This Saturday (September 19th), at a ceremony beginning at 11.30am, volunteers who have helped run Hambledon Village Shop and Post Office for the past 23 years will be presented with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Cynthia Miller, who has been a stalwart helper throughout this period, will receive the award on behalf of all volunteers from Gordon Lee-Steere DL, chairman of the county’s Queen’s Award panel. Other guests include the chairman of Surrey County Council, the Mayor of Waverley Borough Council, the High Sheriff of Surrey and the chairman of Hambledon Parish Council.
The shop was rescued from closure by villagers in 1992 and is now one of the longest-running community stores in the country, vital to the wellbeing of Hambledon.
In recognition of this achievement, and of the hard work put in by volunteers over the years, the Queen’s award, which has an equivalent status for groups as the MBE has for individuals, was announced earlier this year. It is the highest honour given to volunteer groups.
For security reasons attendance at the ceremony is by invite but villagers are welcome to gather outside to help celebrate an important occasion.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
* Hambledon Village Shop and Post Office closed in March 1991. Its loss was keenly felt.
* Several villagers banded together to promote the idea of reopening the shop as a community venture. An initial £15,000 was raised towards refurbishing and refitting the charming shop building overlooking the cricket green and beside the village pond.
* The shop reopened on November 14th, 1992, at a ceremony performed by the then local MP, Virginia Bottomley.
* A Village Trust was created to purchase the shop premises to secure its future.
* Over the years approximately 100 volunteers have been involved in running the shop. It now has a paid manager and part time staff, but volunteers still remain at the heart of the shop.
Many have volunteered for more than 15 years and several have been there throughout. Some even continued their shifts after moving from the village.
* The shop played an important role in Hambledon becoming Surrey Village of the Year in 2008, in recognition of its strong community spirit. This led to a visit by HRH Princess Alexandra the following year.
* The Post Office counter continues to provide essential services for villagers. The traditional red phone box outside remains in working order and is a “listed” building.
* The shop’s range has expanded and it now has a small farm shop, delicatessen counter, wines and spirits as well as general provisions and the Post Office. It offers a wide variety of sandwiches and rolls prepared on the premises, home-cooked cakes, teas and coffees, making it a popular venue for walkers, cyclists and visitors from further afield.