FROME’S new Co-operative store and Post Office in the Westway Centre, the Radstock Co-operative, opened its the doors at a launch event attended by local dignitaries and invited guests last week.
The official cutting of the ribbon ceremony was performed by the Mayor cllr Nick White, accompanied by the Society’s President, George Donkin, Chief Executive, Don Morris and store manager Dave Meagor.
The evening was well attended by several councillors, local traders, businesses and community groups/organisations and guests were given a sneak preview of the store’s attractions which includes a full butchery counter provided by Penleigh Fresh Farms, a local traditional butcher and a new Post Office.
Don Morris, Chief Executive of Radstock Co-op said, “We are a well established Somerset business which has been in existence for over 140 years and we are delighted to be trading in Frome.
“We have had a strong desire to have a presence in the town for some time due to our strong links with the town and the fact that we have staff, members and suppliers who either live or operate out of the Frome area. We also have 1,000 acre dairy farm at Hardington situated on the outskirts of Frome.
“We are owned by our members and managed locally, which enables us to respond quickly to market conditions. We have been overwhelmed by the goodwill messages from local people, business and organisations and with this level of support we are confident that the Frome store and Post Office will be a great success.
“The first couple of days of trading have exceeded all our expectations, with many customers signing up to our ‘dividend card’ scheme which means that they immediately start to accumulate points on their purchases which are converted into a monetary value twice a year and returned in the form of dividend vouchers.
“We have also received numerous applications to become a ‘member’ of the society, giving local people a democratic voice in the running of their Radstock Co-operative Society store.”
The society marked the start of their community involvement by presenting a cheque to the newly formed Frome Town under 15s football team for the purchase of a kit bearing the society’s name.
