As a family, we started the biggest restoration project we have ever experienced.
Over 10 years my parents single handedly returned Edenfield Cooperative stores to its former glory, with the help of a small team & both myself (Moira) & my brother, Bryn.
Here’s a timeline showcasing the workmanship & rebirth of a historic building.
The Drop Off Timeline
Pre 2013
Growing up Bryn & I were always with our bikes. Our passion for the outdoors, cycling & running as a family has always been very apparent. We would compete in Triathlons, MTB, Road & XC all over the UK & Bryn in Europe. One of the best snacks my mum used to send us with were her Chocolate Flapjacks, she developed the recipe over our school years.
When I packed in racing I would still go to support Bryn (who was working his way to become the UK Champion in xTriathlon) & take a basket of flapjacks to sell to fellow supporters & competitors. They were always a big hit! Later we both would sell them at school too… shhh.
Towards the end of Bryn’s sporting career, my mum purchased a coffee trailer. We would sell coffee, cakes & sandwiches. This was when the first Drop Off Spark was created…
Pre 2013
2013
2013
The Building was purchased as a retirement investment by Colin & Choi as their final Property Renovation project.
2015
The Drop Off was created & founded by Choi in September 2015. Choi has always done things right when it comes to food. We would always have home cooked meals, full on cream scones with all the trimmings & the best birthday cakes.
Her passion for food came from her childhood where she would help out at the family restaurant & at home likewise.
She stared out in a tiny kitchen next to where the coffee machine is now. She would serve Omelettes, traditional stews & homemade pie.
As the customer base grew the kitchen was renovated over 5 years into what it is now.
Throughout the renovations, any profits which were made were put straight into the renovations of the building. As you can probably grasp, we all sacrificed a lot to create what Edenfield now has.
2015
The Drop Off officially opened in September 2015.
Seeing regular faces kept us going throughout the first few years of opening. As any small business owners will know, customers soon become family! The Drop Off created a place for people to meet fellow villagers & soon became a second lounge for most. We are so appreciative to everybody who has supported our journey so far. Just know, you are a huge part of it, if thats popping in for the odd brew, dining with your family or even liking our posts on social media!
What a team we have become.
2015 – 2021
The Grand Hall Renovations his space was used as a rented space for weddings, celebrations, band practices & many other events for the local community. It was equip with a stage & curtains, the pully is still there now! There was an office & a cloak room.
The Space closed & became storage in the early 80s. There also used to be a Gentleman’s Club who would meet in the what is now Governors Hall weekly. I’m not sure what they would discuss… This closed in the 1930s (ish).
2015 – 2021
2020
2020
Lockdown was an opportunity for further renovations to continue. Between the building supply shortage the back wall was pointed & The Grand Hall gained a ceiling!
Finn & Ada also joined the family! They became the best ‘meeters & greeters’
Our Vision
Established for almost 9 years we are proud to be a welcoming environment with a strong ethos in creating a productive, community inspired safe space for anyone who enters!
