The shop always looks at its best around Christmas-time. Well, that’s not to say that it doesn’t always look attractive, but it’s even more sparkly and magical at this time of year! Actually, I think I’m getting myself into hot water here, so I’d better move on quickly. Our shelves are bursting with luxury panettones, frangipane mince pies, miniature festive cakes and even Cluedo crackers! I’m not sure that my idea of festive fun is to meet Miss Scarlet brandishing a candlestick down a dark hallway, but I guess the powers that be have decided that a murder after the turkey is sure to go down well! (Whatever happened to the goodwill and cheer traditionally associated with Christmas?)
We also have a great range of wrapping paper and Christmas cards, including a scenic one of Josh Gifford’s Grand National winner, Aldaniti. Definitely one to be proud of!
Which brings me on to the last posting dates:
First class – Friday 20th December
Second class – Wednesday 18th December
We have leaflets available in-store which give international dates. If you are sending something abroad, postage is cheaper for packages weighing under 2kg. If possible, please collect a customs declaration form from the shop ahead of time to speed the posting process up.
We’ve just had our volunteers’ meeting, always a good time to put faces to all those names you see on the rota but never meet, and to make new friends. It was interesting to hear from the committee members, and we all participated enthusiastically in the obligatory, but very necessary, first aid training! One thing that came out of the meeting is the need for more volunteers, so, especially if you are an early bird (well, 6.30am sort of early), please don’t be shy in coming forwards! You are always well-supported, so it’s not too scary. As well as knowing you’re doing something important for the community, you cannot fail to be cheered by the friendliness and buzz that characterises the shop. It’s great! For more information, please talk to Angus, our manager, Helen, our deputy, a volunteer, or ring Annie on 07946 748814.
We have our AGM in the Village Hall on December 5th at 7.30pm, with registration and the cash bar opening at 6.45pm. Do come to support our shop, and hear from the chair and committee members. It’s a great time to find out how the shop is doing, as well as chatting with friends over a glass of a little something.
Before I finish, I need to tell you the shop Christmas opening times:
Christmas Eve: 7am – 5pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: 7am – 12.30pm
New Years Eve: 7am – 5pm
New Years Day: 7am – 12.30pm
The post office will open as normal and close half an hour before the shop closing time.
Well, all that remains now is for me to wish all our customers – past, present, and future – a very happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.
Jean Burden