Latest MVS Accounts Available to View

Please have a look at Mells Village Shop Ltd's Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2009 which is being circulated at our Annual General Meeting to be held in Mells Barn at 6..30 p.m. on Tuesday 4 August. All members have been invited to attend.

You can view the Accounts by clicking on the link below (apologies for the length):

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0BzXQWUQXaYoNODdkOTZkZGEtMTE5Ni00MjM3LWIyY2QtZTcxZWI0NDNlZWQ1&hl=en

SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY AT THE ‘PICNIC IN MELLS PARK’

Garden lovers, architectural and political historians and Beatles enthusiasts will have a rare opportunity to explore the delights of one of the most exclusive country houses in Somerset which is opening its grounds to the public for the first time this century on August 1st this year.

Mells Park, on the edge of the picturesque village of Mells, near Frome, is set in extensive parkland surrounding a large lake. One of the star attractions is the stone temple, newly restored from an ivy clad ruin, fronting an stunning five sided walled formal garden, designed and planted by Martin Lane Fox.

Times: Sat Aug. 1st
5pm: GATES OPEN
7pm: Sgt Pepper’s Only Dartboard Band - first set
8pm: 60s fancy dress competition for U14s
8.30pm: Sgt Pepper’s Only Dartboard Band - second set
11pm: Close

In the late 1980s Mells Park House was the unlikely setting for the drawing up of the blueprint for the end of apartheid in South Africa during a series of secret meetings between the ANC in exile and leading Afrikaners. These events were recreated in April in the Channel 4 film, Endgame, researched at Mells Park but filmed elsewhere.

The 1920s Lutyens designed house and Gertrude Jekyll gardens have been renovated and restored over the past few years and visitors will be free to wander around the parkland, explore the temple and temple garden, and picnic by the lake.

Apart from enjoying the stunning surroundings, picnickers will be able to relax to music from Frome’s very own Beatles tribute band, Sgt Pepper’s Only Dartboard Band at 7.00 and 8.30 p.m.. Frome’s very popular Milk St Brewery will be running the bar tent, and for the under 14s there will be a 60s fancy dress competition at 8.00 p.m. with prizes for all entrants.

Gates open at 5pm on Saturday August 1st and the evening closes at about 11pm. Tickets at £10 (children under 14 free) are now available from the Tourist Information Office in Frome and from Mells Village Shop. All proceeds are for the development of the community-run Mells Village Shop. Ample car parking will be provided.

For further information, please contact Jane Mann on 01373 813681 or jane@oldprospectfarm.co.uk

VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED !

The shop still needs volunteers to work certain blocks of hours. The periods we need cover for are:

Saturday afternoons
Thursday morning

People to help with deliveries, buying supplies etc would also be useful. So if you have some time on your hands, and would like to help your local shop, please contact Liz O'Sullivan on 01373 812201, or contact the shop direct on 01373 812251. On the job training with till, lottery etc is provided.

PHOTOS FROM OPENING DAY 2 - TV's Kevin McCloud launches MVS

OPENING DAY PHOTOS

Chairman Bobby Hanscomb addresses crowd and produce




The throng enjoys free food and drink




The crush inside




Raymond Asquith salutes Robin Tindale




The National Press clamour for a view

EASTER WEEKEND OPENING TIMES

Note: These hours only apply over the Easter Weekend.

The Shop:

Wednesday 8th:  Closed for re-stocking
Thursday 9th:   Closed for re-stocking
Friday 10:      Closed for re-stocking
Saturday 11th:  Open 8.30 - 4.00
Monday 13th:    Open 9.00 - 5.00

Post Office:

Wednesday 8th:  9 - 12
Thursday 9th:   9 - 12
Friday 10th:    Closed
Saturday 11th:  9 - 1
Monday 13th:    Closed

MELLS VILLAGE SHOP & POST OFFICE OPENS 11 APRIL

Mells Village Shop & Post Office will be finally opening its door again for trading on Saturday 11 April at 10.30am, working towards the Official Opening on Saturday 9 May.

The interior of this former cottage has been transformed into a traditional village shop stocking basic groceries and locally sourced delicatessen items.

Mells resident Mike Phypers, our new Manager and Sub-postmaster, assisted by Wendy, Jeanette and a number of volunteers, are looking forward to serving the needs of the community of Mells and the surrounding villages.

Opening hours:

Shop
Mon to Fri: 7.30 – 7.00
Sat & Sun: 8.00 – 4.00.

Post Office
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 9.00 – 1.00, 2.00 – 4.00
Wed: 9.00 – 1.00
Sat: 9.00 – 12.00.

The Shop will be stocking local vegetables, fruit, fresh bread, hot pies, cakes from local kitchens and featuring Mells Kitchens home baked dishes. You can pay by card on purchases over £5. And while you’re buying your groceries, why not treat yourself to a cup of coffee or tea and some cake and enjoy the view over the duck pond from our new tables and chairs?

Mells Village Shop Ltd is grateful to those listed below who have made a significant financial contribution to the regeneration of the shop as a village co-operative:

- 
the people of Mells and the surrounding villages
- Somerset Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund
- The Village CORE Programme (Plunkett Foundation)
- Mells and Vobster Community Trust
- The Co-operative Loan Fund
- Mells Parish Council
- The Mells Estate


- And to those many local businesses and individuals who have supported the project financially or with practical help.