Northumberland village sets up pay-as-you-feel stalls for essentials to support community

The pop-up stalls run every Wednesday in Shilbottle on Cheviot Road at 11.30am, then at the War Memorial and in the Community Hall at 2.30pm, with another stall in nearby Hampeth at noon.

They provide access to essential supplies and food as well as other items including books, games and jigsaws, with people also encouraged to pick up items for their neighbours and friends who are self-isolating.

The initiative was set up by husband and wife Marc and Caroline Johnson and is supported by organisations in the village including Shilbottle Primary School, Shilbottle Community Hall and Gateway Church.

The stalls could not operate without the support of the volunteers who take the time to set up and run the stall, including Toni Carter, Gill Bray, Colin and Anne-Marie Grimes, Yvonne Hood, and Gary Parnaby, the school’s headteacher, with members of his team.

“The stalls have provided an opportunity for people across the village and Hampeth to access essential food, many of who are unable to travel into Alnwick,” said Caroline.

“It has been heart-warming to chat to people while they pick items from the stall and listen to their worries as well as their jokes and light-hearted stories.”

One user said she hadn’t had fresh fruit or vegetables for five weeks, while another was ‘over the moon’ at being able to get coffee.

Mr Parnaby added: “This service has been a lifeline to both the families of Shilbottle Primary and the wider community, particularly the elderly residents.

“These challenging times have proven to be an opportunity to demonstrate the best of community spirit in Shilbottle and the kindness and thoughtfulness the residents have shown toward each other and the various organisations within the village.

“This project is an excellent example of proving how true the phrase ‘together we are stronger’ can be.”

The pop-up stalls are supplied with food from the charity Fareshare North East, plus donations from Morrisons in Alnwick, members of the community and Buston Potatoes.

Items on the stalls are completely free for people to take as needed, but they can also make a small donation which helps to cover the running costs.

Social distancing and sensible measures are taken to ensure the safety of visitors and volunteers.

The Shilbottle and Hampeth Mutual Aid Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/235932870922901

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