| A shortage of volunteers to staff the popular shop and tearoom at the historic Stone Building on Newbury Wharf is threatening its future as a much loved landmark for Newbury residents and a focus for visitors to our town.
Since its restoration in the 1970s the 18th century Stone Building has operated as a shop, museum and meeting place. It is the Newbury headquarters of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust which led the campaign to restore the waterway from Reading to Bristol.
The shop and popular tea-room is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike and is open every day serving refreshments, canal souvenirs and the duck food needed by younger visitors to keep Newbury’s wonderful flock of swans happy. Its location on the wharf is ideal with easy parking and direct access to the canal side.
As well as being an important landmark and visitor facility, the shop last year raised over £8,000 to support the Trust’s work to protect, enhance and promote the canal.
The shop depends on volunteers to staff it every day from 10am to 4pm. Unfortunately this loyal band of volunteers has dwindled over the winter and there is a risk that the shop will close if more cannot be found.
“It’s a fun place to work”, says manager Tracey Perryman. “We have a steady stream of visitors through the day but it can be busy when the coaches stop by! All our visitors are delighted by the Stone Building with its ancient wood beams and huge fireplace. Our volunteer team really enjoys running the shop and meeting our visitors. But we need more volunteers to stop it becoming too much for the team. Our volunteers can offer any amount of their time from 3 hours a month upwards.”
Anyone interested in discussing the work of the shop and the trust is welcome to drop into the shop anytime or to call Tracey on 01635 522609. | 
