New Retail Outlet to Launch at Dearne Valley College

Dearne Valley College has secured funding enabling the creation and development of a new retail outlet, located on campus at Manvers Park, Wath upon Dearne.

The project, organised by Animal Management & Land-based Commercial Manager, Liz Clifton aims to sell ‘high-quality locally sourced’ produce when it opens in October.

The College decided to hold a competition for the students to come up with the new outlet’s name, with “The College Cooperative” taking the winning spot, other names suggested included Craft Corner, The Valley and Dearne & Fern.

When asked about the name, Liz said: “We decided on The College Cooperative because a cooperative is a farm, business or organisation which is owned and run jointly by its members who share the benefits or profits. Both the students and staff here at Dearne Valley College will be contributing to the running of the project, whether it’s Land-Based students growing produce as part of their course curriculum or Joinery students making boxes for us to display stock.”

The UK has seen a huge rise in the number of customers visiting their local farm shops to purchase fresh, locally sourced produce, with many stocking everything from the obvious – milk, eggs, and meat, to cakes, honey and even clothing and home décor products.

The College Cooperative will be open to everyone, not just limited to staff and students at the College, but to the public too! After all, isn’t it all about helping the community? If you are looking for environmentally friendly and locally grown food, come on down and take a look!

Keep up to date with all the latest news regarding the College Cooperative and look out for exclusive offers coming soon!

Updates, including the development diary, photos, and official opening times will be shared over the coming weeks via our social media channels at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.