The Working Party
The committee is grateful for the support of a working party of residents that helped to establish the shop, which included professionals with specialist skills that produced architect’s drawings and 3D modelling, as well as a structural engineer, property law, planning consultancy, retail management, construction management, book-keeping, website design, event management, social media marketing, supplier management, and many more skills.
The project was also supported by the Plunkett Foundation, a charity that has helped hundreds of community shops start up and thrive in the UK. The shop remains a member of Plunkett to this day.
The Management Committee
We’re a group of volunteers with a wealth of experience and talent in key areas needed to establish the shop and support BAU, including project management, marketing, PR and communications, business planning and development, retail concept development and supply chain management, fundraising (grants and events), construction project management, and staff and volunteer management. We all live in Wigginton and the surrounding area, and have invested our time and energy voluntarily without financial reward.
If you are passionate about our village and would like to be part of this fantastic team CLICK HERE to find out more about the role and responsibilities of the Management Committee and get in touch at info@wiggintonshop.org.uk
Terri Baker has over 25 years’ HR experience in a wide range of companies including household names such as Tesco, Coca-Cola and Cadbury. For the past four years she has run her own business which is focussed on HR and training support for smaller businesses and start-ups. Terri has two grown up sons and has lived with her partner in Wigginton Bottom for over 15 years.
Bernard joined the shop team as a regular volunteer as the doors opened in 2018. He has since completed hundreds of shifts and particularly enjoys welcoming our customers and acting as an ambassador for both the shop and the village. He also enjoys selling cakes and other treats to customers who didn’t previously know they wanted them. With his wife, Lesley, who is another regular volunteer, he has lived in the village since 2008 and they are both grateful for the opportunity the shop has provided to enable them to become active members of the Wigginton community and to turn unknown neighbours into friends.
Stephen is a retired solicitor. He and his wife, Sarah, lived in Aldbury for 14 years from 1983. Stephen was a trustee of The Friends of Aldbury Church and a member of Aldbury Parish Council. They moved to the ‘Hilltop Villages’ in September 1997. Stephen has been a member of the legal committee of the International Chamber of Commerce and a director of the Mongolian- British Chamber of Commerce. Having retired in 2018, Stephen spends much of his time breeding Portland sheep. He is Chairman of the Portland Sheep Breeders Group and also on the Development Board of Sabre Education, a charity providing early-years education in Ghana.
David spent 30 years in the international investment management industry working in both large and small businesses. He was involved in all aspects of the investment management industry but predominantly portfolio management, marketing, and business management. He has also been involved in the establishment and management of two small businesses in the aviation and marine sectors. David retired from the finance industry in 2010 to become a full-time ‘house-person’ looking after his two, now teenage, daughters. During this time, he has also been a governor of St Bartholomew’s School and a Wigginton Parish Councillor. David is an accomplished amateur musician and founded and conducts The Chiltern Sinfonietta. Since its establishment in 2012, the orchestra has raised nearly £10,000 for local charities such as The Hospice of St Francis and the Pepper Foundation.
Devastatingly, Simon passed away on 9th November 2020. He was central to establishing our wonderful shop. His contribution was immense and the shop continues to benefit hugely from his expertise and input. We have a huge Simon-shaped hole in our team.
Photo courtesy of www.mbishopphotography.co.uk
Past members of the founding committee
Photo courtesy of www.mbishopphotography.co.uk
Photo courtesy of www.mbishopphotography.co.uk
Photo courtesy of www.mbishopphotography.co.uk