Frequently Asked Questions
What will the shop offer?
What will it look like?
How will it be run?
What will be available?
Will the new shop move “Up Market”?
Will there be a delivery service?
I heard that there will be a café, is that true?
Will the café be licensed?
Will I be able to get on-line?
How will it work?
What is a Community Benefit Society?
Who will benefit from this venture?
What will the shop offer?
Our community owned shop will be open every day, and will offer the general groceries and household goods which villagers and visitors want and need. Core Post Office services will continue to be offered.
What will it look like?
It will take the form of a contemporary fit-out of a traditional village shop.
How will it be run?
It will be staffed by a professional management team and a friendly group of local volunteers.
What will be available?
A full range of groceries and household goods (more than 800 different items), fruit and vegetables, freshly made sandwiches and cakes, bread baked on the premises - together with a range of beers and wines. Newspapers and magazines will continue to be stocked.
Will the new shop move “Up Market”?
No. Items will be reasonably priced, and sourced from local suppliers where possible. The aim is to serve the village, by stocking the things which people need.
Will there be a delivery service?
Yes, grocery boxes will be made up for local delivery.
I heard that there will be a café, is that true?
Yes – good quality teas, coffees cakes and light snacks will be served in our café. It will provide an environment where people can meet, relax, and chat.
Will the café be licensed?
No.
Will I be able to get on-line?
– Yes, free Wifi will be available for customers.
How will it work?
Benenden Community Shop will be a business that is run by the community, for the community as a Community Benefit Society. The success of the shop, Post office and café relies on the support of local people and we would encourage you to become shareholders and thus members of the society. This way you will be part owners of the business and able to influence decision making.
What is a Community Benefit Society?
A Society which is run primarily for the benefit of the community at large, not just its members. The society must specify the geographic community, community of interest, or other group of people it intends to serve. It must state what these activities of benefit will be, and explain how they will be delivered. It must also state how the profit or surplus of the society will be used.
Who will benefit from this venture?
The Parish of Benenden and the surrounding locality benefit directly from a village shop and Post Office. We believe a café has potential to enhance this benefit further still. The business will be run for the benefit of the community and surplus profits will be available for distribution for social, environmental and charitable purposes within the community – nominated and chosen by its members at meetings.