Sheepwash Chronicle Christmas 2016 edition

Sheepwash Community Shop and Post Office News
The Swallows Have Flown
Summer has gone and with it most of the walkers, cyclists and some of the builders. They all helped boost
summer sales and just fatten the shop up a little to face what is traditionally a leaner time in winter. Now
we must rely more on you, fellow villagers, to keep visiting us - even if you only need this and that, it really
does make a difference, helping to keep this convenient and, to some, vital service alive.
That’ll Do Nicely!
We are pleased to say that you can now pay for goods by credit and debit card. There is also a Cashback
facility linked to debit cards. These services are available whenever the shop is open. We have to pay some
ongoing fixed and variable fees to the banks and the service provider, so to recoup some of these costs we
have to make a modest 20p charge for use of credit cards and also for obtaining Cashback. Debit card and
contactless card purchases are free.
Super Staff
A big welcome to Anne Gray who has joined the team as a shop assistant and volunteer. Anne is involved
in many aspects of village life, including the village hall committee and village lunches, and we are chuffed
to have her on board.
Anne replaces Jen, who has moved on to a managerial position over in the bright lights of Atlantic Village.
In the short time she was with us we have benefitted a lot from her previous retail experience, and we
thank her for all her help. She has hinted that she wants to pop back and do the odd hour of voluntary work
when things have settled down in her new job. She would be most welcome – as would you, if you fancy a
stab at it! We always need good volunteers.
New Looks
Partly prompted by Christmas goods starting to arrive, and partly by the otherwise welcome Autumnal
sunshine streaming through the windows, we have had to move some stock around. The aim has also been
a more logical grouping of things like rice and pasta, household goods, snacks, relishes, sauces, and
preserves. All the local produce continues to be highlighted wherever possible. We hope this doesn't cause
too much confusion - please do ask if you can't find your favourites.
New Lines
Christmas cards have arrived. We have the usual "Greetings from Sheepwash!" individual cards, or a
choice of boxed sets. The boxes look like a bargain to me at £2.99 for 30 stylish or 24 luxury designs.
You'll also find shortbread, three different sherries, chocolate Merryteasers treats, and mince pies. For
home bakers, we have mincemeat, dried fruits, flour, butter, Stork, sugar, etc.
The new Wessex Pies have been a big hit. Beef and red wine, chicken and mushroom, venison, luxury fish
- it's pie heaven! The list goes on - and is all available at the shop if you wish to make a special order. They
have a wide range, and most are available in small, medium (to feed two), and large (feeding four). We
order weekly on Monday for a Wednesday delivery.
Simon Crossley
19