The Vine Tree was originally opened in 1993 by Margaret Shaw and June Bradley. They traded initially from 48 High Street, Stanton Hill where they managed to build but a good team of volunteers. In July 1994 the shop relocated to the present site at 2 High Street, where after June had left Margaret continued to run. Over the years the volunteer numbers dwindled leaving just a handful of regulars ke
eping the shop going for so long. In October 1996 Skegby Parish began holding regular coffee mornings on a Wednesday, the spiritual needs of the community where as important to the Vine Tree as its material needs therefore people were encouraged to call in for coffee, a listening ear was always on hand. The ladies who founded the coffee mornings then are still providing that invaluable service at The Vine Tree today. In 2001 the shops first official manager Barbara Hall was appointed and a group of trustees put in place to oversee the running of the business. The decision was taken to give the premises its first re-vamp, and in September after a weeks closure the new Vine Tree was unveiled, the shop was running successfully with 15 regular volunteers. Barbara Hall was replaced by Michelle Clarke as manager, Michelle remained with The Vine Tree for years. Heather Webster was appointed as manager in December 2008, by then there were 24 volunteers and the shop was well established but the decision was made that in order to move forward successfully the shop would be up dated and in April 2012 the shop was re-vamped for the second time. The impact The Vine Tree has on the High Street and its community is massive.