04/07/2026
We won ‘One to Watch’ in the Plunkett UK awards 🏆🎉🤗
We are thrilled to announce kirtlingtoncommunityshop scooped up the first prize in the ‘One to Watch’ category kindly sponsored by David Cadwallader & Co in the Plunkett UK and at the Rural Community Business Awards 2026.
Congratulations to everyone who has supported this project through sponsorship, donations, shares and volunteering. This is a moment to feel proud. 😊
The accolade reads: Kirtlington Community Shop is being developed by a group of volunteers working to establish a new shop and café for the village.
With support from Plunkett, the group secured planning permission, registered as a Community Benefit Society and launched a community share offer, raising £180,000 from 220 investors. Fundraising events and local partnerships have built further support, enabling the project to move forward, with a well-attended groundbreaking event in April 2026 marking a key milestone.
Community engagement has been central throughout, with pop-up markets, public meetings and regular communication helping to shape plans and build involvement. The project is being developed with accessibility in mind, supported by specialist advice, and will continue to respond to local needs by exploring additional services and working with local organisations to support residents, including those who are older or less mobile.
Looking ahead, the shop and café aim to provide employment, volunteering and work experience opportunities, ensuring it becomes a sustainable, community-led asset.
