AS THE LAZY DAYS OF AUGUST dwindle away, the golden hues of autumn are be- ginning to creep in. While it’s always a little sad to say goodbye to the joys of summer, September offers its own magic-crisp mornings, vibrant leaves, and hedgerows bursting with fruit just waiting to be picked.

We’ve had a truly wonderful August at the shop, welcoming not only our cherished local customers but also visitors from far and wide. From New Zealand to the USA, and many European neighbours in between, our guests have been full of praise for the shop and the charm of our beautiful village.  

As we transition into the new season, fresh produce is arriving daily. Look out for juicy, ripe figs—delicious on their own or served with blue cheese and walnuts in a fresh green salad.

Blackberries are still plentiful in the hedgerows and apples are beginning to fall, making it the perfect time to get baking! Whether it’s jams, jellies, cakes or crumbles, we’ve got all the ingredients you’ll need right here in the shop. In the coming days we’ll be welcoming winter squashes, curly kale, and purple sprouting broccoli— ideal for homemade soups, hearty stews, or roasting for a warming autumn supper.

If you’ve wandered past the village shop recently and noticed couple of brown paper bags hanging mysteriously by the entrance, you’re not alone. It’s not lost lunch or an unusual bit of décor: it’s actually part of a clever eco-friendly wasp deterrent! So next- time you walk in and notice the brown bags swaying in the breeze, remember their doing a good job keeping our shop a little less buzzy.   We are proud to celebrate the achievements of our incredible young volunteers following their A-Level and GCSE results.

Congratulations to Emily Rich, who is heading to Belfast to study politics, Katy Ottoway, off to King’s College London, and Angus Sherringham, going to Worcester to studying counselling psychology. And a big well-done to our GCSE students Flavia Abbate, Henry Rich and Jemima Hall. Everyone at Bledington Shop thanks you for your hard work and dedication. We wish you all the best in your exciting next chapters.  

If you know a young person who would like to volunteer in the shop, we’d love to hear from you. It’s a great way to gain experience and be part of our lovely community. Here’s to a fruitful and flavourful September! 

JUNE IS THE START OF SUMMER and what a wonderful May we have had. With warm days and no rain, there is speculation about whether we will have a glorious summer.

With Summer just around the corner I am sure we are all dusting off the BBQ’s. We have a fantastic selection of sausages, burgers and steaks. Why not include your salad ingredients and dressings.

June is such an exciting time for food. A lot of the delicious soft fruits are coming into season. We have already said hello to strawberries and there is such a wide array of lovely British vegetables coming. Fresh peas and broad beans will be available soon.

I would like to wish good luck to all our amazing young volunteers past and present who are in the middle of taking their GCSE’s and A-level exams. Your hard work, kind- ness and service to our customers has really made a difference. Now it’s time to shine in your exams too! Believe in yourself, stay focused and give it your best. You’ve got this.

If you know a young person over the age of 14 who would like to volunteer and help in the shop please do pop in and have a chat. Contact me on 01608 659977 or manager@bledingtonshop.com.

The Café entertained a very special customer at the beginning of the month, shown here with Graeme, Sarah and Camilla. The new High Sheriff of Gloucestershire joined us for a sausage roll, homemade cake and a cappuccino. Julie Kent MBE is High Sheriff, a role that will see her supporting lots of local charities, businesses and the young people of Gloucestershire. Julie’s wish is to visit every northerly, southerly, easterly and westerly point of Gloucestershire. You can’t get any more easterly than Bledington  

THE MONTH OF MAY marks the approach of summer, and recent weather conditions suggest that summer is on its way.

We have enjoyed a very busy month in both the shop and café with lots of visitors to the village during the Easter period. Marks Cotswold Bakery, our award-winning bread supplier, provided us with tasty hot cross buns and chocolate treats.

The shop has some new and exciting products. We have a new supplier of jersey homemade ice creams. Gorsehill Abbey Farm based just outside Broadway make their own luxurious ice creams which has won several Great Taste awards. It is available in 125ml and 500ml tubs, and in three yummy flavours, chocolate, strawberry and vanilla. Which one will you enjoy first?

We also have a new Mango Ketchup, made by the Fruity Kitchen. Try it as a dip, or drizzled onto yoghurt when serving a curry, or as an accompaniment to ham.

When visiting the café recently you may have noticed we have installed a sparkling new oven. In the coming weeks new dishes will be available in our café, so keep an eye out for our up- dated menu.

Don’t forget, we also stock a range of sandwiches, filled rolls and savoury snacks.

A BIG thank you to all our amazing volunteers that help keep the shop running. They cover so many tasks. You could get involved in as much or as little as you like. From serving behind the till, making coffees or changing lightbulbs there is a role for everyone. To learn more, visit the shop for a chat.