Stawley Village Shop and Tearoom is looking for new hands at the helm to take over when the couple who have been running the enterprise for six years retire next April.

In that time, Sally and Martin Perry have turned the shop and tearoom into a thriving concern, running it as a business with the support of volunteers during the past two years.

Villagers’ praise for the shop and tearoom has been boundless: “How could we possibly manage without it?” asked Belinda Owen, and Debby Scarff described it as ‘a Godsend’, adding: “We will miss Sally and Martin, and hope this lovely little shop remains open.”

The shop is well stocked with a wide range basic necessities and high-quality goods, organic and local where possible. It holds a licence for alcohol off-sales and provides post office facilities through a weekly outreach service by Rockwell Green Post Office.

Katy Venner said that, nine times out of ten, whatever is needed is on the shelf: “I can’t understand why any discerning shopper wouldn’t come here before going to the supermarket.”

Sue Barker said the ‘lovely little shop’ seemed to sell nearly everything, and another resident, Alex Clapham, ‘particularly appreciated the wine, cake and the kindness’.

The shop’s service includes daily deliveries of milk and newspapers – plus groceries and supplies during the lockdown – to local residents: “The shop is a lifeline for us in this area. It has everything you need and more,” said Pat Sweet.

The tearoom, praised for its ‘gorgeous’ cakes and friendly smiles, provides space for social gatherings, meetings and similar events: “It’s more than a village shop – it’s a community hub,” said Emma Lloyd.

The kitchen is well equipped for baking, light meals and takeaway snacks, and the new tenants could expand outside catering opportunities – lunches are already provided for some of the 60 children at the primary school next door.

Being on a national cycling route, the shop and tearoom attract cyclists, walkers and holidaymakers as well as the local community.

The business also has a supporting committee – Stawley Community Association (SCA) – which is there to provide funds to maintain the infrastructure of the facility through grants and fundraising, as well as appoint new tenants.

“Without the shop we, as a community, would have been without a key asset and focal point,” said resident Geoff O’Hora. “Sally and Martin have been fantastic at maintaining this essential community facility.”

The SCA’s preferred structure would be a tenant to run the business, working with a team of volunteers. Anyone interested in applying should email [email protected]