STOP PRESS I’m hugely excited to announce that the first shop podcast telling the story of how it started back in 2017, is now live. It features three of our lovely volunteers who have been involved since the beginning, is packed with interesting stories and snippets, and is less than 15 minutes long. So, after reading this article (and maybe the rest of Findon News), you can make a cuppa, put your feet up, and listen in. What a perfect start to the day! Just follow this link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2501391/episodes/19430381. The link is easier if you are reading this online – go to either the Findon News website or Findon Village Store. Oh, and whilst I think of it, see if you can spot the deliberate mistake! I did think of running a ‘raffle’; tell the shop your answer, and our manager will donate an ice cream to whoever’s name he pulls out of a hat, but I thought it might create havoc as you all rush down there in your enthusiasm! Let me know what you think of it, and also your ideas for future bitesize podcasts.
Whilst I’m talking about media matters, do look at our website. It’s packed with news, photos and interesting items, such as our Community Benefit Scheme, whereby we plough surplus profits back into local projects, such as the School, Preschool, and Swimming Pool.
Now, I’ll try to calm down and move on to other, more mundane, matters (depending on your viewpoint). The hot weather has brought people flocking to the shop, maybe partly because of the two air conditioning units installed there! We have considered putting a chair in the cold store and renting out the space, five minutes at a time, but decided against it. One Saturday afternoon, a group of 22 cyclists came in to quench their thirst! What a summer it’s been – and there’s talk of another heatwave this month. I think we’re all struggling a bit with them now.
Moving swiftly on to some good news, this month sees the start of university. Very exciting, and maybe a bit nerve-racking too! You’ll want to be prepared as much as you can, and we won’t let you down at this important time. Of course, you can always rely on us to stock ‘Good Luck’ and ‘Congratulations’ cards, and other essential items like chocolate, and maybe some pens and paper too. (Are they still used at university?)
Back in January, Lloyds Banking Group (including Halifax and Bank of Scotland) stopped letting customers securely deposit cheques via the PO. And yes, some people and organisations, still use cheques, and were hit sorely by this. Well, I’m pleased to say that as of 1st September, the service is being reinstated. They’ve learnt the error of their ways. About time banks became a bit more user-friendly, I say.
Jean Burden