Establishing Chapel Stores In 2017, it became evident that the existing village shop and Post Office would close. Volunteers raised £704,000 to buy the redundant chapel in the village as a replacement and repaired and renovated it ready to open it in 2024. The shop now employs up to three part time workers, who are assisted by about 30 volunteers. We are a small village with limited bus supply twice a week. Many of our older residents depend on the shop and Post Office for their day-to-day needs so keeping a shop in the village was seen as essential. Banks have closed in the nearest towns and coming into the shop provides an opportunity for social interaction that many who live alone find essential.  We have a cafe on a Wednesday afternoon and encourage isolated people to come and interact. As we have been operating for a year we know from feedback that people find the shop essential. They appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the range of goods on offer.  The Vestry of the old chapel hosts art exhibitions as well as the Thursday cafe and has proved its worth as a community space for people seeking somewhere warm when we had power cuts (air source heat pump) or for a change of scene when working from home.  East Boldre Community Stores Limited (EBCS) is our official title and we are incorporated as a Community Benefit Society listed on the Financial Conduct Authority's Mutuals Public Register, Society number: 8481 Chapel Stores is owned and run by the society's members for the benefit of our community and every member has one vote on key decisions. The day to day management of Chapel Stores falls to its management committee, all of whom are volunteers, elected by members from the society's membership to serve a three year term