Meet Elisha Connolly and her mum, Lynne Stokes, the wonderful duo who run the newly opened Station Yard Farm Shop at Eggesford
A. If it wasn’t for the support of the local community we would have been in pieces. We have struggled to cope to be honest and it really knocked the wind out of our sails. We had to make difficult decisions in our initial weeks, to try and limit any wastage we postponed a lot of our fresh orders and had to be careful with any spending as there was limited income. We then had the snow which meant we couldn’t receive our deliveries for another week. When all our produce started arriving it was very exciting but then we had another challenge as darragh took the power and we had to move all the fridge and freezer contents to other locations. We were very lucky to have people step in to help us and accommodate all the stock! So a big thank you to Sim, Emily and Amy for literally saving our bacon. The lovely thing that has accompanied these challenges is that we have been overwhelmed by messages of support and the kindness of the community we are becoming a part of and it has really warmed our souls and can’t wait to settle into some form of normal…. Whatever that is.
Q. What was the inspiration behind setting up the shop?
A. We are lucky to be surrounded by very talented and passionate people who create, grow and produce some amazing things and it was becoming frustrating to watch dreams dampen and wonderful activities lose momentum because the link between producer and consumer seems so difficult to penetrate. I really wanted to provide an outlet for ‘the little one’ giving people with a creative hobby or green fingers a place and an opportunity to sell their stuff, a reason to create.
Also I couldn’t get my head around how and why village shops have become outlets for sugary drinks and pre-made sandwiches.. in them we find milk from Cornwall at best, veg from Europe and heaps of mass produced sugar variants.. but why? When some of the finest stuff going comes from Devon! I think I complained to anyone who’d bear me for about a week before seeing the station yard site unoccupied… which I again couldn’t understand.. why was it empty? Why was no one doing it? Then I remembered “be the change that you wish to see in the world” and mum, being the supportive and optimistic being that she be, jumped or board without hesitation. Now here we are… trying to do retail!!! Hoping to bring local and ethically sound produce to you!
Q. Have you worked together before? Do you have quite discreet roles when it comes to running the business. (And do tell, who’s the real boss?)
A. We have never worked together like this before but we have always been close and we have certainly worked through stuff together. We make a good team and support each others ideas.
We don’t have specific roles really as of yet but I like the food side of things and mum is crafty… so that’s where our two passions have created the shop. Neither of us like the computer or accounts.
We actually take it in turns to be the boss! Depending on the day! I am definitely bossier though I’ve noticed … but really mums in charge, obviously. And I’m here to tell her when she’s wrong!
Q. In just one sentence tell us what is your overall aim for the shop.
A. We aim to create a social and vibrant shop for our community to both buy and sell quality local produce and craft in an ecologically conscious fashion that nurtures nature.
Q. What are you especially proud of so far?
A. We are especially proud of the refill station!! As with this method of retail we can bulk buy organic and ethically produced store cupboard items and dried goods, for a good price, pass that saving on to you and dramatically reduce packaging waste. You can also buy as much or as little as you please!! Win win win!!
Q. When sourcing your products, what are the main criteria each one must satisfy?
A. We would prefer everything to be organically produced but ultimately we must see respect for the environment and animals as priority from our producers. As local as possible, I hope this will come closer to home as people come forward with their produce. Some of the cupboard goods are never going to be produced in Devon so we aim to use wholesalers that have a good ethos towards the environment and people, such as Riverford and essential trading Co-op.
Q.
Favourite part of the job?
A. Meeting all the wonderful people , restoring my faith in humanity. Being with my family.
Q. What is your perfect weekend (when you aren’t working)?
A. Oh blimey well both mum and I have dogs and love exploring so there has got to be a bit of moor, some sea, good food, family and a fire. We do both love a dance though and before Joia came along we would often go out together in Bristol or London for a good boogie. But it’s been a while!
Q. What can we, the locals, do to help your business really flourish?
A. Come down and see us!! Use the refill stand, make it your shop by offering feedback suggestions hints and tips are always welcome. We do not claim to be experts here, we are learning as we go!
Q. What are your hopes for the future?
A. We hope to encourage people to grow and make produce. We aim to run casual craft workshops throughout the seasons and be part of a community that laughs shares and creates together to make this a world we wanna live in.
