In 2009, after the closure of the only shop in Hughenden, a group of committed local people came together, seeing a need to provide local, easily accessible and convenient shopping facilities for the local community. 

 

Hughenden Valley Community Shop was born after a number of months of searching for a suitable location, when we found the ideal site next to the village hall. Working with the village hall and local councils finally the dream came to reality in May 2009 when the shop opened in a temporary portacabin in the grounds of the Village Hall car park. 

 

The community was really behind the project by investing in the shop financially and volunteering. In the early days there was a small but committed group of volunteers and over the years the shop has flourished and has become the heart of the village.

 

In March 2016 disaster struck when the shop was burgled and set on fire.  The damage and vandalism was so extreme that the shop had to close. That could have been the end of the journey, but again a small group of dedicated volunteers and the wider community pulled together and had a dream to rebuild and re-open the shop. 

 

The process began in March when Wycombe District Council donated the Park and Ride building formerly located at Cressex.   However as the building was of a modular construction it required dismantling, moving and reconfiguring in Hughenden.  The council required us to move it quickly as they were about to demolish it so we had to move fast!   We commenced with a DIY SOS style campaign (Bucks Free Press, Wycombe Sound, Three Counties and Mix FM Radio) which resulted in a huge amount of community support and goodwill. Subsequently, two companies offered to help and between them moved the building to our site.    

 

The Planning Permission process then began and after a very stressful 2016, permission was finally granted in November with refurbishment works starting soon after.  With a huge amount of help from local volunteers and trades people, the new Shop and Cabin was refitted inside and clad in black featheredge timber to be more aesthetically pleasing on the exterior.  

 

 It finally re-opened on Saturday 4th March 2017, the opening being attended by local resident and celebrity Mary Berry. It now comprises a combined shop area with a coffee shop styled cosy meeting area.