
The Braishfield Pantry
- A community shop and cafe-

Linda
I joined the Pantry team during the lockdown. I am reasonably new to the area and it provided a great opportunity to find new friends. Whether shopping for essentials or popping in for takeout cuppa n cake, it’s such a pleasure meeting folk to cheer along the way.

Lin
I've been a volunteer since 2015. I really enjoy it as it gives me the chance to meet so many different people and keeps the grey cells working!
I am a lead volunteer which means I also do the cashing up at the end of the day. Now that definitely keeps the grey cells working!

Mark
The pandemic highlighted to me that our Pantry is a fantastic community hub.
I started volunteering as part of the delivery service the Pantry set up in the first lockdown and I now serve in the shop.
In my business world of old I’d take decisions impacting millions of pounds daily - but at the Pantry the cake cutting process is way more stressful!

Iain
Hi
I occasionally volunteer behind the counter but I mostly do some of the admin tasks like the budget, maintain the website or manage the mailing lists.
I have been involved with the Pantry since 2015 and enjoy being part of a community project.
Our Volunteers
The Pantry is run by a fantastic bunch of volunteers.
Our volunteers live across the Test Valley, come from a wide range of backgrounds, volunteer for different amounts of time and, while most people are happy to work behind the counter, others get involved in other activities.
Meet some of them by hovering over the photographs opposite.
We are always on the look out for more volunteers; we provide the necessary training and you will always be working with at least one other person, so no experience is required.
If you would like to find out more about volunteering then either:
Visit Us Ping Us Ring Us Mail Us

Ruth
I’ve lived in Braishfield for 23 years. When I retired from a career in the NHS, I wanted to give something back to the village, so began to volunteer at the Pantry. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my sessions there and have made many friends.
As well as serving in the shop I have helped look after the small garden outside the Pantry which has been a treat. I enjoy gardening and its great to have a steady stream of customers walking past and chatting.