We’ve had to change and adapt over recent times. Rethink and plan how to operate under differing guidelines and difficult conditions, we have been thin on the ground but we feel we are now reconnecting and it feels good. Some of our members who were shielding have returned and valued customers are back. Friends and family are meeting again for coffee and homemade cake and the sound of laughter, babies crying and general chit chat is wonderful.

As a result of Covid ventilation regulations, our doors have been open and we have been operating more from outside the church under a borrowed gazebo. We have noticed a difference! Being on the side of the street has brought us into closer contact with passers by and smiles, cheery conversations and new interest has been our reward. The number of people who have been deprived of social contact and isolated has been well documented in the press and we can see how important it is to be a part of a community. The high street offers the opportunity of face to face contact (masked or unmasked) and the Country Market community doors are open to all. Help is on hand for anyone who needs to use the disabled access lift, needs help in reading labels, doesn’t want to enter the building or would like food to order. We also operate a ‘buy and collect later’ policy so that you can walk around town without all your bags. We look forward to reconnecting soon …