Chilbolton Village Shop and Post Office is celebrating its 10-year anniversary as a vital community hub, highlighting its role at Christmas and the support it provides for many local residents, particularly older villagers.
Nicola Bond, Director of Chilbolton Village Shop, began working at the shop on 9 December 2015, starting their training during an exceptionally busy Christmas period. She learned the post office side of the role quickly, describing the fast pace and repetition as helpful during such a demanding time.
Over the years, staff have become closely involved in village life and say they have felt warmly welcomed by the community. They describe their experience as “a positive roller coaster.”
The shop is regarded as essential to Chilbolton’s sense of community. Without it, residents believe the village would feel very different, with fewer opportunities for people to walk, meet and see each other throughout the day. For some, particularly those who may be more isolated, the shop can be the only place where they speak to or see others, reinforcing the need to sustain and protect the facility.
Chilbolton is home to a largely older demographic, and the presence of both a shop and post office means many residents do not need to travel into town for convenience items, postal services or even a daily newspaper. Staff say they see familiar faces at the same time each day, creating a friendly and consistent morning routine where every customer is valued.
Each year, the team manages Christmas pre-orders, including turkeys, vegetables, Chalk Stream trout and Greenfield pork. Their turkeys are sourced from a supplier in the New Forest, and “turkey day” on 23 December involves collecting the orders, returning to the shop, and assembling individual items for customers. Staff describe it as a very busy but enjoyable day that brings the community together.
You can watch the video from TVBC about the store, below: