Two public meetings were held in Cheriton Fitzpaine on Tuesday 26th November to outline plans for fundraising, in the hopes of raising enough to purchase the Methodist chapel and schoolroom in the centre of the village. If sufficient PLEDGES are received by the middle of December, it may be possible to buy the buildings so that the existing Community shop can be moved into the Chapel to secure its future. Temporary planning permission for the current cabin shop runs out in November 2026, and its lease with the Methodists expires in December 2027. It stands on the driveway of the Methodist property which could be bought by a developer. If that happens the cabin may have to be demolished.
A total of 70 members of the public heard the stark reality that if the Methodist buildings are put on the open market and sold for redevelopment, not only will an iconic structure be lost, but the existing shop will disappear. There is nowhere else in the area for the shop to go.
When the only shop in Mersham, Kent closed recently, a local said, ‘A village without a shop is just a place to live…’
Residents of Cheriton Fitzpaine remember a time when they had no shop – people did not walk up and down the street or meet with friends or socialize in the daytime and had to travel to Crediton or Tiverton by car (a round trip of about 10 miles) even for emergency bread and milk. Those without transport had to rely on lifts and favours from friends and neighbours, and many felt lonely and cut-off. That Mersham quote is very relevant at the moment.
The proposal is for an enlarged shop and dementia-friendly café in the Chapel and a display area for arts and crafts, a heritage corner for local history and a friendly meeting place for small-group activities in the schoolroom. With a good cup of coffee or tea and cakes, folk could be free to play scrabble or chess, complete jig-saws, knit, repair items, swap news or work on their laptops, it could be a safe space for teenagers. The community is being asked what they would like to see in the new hub if fundraising is successful.
A share offer will be launched after pledges; a series of fundraising events will be held; grants will be applied for, and donations will be invited.
Two meetings were held for members of the public on Tuesday 26th November.
Hosted by Wendy Handcock, Treasurer, and Mile Porter, Chair of the management committee
