It’s taken a long time coming, but it’s lovely to be able to enjoy the sunny weather we’re having now. And the shop sees plenty of evidence of that, in our sales of soft drinks and ice creams, and the consumption of our complimentary water outside the shop, suitable for both human and canine friends. Talking of food, I have been asked to mention Hutchings’s scrumptious chicken and ham pies. (I’m not sure why they want it broadcast – the more their deliciousness is publicised, the quicker they’ll sell out – so I would have thought they’d want to keep quiet about it. But it’s not my place to question, just to do what I’m told.
September is, of course, a busy month for Findon. No, I am not talking about the start of the football season, although you might think that if you have recently spoken to Angus, our football-mad manager. (This sentiment is definitely not shared by some of the volunteers, who are busy plotting their revenge.) I am, of course, actually talking about our annual Sheep Fair, although, I have to say, you deserve a medal if you have managed to not know about it thus far! Please visit our stall – you’ll find it near to the Wattle House. We’ll have our fancy coffee machine which makes everything from hot chocolates to cappuccinos, and possibly even iced lattes (weather dependent), and will also be selling our hot sausage rolls (both meat and vegan varieties), Real Patisserie pastries, and sweets and biscuits. And, this year, we will be stocking our popular cards of local scenes created by Findon resident Bob Govatt. Definitely not to be missed!
And, on the subject of the Sheep Fair, do come to see our wonderful postbox topper just outside our shop. It’s quite magnificent!
It’s things like the Sheep Fair that promote Findon and contribute to it being the popular village it is. The presence of the community shop and Post Office is another. I’ve said it before; Findon was a much quieter village when the shop was closed back in 2017. So, it’s vital we do everything we can to keep the shop thriving. We are especially thrilled just now because we have been given a significant donation by a couple who live in the village. We have recently had to renew part of the roof of the flat above the shop, so it was very timely. Thank you so very much. We are always grateful when anyone either buys shares in the shop, or makes a donation.
Another way of being involved would be to join our Post Office team. We are looking to recruit a paid member of staff to start in October, hours to be confirmed. Training will, of course, be provided. I’m sure there’s someone out there who would be a perfect fit for this position – just have a word with Angus or Helen.
Jean Burden