a community co-operative
About us and our co-operative venture
Our heritage
The challenge
The challenge
In the mid-to-late 19th century Dobcross was often described as the commercial centre of Saddleworth, but shopping habits change and the community adapts...
The challenge
The challenge
The challenge
We are indebted to Brian and Andjelka Hodgkinson who returned to provide a fantastic service, seeing us through the pandemic years and beyond. But with their much-delayed retirement looming, we faced losing our precious village store...
Our future
The challenge
Our future
Recognising how important it is to retain the village store and post office, the people of Dobcross came together and the Dobcross Village Society Ltd has been created to secure the future of the village shop and post office...
A co-operative for the community and everyone
Whilst embracing our history in the village, we are keen to keep our local store moving forward.
Our aims are to boost business and attract more shoppers with longer opening hours, a loyalty scheme, a delivery service and new ventures such as coffee mornings and a social community space for all to use.
Some initial work will soon be done to enhance the interior and store frontage. An application has been made for a grant to refurbish the store later this summer.
As the business flourishes it is hoped that we can in turn support other village activities and community initiatives. We will keep you updated with the latest news.
Our pledge to you
We undertake to ensure the future of this vital community resource: the village store and post office. Please feel free to contact us.
“It’s a model which could provide the blueprint to help high streets all over the north west”
itv News - 6 April 2024
Meet the team
Timothy Newbold
Michelle Dady-Hegg
Michelle Dady-Hegg
Michelle Dady-Hegg
Michelle Dady-Hegg
Michelle Dady-Hegg
Deputy Dobcross Village Store & Post Office Manager
Pat Ashton
Michelle Dady-Hegg
Pat Ashton
Dobcross Village Store & Post Office Assistant
The Dobcross Village Society Ltd
The Dobcross Village Society Ltd is a Community Benefit Society registered with the Financial Conduct Authority under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. Registration no. 9169.
Supporters who have contributed now own the store and as shareholders will get regular updates on its progress. As a co-operative, all who bought shares will be members of the business and will have a vote and a say in how it is run at the Annual General Meeting.
The Dobcross Village Society Ltd follows the model rules recommended by the Plunkett Foundation.
You can view our Privacy Policy here.
Management Committee
We are a voluntary group of local people formed to run the business. Membership of the committee will be reviewed on a regular basis and committee members will abide by a code of conduct.
Nathan Beckwith
Chairperson
Stephen Hill
Vice-chair
Louise Stevenson
Secretary
Steve Brophy
Treasurer
Committee Members
Cari Ryan
Kevin Haynes
Suzanne Wright
Chris Mills
Alastair Wright