Gawsworth Shop seeks volunteers

Image above: Molly Ross, Gawsworth Shop volunteer

Gawsworth Shop is appealing for more volunteers so it can extend its opening hours and run a range of activities organised by its new community Hub later this year.

Due to lockdown regulations, the community run village shop has been closing at 1.30pm during the week. But with Covid restrictions hopefully remaining on track to ease, it plans to revert to its previous opening hours of 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and extend its Saturday opening hours to 1pm. Sunday hours from 8am to 10.30am will remain unchanged.

Human Resources Coordinator Daryl Williams explains, “Its been tough, but the support and commitment of our volunteers has meant the shop has remained open during lockdown to serve our community. Our priority now is to attract more volunteers to enable us to return to our previous opening hours and bring our loyal customers back together.”

Over the last year, Gawsworth Shop has attracted volunteers from a variety of different backgrounds. Local resident Molly Ross (pictured), aged 28, offered to help when she was furloughed as a charity worker at the Prince’s Trust last June.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know all the different people in the village. For just a few hours a month, its been an easy commitment to make and wonderful to be part of such a sociable, warm environment where everyone is so appreciative,” comments Molly, who has continued to volunteer at the shop on Sundays despite returning to her role with the Prince’s Trust in August.

The shop, situated on Longbutts Lane, currently has 39 volunteers and recently celebrated its 10^th anniversary. It will formally open its new community Hub later this year, which aims to develop a range of activities including coffee mornings, lunch catch-ups and a series of unique events.

For more information about the volunteer opportunities available, interested people should email volunteering@gawsworthshop.co.uk, or call into the shop to pick up a volunteer application form.