Chalke Valley Stores marks decade of serving community

A party's been held for the milestone anniversary

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 8th Jun 2023

10 years of Chalke Valley Stores has been marked with a party for villagers and supporters.

The shop and community hub was set up in 2013 to fill the gap left by other local amenities closing down.

It's had a prestigious history too, winning an award from the Countryside Alliance just a year after opening, and being credited with helping Broad Chalke to be named the Sunday Times Best Place to Live in the South West |newtab)earlier this year.

Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio then, owner Tony Patel said:

“Broad Chalke is a very friendly place to live, it’s got a really good community spirit, everyone’s helpful and as soon as arrive, you are welcomed.”

Salisbury's MP John Glen went along to the celebrations for the store's anniversary, saying it was 'great' to attend:

"I well remember attending the opening (of the shop) with (former local resident) Terry Pratchett, and then welcoming a group of villagers to Westminster in 2014 when they were winners in the Countryside Alliance Awards.

"Plus, of course, there have been numerous welcome pitstops whenever I have been visiting or canvassing in the village.

"A thriving local shop is a treasure for any community and Chalke Valley Stores seem to have found the perfect balance of utility, sociability and community spirit. Long may it continue."

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.