New Forest Living May - Jun 2024

Chapel Stores – A new
Community Shop and Post
Office in East Boldre
ADVERTISING FEATURE
John Illsley cut the ribbon on 26th February,
to open the new Community Shop and Post
Office in Chapel Lane, East Boldre.
A convenience to many, a lifeline to some
East Boldre’s shop and Post Office are the heart of the village,
and a crucial resource for residents given the poor local
transport. Without the Chapel Stores, residents would have to
travel six miles for groceries, postal services, banking and bill
payment.
Local produce is key
At twice the size of the previous village shop, Chapel Stores will
offer a much broader range of products, with a particular focus
on local produce, including wines, beers, jams, honey and beauty
products. Every morning, bread, pastries and sandwiches will be
freshly made by volunteers in the store’s own kitchen.
The project has saved two vital village assets:
The village shop and the historic Baptist chapel, founded in
1810. Shop premises had proved impossible to find until the
chapel come up for sale – Chapel Stores keeps the building in
community use.
Chapel Stores is a community shop both in name and
practice
330 people are involved in its creation, both as investors and
volunteers. Over £700,000 has been raised, primarily from the
community, as well as a government grant, in order to acquire,
renovate and equip Chapel Stores.
More than a shop, Chapel Stores is a vibrant local hub
The store’s flexible community space will host a pop-up café,
workshops and exhibitions, including on the chapel’s long and
fascinating history.
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Background
The Chapel Stores project began in 2017 when it became clear
that, with the imminent closure of the current shop, East Boldre
would lose its only store, its Post Office and its heart.
Spearheaded by Rebecca Gabzdyl, a management team of
committed local residents made two earlier attempts to secure
new shop premises finally succeeding when they acquired the
Baptist chapel in May 2023.
Using minimal energy via heat source pumps and a solar system,
the chapel lends itself beautifully to its new role. When it was built
in 1810, it was the only place of worship in East Boldre and at the
core of the community; today it is just that once again.
For further information:
www.eastboldrecommunitystores.com
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