The Siop Llangors Shop is an excellent example of a community pulling together to create a vibrant, welcoming shop and café that supports residents and visitors all year round.

Located in the centre of the village, the shop has, in the five years since it opened, become the social hub of Llangors and the surrounding villages, where people come to chat over a coffee and slice of homemade cake. It also provides a welcome and advice point for visitors on local places to visit, walk, eat and stay.

The last of several shops in Llangors closed in 2005, leaving the village without a local store. In 2019, a small team of enthusiastic local volunteers met to address the issue.

A survey of residents in the villages around Llangors Lake confirmed that a well-stocked local convenience store and café would significantly reduce road travel for shopping and provide a community focus for all ages. It would also allow residents to contribute to life in their community and harness an untapped resource of local spirit and effort.

After much work and further discussions - often held in the two village pubs, The Red Lion and The Castle - the Siop Llangors Shop opened its doors in November 2021.

The shop and café is a Community Benefit Society run by a small volunteer management committee. Around 60 volunteers, alongside two part-time staff, keep the service running seven days a week.

Siop Llangors provides a well-stocked convenience store and café and has become a social hub for people to meet and chat. It has also become an integral part of village life, alongside the village hall, the local primary school, church and pubs.

As a community-run enterprise, the shop and café actively supports other local businesses. Coffee served and sold is from Black Mountain Roast, artisan breads and pastries come from Pobl Bakery in Talgarth, and cakes are baked in Llangors village.

Other local produce includes pasties, fresh meat, seasonal vegetables, beer, cider and honey, reflecting the strong links the shop has built with surrounding suppliers.

The shop also supports local employment and creates opportunities for young people to develop retail skills and confidence.

Its links with Llangors Church in Wales Primary School allow children to learn about commerce, while the shop also provides placements for Duke of Edinburgh participants. It also offers volunteering and employment opportunities for adults.

One volunteer, Niki, said the Siop has had a life-changing impact on her.

“In 2002 I was working in London as a Research Executive and life was great — however that all came to a sudden halt when I developed a severe form of the neurological condition Trigeminal Neuralgia,” she said.

“For nearly 20 years I struggled with extreme pain and disability, undergoing many surgeries and medical interventions. I had to move back to the Llangors area to live in my childhood home, but as I was so ill my social group shrunk and my sense of community withered.”

She said the opening of the Siop came at a crucial time: “It gave me that safe place, just when I needed it the most.”

Niki began volunteering at the shop and said the support she received helped rebuild her confidence.

“The short shifts allowed me to pace myself and not overdo it. My confidence grew in leaps and bounds. When a part time paid position came up, I was brave enough to apply and got the job.

She added: “Getting back into the workplace after 20 years was daunting, but the Siop supported me in so many ways, making adjustments where necessary.

“It allowed me to grow back into the local community and to give back to it; to increase my social skills and confidence, both as a person and as a worker. I’m so grateful to everyone involved.

“I see the Siop supporting people in so many ways - helping some to get back into work, or into continued work after retirement, teaching new skills and reminding people of old ones.”

She described the shop as a true community space.

“It has become the hub of the villages around the lake, where anyone can come to drink in that sense of belonging and tacit support,” she said.

“There is an egalitarian vibe as the person serving you can have any history or present – and we scan and don’t judge! We cater to your needs to the best of our ability – whether that is a can of beans or a comforting chat.

“I’ve made pot noodles for muddied boys, doctored scraped wrists, held babies, puppies, hands and handbags... there is never not a smile, an ask, a hug if you need it. It’s a gem we all carved together and one we must nurture for the generations.”

The Siop Llangors Shop was initially funded by the National Lottery, The Prince’s Countryside Fund, the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and Brecon Rotary.

After five years of trading the shop is undoubtedly a success, thanks to the hard work of everyone involved but, as with all such ventures, it needs the ongoing support of the community to continue this success. If you are interested in volunteering do get in touch: opportunities are very flexible and need a minimum of only three hours a month.

It is not only a valuable local resource supporting residents, businesses and visitors, but also a hub for people to work together, shop together and, of course, gossip together! If you are in the area do drop in for a bit of shopping, a coffee and homemade cake or just a chat – they would love to welcome you.

Siop Llangors is located in the centre of Llangors, LD3 7UA. For more information about the shop, café, or volunteering opportunities, people can visit www.llangorsshop.co.uk or call 01874 202190.

The shop is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm, Saturday from 9am to 3pm, and Sunday from 10am to 1pm. Visitors are welcome to drop in for shopping, coffee and homemade cake, or simply a chat.