I’m sure that many of you will be aware that Peter Goldsworthy, after a long fight with cancer, has sadly passed away. We owe him a deep debt of gratitude. If it were not for Peter’s vision, Findon may well be very different today from the bustling, thriving, friendly village it is. When the shop unexpectedly closed in 2017, it was Peter who, within days, called a public meeting, and mobilised everyone to raise sufficient funds, through a share-ownership scheme, to buy the shop. I only met Peter a couple of times (being a newbie), but what stood out to me was his determination, passion, and commitment; his tireless energy; his willingness to fight for what he believed; and, then, after the initial success, to carry on fighting to ensure the shop’s future. A true pioneer!
And his legacy? Well, that the shop, at the heart of the community, is thriving, says it all. During the months when there was no shop, apparently Findon was subdued. Businesses reported that their takings were down, visitor numbers reduced, it was just – well, quiet. Hard to believe now. The shop really does bring people here, and keeps them here.
So, to the future. In memory of Peter, you could consider buying a share in the shop, or gifting any shares you already own. As I vividly recall Peter saying, the shop is secure now, but if folk need to withdraw their share(s) for one reason or another, we need the next generation on board. If you’re interested, please speak to Angus or Helen in the shop.
And now, down to more mundane matters. I’ve spent a long time thinking about the best way to alert you to this whilst making it sound less bad than it is. Do I say/write it quickly? Do I whisper it or write in greyed out script? How do I say something but not say it? But I want you to know it … No, with gritted teeth, I’m resolved to bite the bullet, and just write it, and you can take it how you like. The price of stamps is going up. On 7th April, a first-class stamp will increase to £1.70, and a second-class stamp to 87p. There’s no way to make it more palatable. So, please, get yourself down the PO before the deadline, and, whatever you do, don’t get caught out!
Well, Easter is late this month. Something to do with the moon, I understand, but it all sounds a bit obscure, not to mention random, to me. As ever, we are stocking greeting cards, eggs, and all sorts of delicious goodies, so do pay us a visit and see for yourself. And for those last-minute essentials, our opening times are:
Good Friday (18th April): 07.00-16.00
Easter Day (20th April): 07.00-12.30
Easter Monday (21st April): 07.00-12.30
Happy Easter, and speak soon!
Jean Burden