[1] The parish church of St. John the Baptist dates from Saxon times, however, the building was heavily restored in 1862.

From the early 1900s to the present day, the parish has only experienced mild fluctuations in the population and has stayed relatively steady overall.

This fact has remained the same however in modern days, agriculture has had to compete with the surge in a now thriving tourist industry due to the location's scenic views.

The volunteer-run store had been set up in a portable cabin on land near the village hall – with plans for a purpose-built structure once it was established.

County Councillor Andrew Moulding cut a ribbon to declare the new venture up and running following a two-year campaign.

Hawkchurch had been without its own store for more than 20 years and the new shop will open seven days a week and is designed to serve not only the village but the surrounding communities and visitors.