How It All Started...

In December 2013 the only two shops serving the local Glenside community closed. This prompted a Steering Group, formed by local people, to undertake a feasibility study of the merits of a local community shop and look at potential sites.

Following a costing and analysis of nine possible potential sites, the Steering Group decided that the project should consist of two phases: phase 1 was the acquisition and equipping of a suitable premises and phase 2 was a Business Plan for the operation and management of a community shop and cafe. The feasibility study indicated the best long term site option was a new venue more central to the main settlement areas of both Castle and Little Bythams, offering off road parking.  

It was also decided that ²/₃ of the available floor space should be for a shop and the remainder to a café to reinforce the concept of it serving as a community hub. Throughout this process the Steering Group received support and guidance from the Plunkett Foundation, Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Service, and Lincolnshire County, who provided invaluable help and guidance. The Steering Group registered the project as an Industrial and Provident Society (IPS Registration 32400R) – renamed “Community Benefit Society” in August 2014, and instigated fund raising for phase 1.

In 2017, following the community share issue, the Steering Group became the Shop Management Committee, with formal accounting procedures. Through careful planning and much hard work, the shop finally opened its doors on 1st June 2020.

Paul Bates - Committee Member
I’ve lived in Castle Bytham since 2022, with my partner Hilary and our labrador Ben.

I’m retired having spent over 40 years in a wide range of businesses, including medium and large sized manufacturing and Royal Mail Group, where I finished my career as MD of the Wholesale Business Unit. Prior to my final role, I led in a wide range of specialisms including Strategy Development; Business Planning; Operational Performance; Marketing; Quality Assurance; Project Planning; Business Case Evaluation; Negotiating with competitors and regulators.

I’ve been a volunteer in the shop for more than 2 years and I have had previous experience of the non-profit sector as a Trustee of Home-Start in South Northants. My skills are highly relevant to being a committee member for our shop and café. 

Jamie Colvin - Committee Member

I moved to Castle Bytham with my wife Megan and our young family in August 2025, and we have enjoyed settling into village life and getting to know the local community.

I have a background in media and technology, with experience in video production, IT and digital systems, as well as marketing and communications. I’m glad to be able to contribute to the committee and support such an important part of village life.

Ian Dugmore - Company Secretary

I served in the RAF for 34 years before retiring as an Air Commodore in 2009.  As a Tornado Pilot, I was privileged to Command No 617 Squadron, the Dambusters, from 1995-1998.  My last appointment was in Ministry of Defence as Director of Safety and Regulation.  My first civilian appointment was Director of the UK Airprox Board, responsible for investigating “airmiss” incidents.  In 2013 I became the Chief Executive of an independent confidential aviation safety reporting programme – The CHIRP Charitable Trust.
My experience includes a variety of leadership and administrative skills that are important to my committee role – legal, regulatory and corporate compliance, supporting the board, promoting ethical compliance, record-keeping, and communicating with all stakeholders.

My wife Sue and I have lived in Castle Bytham since 2004.

Lisa Hill – Shop Manager
I moved to Little Bytham in 2012 and first heard about the shop through Glenside News. I visited it in the early days when it was much smaller and there were just a few essentials on offer.

I started working in the shop as an assistant manager when it began to expand, then I became the senior manager responsible for the day-to-day running of the shop and café. I have made improvements to the café by making its décor more welcoming and introducing high standards of food safety. In the shop I have made sure there are enough products on the shelf to make a meal for a family and I focused on using local suppliers for high-end products.

I have previous experience of retail and catering. I ran the British Army Junior Ranks Bar and Café at Dishforth where I gained 10 years’ experience of working in catering management, maintaining high standards of hygiene, and providing a welcoming environment. I was also Store Manager at Waitrose in Newark for 7 years where operational excellence and customer service were key to commercial performance. I then worked at Sainsbury’s for 10 years where I gained a range of experience of working in every department. These positions have all given me the skills and knowledge I needed to take on the management of our shop.      

Rachel Jerams - Committee Member

I’ve lived in Rutland for over 10 years and, in 2022, made the move just across the Lincolnshire/Rutland border from Clipsham to Little Bytham. Having lived in several rural villages during that time, I’ve often experienced the challenges that come with limited local facilities — especially when you realise you’ve run out of milk for that all-important morning coffee!
For that reason, I was delighted to discover the Community Shop and was keen to get involved, quickly signing up as a volunteer.
As a small business owner, I hope to bring my own experiences and perspective to support and contribute positively to our community shop.

Andrea (Onj) Jones - Committee Member

Having moved up to Castle Bytham from South East London in June 2023, I wanted to get to know some of my neighbours, so joined the shop as a volunteer, and found I was quickly embraced by the local community.

Prior to our move, whilst at home with my daughters, I worked as a massage therapist for 20 years. I then spent the last nine years working in Early Intervention and Family Support for Bromley Council, only leaving that post due to our move to Lincolnshire.

Using my experiences in HR and management over the years, I have been entrusted with the shop payroll, a role that I take extremely seriously. I’m also involved with ensuring HR policies are up to date.

Lindy Rudd – Vice Chair

I moved to Castle Bytham in April 2021 with my husband Phillip. I started volunteering at the shop at the beginning of 2022. I saw first-hand the valuable community role the shop fulfils which led me to join the committee in 2025

I have had a “dual career” – first in light engineering then in further and higher education. This has equipped me with some professional skills I can use to support the shop. I understand compliance, the ethos of continuous improvement, and how to be people-focussed.

For the committee, I help organise fund-raising, and I assist the shop management team however I can, to ensure the shop continues to flourish as a centre for our community.  

Dominic Sale – Treasurer
Having lived in Castle Bytham for over 30-years, I know and understand the value that a shop such as ours can bring to our community. As well as acting as Treasurer for the Community Shop, I have served on the CB Parish Council for 8-years.
Throughout my career I have redesigned and produced management accounts for SMEs and for larger businesses, such as Anglian Water. I am also highly experienced in month-end reporting, presenting robustly managed balance sheets and financial recommendations. I use this expertise to oversee the financial stability of the shop.

Mark Sismey-Durrant - Chair

I moved to Castle Bytham in May 2021 with my wife Helen. I have worked at senior levels in the banking industry over the past 46 years, and have substantial Board and Trustee experience, currently acting as Chair of Zempler Bank Ltd. I am a graduate of Loughborough University and spent 10 years as a boarder at Stamford School.

I oversee the committee’s activities, guide decisions, and draw on my experience to bring strategic vision to the shop’s future direction.