It takes a village

How The Village has made an impact on society – and how we can keep it in Harborough for years to come.

We first spoke to Beth Lambert, co-founder of The Village on St Mary’s Road, over five years ago. At that moment in time MaHa, and Beth’s zero waste stall Refill Revolution, were still in their infancy.

Just over a year later, in early 2020, Beth set up The Village with Beth Awdry. The Village has become an eco-hub bringing together a home for Refill Revolution, a community café, outlets for local crafts, food and drink suppliers, the Harborough Fixers and, crucially, the Community Fridge. Despite weathering lockdown, the cost-of-living crisis and the loss of their event space, The Village continues to make a huge impact on Harborough and beyond.

How can you help?

The Village plays a big part in Harborough’s community. However, it cannot run without your support. Here’s how you can help:

1. Volunteer
   Can you spare a few hours to help out in the café? Make a run to a local supermarket to pick up food for the Community Fridge? Use your fixing skills in the repair cabin? Get in touch!
   
   
2. Pop in
   There is so much on offer at The Village – from stationery to toothpaste! Every purchase goes towards running the property.
   
   
3. Talk and recommend
   The Village needs a sponsor if it is to continue over the next five years. If you know of any local business that would like to invest in a socially and eco-minded not-for-profit – get in contact with Beth Lambert.
   
   
4. Donate
   The Village has its own GoFundMe page where anyone can make a contribution: gofundme.com/f/the-village-cic-and-community-fridge

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The Village is located on St Mary’s Road. It is open: Tuesday–Saturday, 9am – 4pm.

Issue 24

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