Planning for the Long-Term Future of the Coddenham Community Shop

We would like to update you all on an exciting and once in a generation opportunity to secure the long-term future of our Community Shop.

In 2019, the Committee was entrusted to manage and develop the shop as a community asset for the benefit of Coddenham and surrounding villages. That trust carries with it an overriding responsibility for the Committee to secure the shop’s long-term future, whilst preserving its ethos and the more than 100-year legacy of the Gudgin family, without whose continuing goodwill the progress made over the past seven years would not have been achieved.

With support from the Coddenham Centre and the potential of substantial grant funding this financial year, a unique opportunity now exists to create a purpose-built, Community Shop within the heart of Coddenham, fit for the 21^st century and which would come with the very welcome added security of a long-term lease. Whilst nothing is certain at this stage, the Committee proposes to look carefully into this opportunity, which it regards as a possible means of securing the future of our community shop for the long-term.

Our shop has a unique place in the history of the village. We are incredibly grateful for the support shown by Roy & Ann Gudgin over the years. We also recognise our responsibility to ensure that any future plans for the shop preserve its ethos and their legacy, and, accordingly, we have discussed the opportunity that now exists with Roy and Ann before writing to the wider community.

There is nothing for you to do at the moment. This is just the first update on the potential opportunity. However, there will be a community consultation as part of the application process for grant funding (yes, I know – another village survey!), which will be an opportunity for everyone to have their voice heard. Your input will help to shape our plans for the shop’s long-term future.

We will keep you informed as those plans develop.

The Community Shop Management Committee