Barclays Bank closed and, after a spirited local campaign, gifted the building to the village; this was sold which enabled a shop on the High Street to be purchased.
Belford Community Shop, thought by customers to be “the best charity shop in the North”, raises large amounts of money pay overheads for all the different group entities; remaining funds are granted to local organisations to support their work. Some of the beneficiaries have been Bell View Resource Centre, St. Mary’s Church, The Ferguson Hall, Belford Play Park, Belford Players the Red Squirrel Group, and many more.
Notice boards and pamphlet racks within the shop advertise what Belford has to offer. The shop is a High Street presence for all aspects of Belford community. There are no paid members of staff, everything is run by volunteers; without their efforts nothing would be possible. Volunteering in Belford is enjoyed by many as it is sociable, rewarding and a great way of meeting people and putting something back into the community.
Belford Community Group has so far in year April 2019 to date supported the following grant application to local projects.
Belford Show - £910 towards marquee
Pantomime (George Morrison) - £600
Bell View - £2200 towards new and replacement furniture and staff training.
Belford Lights Committee - £850 help towards new lights and fireworks.
War Memorial Committee - £300 payment of solicitor for community owner ship of war memorial
Belford Community Group has in the year April 2018 - April 2019 supported the following grant application to the local community;
Ferguson Hall £579 Hearing loop
Bell View - £1750 Silver sneakers gym instructor
BellView - £1750 outreach worker
WW1 silhouettes £442
Belford Show - £250 towards marquee
Ferguson Bowls Club - £500
Communal Gardens Skip hire - £276
Christmas Lights £600
Friendship for ages inter generational project - £250
Belford Snooker Club - £400
Genealogy Group - £500
Belford Arts Festival - £5000
Pensioners Party - £250
Xmas Pantomime - £600
United Reform Church candle festival - £100
Community Shop Opening Times
Monday - Closed
Tuesday to Saturday - 10am-3pm
Sunday - Closed