A community shop which has raised £80,000 for local projects has unveiled a new look after volunteers carried out a major redesign.
The Galleries Community Shop in Freshford, which also serves Limpley Stoke and the surrounding villages, has been revamped to create more space for products while retaining its role as a community hub.
The shop is owned by the Freshford and Limpley Stoke Community Association (FLiSCA), with profits reinvested into the community.
Since opening 17 years ago, the shop has contributed around £80,000 to FLiSCA, helping fund new equipment for local Scouts, improvements to the village hall car park, grants for the village primary school and subsidised care for vulnerable residents.
More than 60 volunteers are involved in running the shop, from working behind the counter and on the shop floor to managing finances, maintenance and its board of directors.
A group known as ‘The Heavies’, who built the shop's café extension in 2023, also played a key role in the latest transformation by making bespoke furniture and installing the new layout.
Galleries shop manager Amy Green said the work was completed for a fraction of what specialist contractors would have charged.
“We are endlessly grateful to our skilled volunteers, whose heart and hands pulled off a complete redesign,” she said.
The changes are intended to ensure the shop remains viable while continuing to offer everyday essentials alongside products from local independent producers.
The Galleries also provides a Post Office counter, prescription dispensary and mobile library, making it an important service for residents who do not drive.
Amy describes the shop as “far more than a place to pick up groceries” and the “social heart” of the villages.
She said: “For many vulnerable residents, visiting the shop offers structure, peace, and a welcoming face.
“The emotional sustenance of being seen and heard is just as vital to our community's wellbeing as the fresh and local produce we sell.
"A simple, friendly conversation over the counter can turn anyone’s day around."
The Galleries has faced the same pressures as many independent retailers, including rising costs, supermarkets and the growth of online shopping.
But rather than attempting to compete directly with major supermarkets, Amy said the Galleries strength lies in providing something different.
The shop stocks household essentials alongside local products, including artisan chocolates, locally produced mozzarella and handmade cards designed in the village.
It also offers selected price matches with Sainsbury's, Ocado and Tesco.
Amy said the Galleries' future ultimately depends on residents continuing to use it.
“Simply put, a village shop exists only if people use it,” she said.
“Our community chooses to ‘vote with their wallet’ because they know that every penny spent here goes directly back into protecting this space and supporting local life.”
Looking ahead, the team hopes the refreshed shop will help secure its future for another 17 years and beyond.
“The shop is simply too important to fail, and we will keep adapting to protect this resource for our village and the local suppliers we support,” Amy said.
“Ultimately, history has shown us that when this village comes together, the Galleries thrives and we intend to keep that spirit alive for the next 17 years and beyond.
“Ever since Stephen and Gitte Dawson so generously donated the land in 2005 the Galleries has come a long way, carrying that legacy is both an honour and a profound responsibility.”
Amy said the team is looking forward to hosting a re-opening celebration on September 18 from 5 to 8pm
The shop is open seven days a week and more information can be found on the Galleries website.
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