A very belated thank you to everyone who helped, exhibited, or came to, our Open morning at the end of May. I can now confirm that it was a wonderful day in every way, full of chat, laughter and joy.
Do look at our beautiful window boxes and hanging baskets when you next pass the shop. Our manager’s wife, Jane, has done them this year, and they look colourful, bright and generally all things lovely. They really add to the appeal of this little corner of Findon. Thank you, Jane.
Bob Govett does colourful, fun, quirky collages of Findon, and we sell his prints as greetings cards. Well, we have just had another delivery of his cards, with some different designs, including Cissbury Ring. The cards are hugely popular, and sell very quickly. Especially to me! So, please don’t go buying up all his cards for a few days, until I have got myself down there.
I try very hard to let Angus’s football banter go right over my head, and I do remind him that not everyone is a football fan. But even I can’t ignore all the football paraphernalia in the shop right now, and bunting adorning the walls. We are stocking World Cup albums and stickers, and even Football Frenzy Haribos! And, of course, we sell your favourite drinks and refreshments to either drown your sorrows or celebrate, as appropriate.
As you know, we are a community shop, which means that we have the opportunity to buy shares in it. Actually, in buying a share or two, you are not only investing in the shop, you are also playing a big part in ensuring that Findon remains the vibrant, busy village it is now. Apparently, before we bought the shop in 2017, Findon was quiet, and business subdued. Now, people come to the shop, then stay in the village, and maybe have a coffee, or enjoy a meal. Which is good for Findon, and helps our village remain a sought-after place to live. We are actively exploring ways to make shares affordable for everyone, so, if you are interested in buying a share or two, please talk to Angus or Helen, who will give you more details.
Lots of our lovely customers are dog owners, and duly tie said dog up outside the shop before they come in to make their purchases. I guess their thoughts are of their next meal, and their hands full of goodies, but it is not unheard of for them to leave their faithful friend behind, waiting patiently, as they wend their weary way home. Our services are comprehensive, and we are the keepers of lost things, but, please, I think your dog would prefer to go home with you!
Enjoy the summer that July heralds, but, as you are buying your yummy ice creams, please spare a thought for Helen, our deputy manager, who is having to plan for Christmas!
Jean Burden