Keys! We all need them, now more than ever. House keys, car keys, garage keys, padlock keys, bicycle keys – the list goes on. We are a very security minded society. And so losing keys sends us into an absolute spin of panic – we can’t think straight, we search pockets and bags frantically (but not thoroughly), we feel sick, light-headed, tense. It’s the most horrible, scary feeling. So, I hear you saying, what’s this got to do with Findon Village Store? Well, I’m always saying that the Store is the hub of the community. And you obviously agree; so, when a kind someone finds a key somewhere – dropped, lying around, or on a wall, lost and ownerless – they pick it up, and bring it into the shop for safekeeping. And our little collection of keys has grown, so that it is now quite a sizeable collection. And not just keys; glasses, bank cards, even once a passport, find their way here. So, if you’ve lost something precious, make your way down to the shop; the chances are, we might just have it. And it could save you a lot of money.
A big – no, huge – thank you to the hard core of volunteers who are willing to step in to fill gaps, often at short notice. The summer months can be difficult with holidays, grandparent duties and the like, but, this year, all has gone relatively smoothly. Thank you so much.
A couple of years ago, we were awarded the ‘Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service’, and we are now the proud owners of the beautiful crystal trophy. But you might not have noticed it on the top of the shelving behind the counter. We are working on creating a display that makes the plaque an unmissable feature. If you have any ideas, please let us know.
I’m sure Christmas comes earlier every year. This year, Christmas stamps are going on sale on November 6th. If you are thinking of posting a parcel overseas, please could you complete a customs form (available from the Post Office) before you bring the parcel in, to save time. It’s worth bearing in mind that if it weighs less than 2kg, postage will be considerably cheaper. We might need to ask where the product was made, so that we can apply the correct tariff (partly because of the American tariffs – thank you, President Trump!).
Now I don’t want to say too much about Christmas – we haven’t even had Guy Fawkes night yet! But, just to whet your appetite, I’ll tell you just a couple of drinks we’ll be stocking: Globe Orange and Cranberry Gin liqueurs, which do sound very nice, and, wait for it, Candy Cane Cherry Vodka, which doesn’t sound nice at all to me, but I’m sure will be very popular. Just please, on the off chance you’re planning to buy me a present, don’t even think about getting me that!
Jean Burden