Rarely has there been a time when the availability of local services in rural villages across the county, has been more important. Key to the survival of many communities is the shop, a place where many essential day to day services are to be found.

Norfolk Rural Support Network (NRSN) is holding an event to discuss this very question

Date: Monday 6th March 2017 at 10.00am – with finger buffet at 12.00 noon

Meeting venue: Sporle Community Centre, 78 The Street, Sporle PE32 2DR

Christian Bone, Head of Community Engagement, East of England Co-op, will set the scene. He personally has extensive experience working with rural organisations and the Co-operative Society  have been serving the East of England for over 170 years, supporting local people and the producers of local products.

Two local shopkeepers will then reflect on the changes in local retail and how local shops can meet the changing needs of rural society.

Algy Garrod, Algy’s Farm Shop, Bintree will expand on how the need to diversify their farm activity and the needs of the local community came together.

The three speakers will leave time for questions and open discussion and representatives from partner organisations will be in attendance.

The meeting is free to attend and a welcome is extended to all with a concern and interest in rural life in the county. Commencing at 10.00am with refreshments, concluding with a finger buffet lunch and an opportunity to network.

Contact: Betty Jones – 01603 732886/07990573166

email:  [email protected]

website:  www.nrsn.co.uk