A Message from the Chalke Valley HUB Chairman

Due to the Coronavirus and the current Government-advised restrictions designed to limit its spread, we took the decision to close the coffee shop for a temporary period from close of business on Tuesday 17th March. All coffee shop staff and non-vulnerable volunteers are being redeployed in the shop, which will continue to be open on the same days and for the same times as at present.
All vulnerable volunteers, i.e. those over 70 and those with existing health issues, have been asked not to come in to work at the Hub until further notice for their own protection in accordance with Government advice.
The shop is expected to be busier than usual over the coming weeks as more people decide to shop locally in preference to visiting crowded supermarkets, many with depleted shelves. Additional stock has been ordered and is being regularly delivered with virtually all items readily available. Home deliveries are being offered to vulnerable and isolated people. The coffee shop staff and volunteers will be of great help in handling the increased workload, along with the many new volunteers who have already signed up to help.
It is very much hoped that some of these volunteers will be willing and able to sign up to work in the Hub for the long term. The Hub is very much proving its value to the local community at this time of temporary crisis, and it is vitally important that it can continue to thrive long in to the future.
Tony is implementing rigorous hygiene measures within the Hub to regularly disinfect surfaces, handles, stock etc. All staff and volunteers have been instructed to follow Government advice in respect of personal hygiene to safeguard themselves, colleagues and customers against the spread of the virus. All customers are also respectfully asked to comply with Government advice and directives regarding social distancing. Please be understanding if you are asked to queue outside the shop for a short time at busy periods in view of its restricted size. It will be in everyone’s interest.
I and all my Management Committee colleagues are enormously grateful for the selfless and public-spirited way in which local people are responding to this unprecedented situation. We are fortunate in this Valley, and I know we will all continue to help and look out for each other to the best of our abilities through this temporary period and beyond.
Judith has sadly decided to leave the Hub from 8th April after many years of devoted service, recently as deputy manager. We are all hugely grateful for all she has done for the Hub, and we will miss her. Steps are in hand to appoint a suitable replacement.
It has been decided to postpone indefinitely the Annual Members’ Meeting and the Special Members’ Meeting due to take place on 24th March. In the meantime, it has been decided to that John Lace, Andrew Boys and I will retire from the Management Committee from this date as planned, and that Derek Brown, Katie Whitmore and Nigel Tinkler will join the Committee with Derek Brown as Chairman, as no other candidates stood for election. These elections are subject to formal ratification at the postponed Annual Members’ Meeting.
A Broad Chalke and Bowerchalke Covid-19 Support Network notice has been put up on the home page of the Hub’s website www.chalkevalleystores.co.uk . This has valuable information on the help which is available including local deliveries. It will be updated as necessary, so please refer to it for up-to-date information.
Keep safe and well and thank you.
Will Hillary

A message from Tony Patel the Chalke Valley HUB manager.

We are doing everything possible to keep the shop fully stocked and staffed. So far things are working well and this is thanks to the heroic efforts of both our suppliers and of course our wonderful staff and volunteers It is so often said that challenging times bring out the best in people and communities and this has most definitely been my experience here at the HUB. We will keep things under review but in the meantime I thank you all most sincerely for your contribution.

OUR HOME DELIVERY SERVICE
Last month we announced that we were trialing this and that it would be expanded if the demand was there. Well these unusual circumstances have shown this is now an essential service for the HUB to provide to the local community Several people have offered their time, cars etc so the delivery service is in full swing and again I thank them enormously for stepping forward to help in this way.
Here is what you do to arrange a delivery.
With your order and contact details at the ready:
Ring the HUB shop on 01722-780998. You are likely to speak to one of our team leaders but anyone on duty at the shop can take your order.
or
Email us with your order at: info@chalkevalleystores.co.uk

We will then prepare your order and ring you when it’s ready with the cost and to arrange delivery at a convenient time and to a specific drop off location at your house.
You will be asked to leave either a cheque, (payable to the Chalke Valley Stores), or cash, in an envelope for the delivery driver to collect. Unfortunately we do not yet have the facility to pay by card over the phone.
Those not living in the Chalke Valley are asked to place a minimum order of £25 please to take account of the extra distances and time involved. Thank you for your understanding.
Please do not hesitate to take advantage of this service. Our core value here at the HUB has always been that as a community project, our purpose is to keep you connected and to serve you at all times both good and bad.
You can count on our support during these difficult times.
Best wishes to you all from everyone here at the HUB.