Bags of Goods to Feed an Army

So inspired by Honley’s community spirit during the pandemic, Co-op manager, Richard Swales, filled his bags and walked up to Honley Vaccination Centre to refuel the rapidly growing army of volunteers.

With local businesses around him still closed by coronavirus restrictions and many regular customers still isolating, Richard wanted to do all he could to help a return to the ‘new normal’.

“It was Sylvia Sellen (chair of Honley Business Association) who inspired me. They were rushed off their feet,” he said.

“I provided them with tea, coffee, sugar, milk, biscuits and disposable cups. I wanted to help energise them in any way I could.

“The vibe in Honley to help each other out was exceptional. The Honley vaccination centre was the epitome of everything that had happened that year.

“I couldn’t believe the local generosity and community spirit I was witnessing. I have never experienced anything like it before. There is something very special about Honley.”

Risen from the Ashes

The pandemic was not the first-time staff at the Co-op had stepped in to help their local community.

When Honley Co-op was almost razed to the ground after a failed ram raid, staff set up a mini temporary convenience store in the carpark.

Several months later and after a significant investment by the Co-op, the community was provided with a brand-new store, as well as new manager, Richard.

Brews and Biscuits for Volunteers

Richard, who previously worked at the Meltham store, says he was drawn to working in Honley for its community spirit.

It was when the Honley vaccination centre opened in 2020, that Richard felt compelled to bring the community spirit of the Co-op to its doors.

As well as the bags of goodies Richard delivered to the vaccination centre at Honley Village Hall, Richard and his staff also used the Co-op’s large shop windows to display posters, advising which age groups were eligible for vaccination.

And his support in the local community didn’t stop there.

“Not all our customers have access to the internet, so I booked online appointments for any elderly customers who needed help,” he said.

“I was keen to support the vaccination process in order to help reopen our neighbouring businesses that were closed.”

Supporting Their Local Community

Richard says he and his staff are keen to continue spreading the Co-op ethos by providing ongoing support to community initiatives locally.

This year, they have raised thousands of pounds for local causes, including Honley Youth Club, Friends of Honley, and Friends of Brockholes, through the Co-op’s Local Community Fund.

Serving the Community

The village grocery store also provides its customers with an instore bakery, its produce includes fresh meat, vegetables and fruit, dairy, alcohol, household products, toiletries, magazines, cards, cash machine and Lottery kiosk.

The Honley store is also rolling out a ‘click and collect’ service, where people can order on the Co-op website and collect from the carpark. The store has also partnered with John Lewis, allowing people to pick up parcels in store.

Richard said: “I have often heard this shop being described as the ‘heart’ of the village in that everyone uses it.

“For me, I love meeting people and being in the heart of the Honley community.”