UP CLOSE: Kevin Wiltshire, Member Pioneer for Evercreech and Pilton Co-op stores

Shepton Mallet Nub News aims to be supportive to every element of the town's community from business and shops to people and charities, clubs and sports organisations.

Everyone is finding it tough at the moment and is desperate to get back to normal.

We are profiling some of these local businesses and groups regularly over coming weeks in a feature called UP CLOSE IN SHEPTON MALLET in the hope that we can be a supportive springboard for their full return to business as usual.

Today we talk to Kevin Wiltshire, the Co-op Member Pioneer for Evercreech and Pilton, who shares his thoughts about helping out in the community and working for the Co-op.

Member Pioneers can be colleagues or Members of the community. They create local action plans that mean the Co-op can provide support at a local level. They work very closely with the Local Community Fund recipients, which are Local Causes that are supported by the local Co-op Members. They can be charities, local community groups or food banks.

During a Q&A session he also talks about recently relocating to the area and how friendly and welcoming he has found it.

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Have you always lived in the Shepton Mallet area and if not, what were the key considerations about moving here?

Until June 2020 I lived in Hampshire but have always wanted to relocate to Somerset. As a boy I spent every summer holiday in the area with a good friend whose father had a business in Wells.

It was only a matter of time until I came back for good; Somerset has always been a part of me in a way, and Shepton fulfilled everything we wanted from a new home location.

Tell us a bit about your personal background, Kevin, and how you ended up becoming the Co-op Member Pioneer for Evercreech and Pilton?

For 16 years I was a senior consultant for an international consultancy. I travelled the world, but at the cost of not seeing my family and friends.

I now have an independent business focused on support for local businesses so I can make up the lost family time and enjoy this wonderful area. I saw the Member Pioneer role advertised and thought what better way to get to know the community and do my bit to give something back?

The Co-op have always been renowned for their community activities, and I'm delighted to represent them.

What do you like about the Shepton Mallet area? How has your Member Pioneer role got you involved in the local community?

I feel Shepton provides everything my family needs. Access to shops, beautiful countryside and amazing people.

I think it is only when you move from another area that you truly appreciate how hospitable people are in this area. We have been made so welcome.

My Member Pioneer role has given me an opportunity to interact with many people who I probably wouldn't have met otherwise.

The coronavirus pandemic has had an impact on many businesses and organisations – what impact has it had on your work?

From a personal business perspective, it's been really tough trying to get things up and running. You might say, unfortunately, coronavirus has meant that the community is in need of even more support at these difficult times.

This has meant I am very busy doing my best to support the great community work that is already in place.

What is the best thing about being a Co-op Member Pioneer?

Simply meeting people and hearing about so much good work that is already happening. I've not really worked in the community sector much in the past, and I'm so impressed by the time and effort people put in every day to help others - often with little recognition and no financial reward.

I can't say that I will come up with any ideas never thought of before, but if I can at least lend an extra pair of hands I'll be very pleased.

The lockdown has been very difficult for many people - how do you think that the Shepton Mallet area has coped?

Because of the strong, existing community support and wide range of organisations, I think Shepton has more than adequately coped in these unprecedented times. Some think it is a cliché when we talk about the great British spirit in times of challenge, but I wouldn't want to be anywhere else when we face these (hopefully) once in a lifetime situations.

If there was one thing in the area you would change, what would it be?

I struggle with this one! It might be that we are in a bit of a honeymoon period having recently moved, but there are so many good things about the area, especially when we compare it with where we've moved from.

One thing comes to mind; we happen to live on a busy street and some traffic calming measures might be good for the minority competing for a Formula One place next season!

Shepton Mallet and the area around it is beautiful - what is your favourite place and why?

A particular favourite is Collett Park. We have a granddaughter and two dogs, so we love to spend time in this beautiful location as a family. It's so well maintained and has helped to keep us sane during lockdown.

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To find out more about Co-op's Member Pioneers and how you can cooperate with them in your community, follow the link here coop.co.uk/member-pioneers.

When Co-op Members buy own-brand products and services, 2p for every £1 spent goes to support local causes and community organisations. To find out more about Membership, follow the link here coop.co.uk/membership.