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Millionaire backs community store

A reclusive multi-millionaire businessman has given his backing to a village’s first and only community-run shop.

Former Sage computer software tycoon, Graham Wylie has given villagers in Humshaugh, Tynedale, a massive boost just three weeks before they open their doors.

The wealthy patron lives at the nearby Chesters mansion and has pledged an undisclosed sum to the project.

One of the team of 40 volunteers poised to take over the running of the shop, Steve Robins, said: “We’re extremely pleased that Graham Wylie has come on board to help us.

“The business is local to him and he told us it was in his best interest to help where he can.”

With the clock ticking down to the opening on November 1, the volunteers are training everyday in the shop, under the watchful eyes of the present shopkeepers Pat and Rob Gray, who want to retire.

More than 50 local people agreed to sign up as members of Humshaugh Community Ventures, giving them voting rights at the company’s AGM, while over 40 volunteers agreed to work in the shop once its up and running.

Other organisations have given financial support, including the EU/Defra Leader programme, which offered the shop an extra £7,500 on top of the £15,000 it asked for.

In addition, £5,000 has been contributed by the Northumberland National Park’s sustainable development fund, £1,500 has come from the Evans Trust in Humshaugh and £7,500 from the Big Lottery’s Fund Awards for All programme.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .