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Hoylake Pantry : Zero Waste Shopping
M & A Weinronk , Pensby
The zero waste shop in Hoylake operated as self-service prior to COVID , with customers filling their own containers with cereals , pulses , flour , herbs and spices , as well as cleaning liquids and shampoo . But when restrictions came in and self-service was no longer an option , the sustainable business doubled their workforce , opened an online shop and organised a delivery and pick-up service . Initially deliveries were to local households , but such was the demand they expanded their reach across Wirral . Manager Sharon Hall said : “ We are very proud to have been able to keep zero waste shopping available to our regular customers and to new customers too , who have discovered the value of it during these strange times ”.
“ It ’ s so nice to have a local shop that has no single-use plastic . I worried they may close during lockdown but they doubled their efforts to feed their customers . I ’ m so proud to have a business like this in Hoylake ”. Pat
Muffs of Bromborough
When news of a national lockdown arrived , demand surged at pharmacies as customers stocked up on medication , hand gel and , you ’ ve guessed it , toilet rolls . But the need to deliver medication became a priority for M & A Weinronk in Pensby , which will celebrate its 50th birthday next year . Owner Tee Weinronk : “ Once lockdown happened and the over 70s and vulnerable people were told to shield , we decided to dramatically increase the number of deliveries so patients didn ’ t have to leave home . This was done in conjunction with Wirral University Teaching Hospital who provided drivers . Although organising this was a huge logistical undertaking in a short space of time , it came as a relief to so many people . Our fantastic staff worked long hours to make sure the people of Pensby got their medicines ”.
“ I am 80 and had been self isolating since March . They delivered my medication even though I did not have to ask them to . This made a big difference to me and the gentleman who delivers is extremely polite and helpful ”. Heather
The Village Shop , Heswall
This third generation butcher and delicatessen are used to collecting awards for their sausages and pies but received plenty of recognition from members of the public for their substantial efforts during lockdown too . Like many butchers , greengrocers and convenience stores around Wirral , Muffs did much-needed home deliveries to their customers and also stocked everyday essentials which were sometimes difficult to obtain at supermarkets . The business also took to social media , posting regular morale-boosting competitions .
“ Many people in isolation , like us , struggled to obtain supermarket delivery slots and many basic commodities with unobtainable . But Stephen and John managed to stock the items and delivered to my door . You cannot imagine what a lifeline this became , not just for me but the entire community ”. Wal
A candidate for the prettiest business in Wirral , The Village Shop in Heswall distributed leaflets to residents and pulled together a group of volunteers to deliver shopping . Owner Caroline Cartwright : " One of the special moments was when a customer told us that an elderly lady she knew cried when she received our leaflet saying we would deliver . She said it was like someone giving her a lifeline . Another lady from outside the area pleaded that there was no-one at all who would deliver to her . She now comes in every few weeks and tells us she will never forget how we helped her . It hasn ’ t been all plain sailing though . We left a parcel at one place and the local cat ran off with the sausages ! The help , kindness and support that everyone has shown to each other is so uplifting . I believe we will come out of this stronger and more caring - about each other and what really matters ".
" They perform a huge role in the village , they know all of their customers and are kind , caring and lovely people . They could not have done more for the community they serve ". Mary wirrallife . com 27