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.  

WITH THE NEW MONTH of April, Spring is now well on its way. It’s time to celebrate and its nature’s way of saying ”let’s party!”

What a joy it is to see all the gorgeous bulbs and tree blossoms come to life. It means lots of new fruits and vegetables coming into season.

We have had our first delivery of English asparagus which is grown in the Wye valley and, of course, Yorkshire rhubarb. How will you enjoy yours?

A big thank you to all of you who entered the Marmalade competition. We sold lots of Seville oranges and bags of sugar. The winner for 2025 was Angela Lear.

We also held a children’s colouring competition, well done to all who entered. The winner was Lily, aged 7 who won a Paddington lunchbox.

Easter is coming and we have a great selection of cards, gifts, and chocolates. Come in and grab a sweet treat.

And don’t forget we will have some delicious Hot Cross Buns for you to enjoy from Mark’s Bakery. These will be available from Monday 7th April. If you would like to guarantee a packet of buns then please send me an email and I can reserve, you some. Of course we will have a daily delivery of them.

The clocks will once more go forward for the start of British Summer Time on Sunday 30th March 2025. Additionally, the closing hours of the shop will be extended to 4pm, with the café closing an hour before.

The shop and café only succeed be- cause of many people in the village sup- port us. If you are not yet involved, please pop in and find out more. There is something for all. Everyone welcome.

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