Scenes from a village 26 - Fire stations and village shops (HD)

It is impossible to over estimate the value of the village shop to the community. Close the shop and effectively the heart of the village stops beating. At our end of the village one need only step off of the train and immediately one is involved. With the few shops that are present one need never venture any further. Here is the ironmongers next to which is the post office. A little further on and we come to the main store and cafe. Their function as a center is immeasurable

The main shop is particularly well stocked and well staffed but this is a special day for Ana Barešić, after 36 years this will be the last time she stands behind this counter.

Follow the road down the hill, pass the football ground, and after crossing the pontoon bridge let the road simply wander, until one (eventually) reaches the edge of the other end of the village and the second village store. The size of this building bears little relation to the size of the modest shop for this building has several functions, primarily it is as a fire station, of which every village has one. On warm days the space outside the front door is a much used meeting place. The building, too, boasts a large hall at the back which is regularly used for a variety of social events. But now it is evening and here we can sit in on a somewhat impromptu gathering, and an opportunity for Mika to bring out his accordion again.

A village needs such places where people can gather and exchange news or chat or simply entertain, and the loss of the local store or cafe is the loss of the very heart and soul of the village.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• andrew norris
• zvecaj
• zvečaj
• mreznica
• mrežnica
• fuduric
• fudurić
• marisic
• marišić
• domsic
• domšić
• gornje bukovlje
• village life in croatia
• croatia

[Caspar33]

Nicely done. Vital part of life in the village for sure. Reminds me of the local emporium (much larger but no windows!) in Casa Branca where I hope to be in a couple of weeks. Have to admit the work on the plums and the cheese production grabbed me more.

[andrewnorris2]

@Caspar33 Thanks for watching. I understand your preference, these rural pursuits are somehow more appealing. There are so many angles to village life including the people who live here. The next film I am sure will appeal. Enjoy you trip and come back with lots of footage.

[MissJezebel61]

Andrew....do they sell Fingers Of Fudge,Curly Wurly's.......+maybe a Mars Bar in your shop? What about Jelly Tots????

[andrewnorris2]

@MissJezebel61 Alas, no, none of that stuff.

[cavafyinenglish]

Your village is so much cleaner than the one I live in Andrew - and so much roomier! But the people seem very similar. It looks like you have now become the official recorder of life there. They should give you an honorary title!

[andrewnorris2]

@cavafyinenglish Thanks, Charles, for visiting our shop. I must say that the woman suggested I film her since i came in on her last day, coincidentally, and of course I was only too happy to do so. The more I film the more other people become relaxed at being involved. We do have space here yet there is, ironically, an intimacy absent elsewhere, I guess that is village life.

[fannybaba]

Different to most English village shops, some Happy Shopper tea bags and a scary and unfriendly yokel behind the counter! must say something about the way our society has gone.

[PassionateMistress]

Wow, that IS a well stocked village shop! I was surprised by the opening scenes, more developed than I am used to seeing the village since I have been watching. I enjoyed visiting again, I missed a few uploads last month and am slowing catching up. Andrew, I wish you all the best for 2011 : )

[johntimbrell]

hello andrew.I commented recently and questioned how the recent war affected the village. I was hoping to ask further questions which would be better discussed away from this site. Would you please contact me johntimbrell@live.co.uk

[andrewnorris2]

@ronpolla ...and they even have staff that talk to you, who know your name and who are happy to see you. As I am happy to see you in the village shop, too!

[ronpolla]

Who needs a supermarket?

they even have "orbit" gum