A FORMER disused Victorian school transformed into a thriving village store and tearoom is busy forging links with businesses and the local community.
The Old School in Rufforth was opened in 2011, after the village had been without a shop for two years.
Tailored to meet the needs of the local community, the business employs nine local staff members and has hosted a number of events, including catering for 480 cyclists on a Yorkshire Mafia inaugural 100km bike ride.
Featuring a garden eating area and an authentic Victorian-style sweet shop and maintaining a school theme throughout, with blackboards, chalk, school bags, bells and signage, the Old School has entered the Small Business and Family Business of the Year categories at The Press Business Awards 2016.
The focus of the business is on the local community, with a noticeboard providing helpful information and news items, and support for local charities, including the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, MacMillan Nurses, the NSPCC, York against Cancer, Rufforth Brownies and the local school.
Local school children, young mothers and Sunday church attendees use the amenity and meet regularly for coffee, lunches and special occasions.
The entry adds: “The Italian influence is apparent in the daily traditional pasta dishes prepared by family members.
“The store stocks the usual essential items as well as specialities such as fresh-baked bread and deli items. ‘Bistro’ meals are cooked daily by the resident chef.”
Quality produce supplied by the community is used in both the store and the tearoom, and a mobile police station operates from within the premises.
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