disappoint you we're going to talk about.... CHRISTMAS!!! Take the stress out of shopping and come and have a coffee and a chat while you browse our selection of Christmas goodies. We have plenty of local products which would make great presents like stylish tins of Moore's Dorset biscuits as well as local cheeses, chutneys and honey and special boxes of Christmas …
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It may be a little early to talk about Christmassy things in the shop, although I have noticed that we already have brandy soaked Christmas cakes in decorative tins and a good selection of special biscuits and sweets in beautiful packaging that would make lovely gifts. We will also be taking orders for our ever popular Christmas turkeys and geese soon. Instead I thought I would share a recipe for a really delicious warming soup which is perfect for this time of year. All the ingredients are available at the shop of course! Curried sweet …
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