A VILLAGE shop is celebrating 10 years since its founding, with 70 guests raising a glass for the anniversary.

On Sunday, July 6, residents, friends and volunteers of Roadwater Village Community Shop and Café in Watchet gathered to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the shop’s opening in July 2015.

Around 70 guests convened on the patio and car park to enjoy an afternoon of food, music and “heartfelt reflection”.

Treats from Jen’s Pantry were enjoyed by guests alongside an acoustic performance from local guitarist Dave Sherman.

Bruce Freeman, chair of the shop management committee, welcomed attendees and offered thanks to the volunteers, staff, customers, and shareholders who have supported the shop over the past decade.

Mr Freeman said: “I really can’t thank everyone enough for their dedication and commitment to helping us be a valued part of the community.

“The road hasn’t always been straight or easy, but together we have achieved this amazing milestone. We’ve also become a beacon for other community shops who have visited us to learn from our experience.

“I think we can all feel proud of our achievements over the last 10 years.”

Mr Freeman went on to reflect on the shop’s evolution, highlighting both the challenges faced and the resilience shown by the team. He concluded by thanking the organisers and helpers who made the anniversary event possible.

Following Mr Freeman’s remarks, Jennifer Duke, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Somerset — and a regular customer — spoke warmly about the shop’s role in the community, praising the volunteers and the shop’s strong ties with local food producers, noting how these relationships “enrich village life and support the local economy”.

The celebration concluded with the cutting of a beautifully decorated cake, made by Moira Lea, who also crafted the cake for the shop’s first anniversary.