Spring is coming …

Hello everyone,
How are you doing ? We hope you are well and coping. We truly miss you all. We know some of you have had some terrible hardships to overcome during this period and we truly wish you well and hope the future has a silver lining for you.

Delighted to be sat out in the garden on this glorious day. It’s amazing how just a day of sunshine can lift your spirits out the gloom. It’s wonderful to see Spring starting to develop and now the end of lockdown is tantalising getting nearer almost like a mirage on the horizon.
We have the yearly calendar dates prior to this of Mothers Day and Easter – then April 12th on your marks get set and go ! I am eager to get my first vaccination before opening whether that will happen or not but just delighted to be getting it.

In the meantime in between click and collects, it’s the small things that keep us buoyant – seeing snowdrops and crocuses in the garden, our daily walk with frogspawn spotting ( have they hatched? no not yet ), difficult puzzles, countless zooms. 
I have attempted hair cuts – dare I say it – they have been passable. Cooking still needs much improvement and books and films have been enjoyed. Has anyone seen the Queen’s Gambit ? – loved it.

We have got as far as planning where in the garden our dream Summer house would go ( my art studio / Terry’s dance studio). It’s been mapped out by planks of wood and we have chosen a style, but that is as far as it has gone. Planning permission is sadly required and we are mustering up the energy to tackle that.

We are in the process of discussing (not arguing) which vegetables and fruits to sow this year. I am a keen radish lover but Terry not so. We have 4 varieties and I am keen to grow all 4 …….. mini cucumbers, lettuces and lots of tomato varieties. Aubergine we have tried every year and failed every year – the same goes for peppers and strawberries – all are eaten by slugs and snails. 

Our stockroom at last has been re-modified for ease of use. 
We know Sara and Elaine will be very appreciative after the claustrophobic atmosphere of towering stock. The counter desk is no longer black, so all our black items such as stapler, pens, phones and calculator can now be located thankfully with ease.

Our stock management system is being updated and has taken a surprising amount of work, and continues to do so. Believe it or not Christmas stock has already been ordered and in the process of hunting, selecting and buying all sorts of  tempting goodies for this year.

We have put together a selection of gorgeous gifts to tempt you …
A) Mother’s Day
B) Easter
C) Because you are worth it and deserve a treat

These can be bought online (£35 spend and over = free delivery during lockdown, £4.95 postage if less), and we are still offering Click and Collect, or you can simply call on 01822 611000 to order.

 A reminder we also sell gift vouchers that can be used online or in store. 

Unfortunately during these difficult times shipping and cargo charges have  risen dramatically and hence all my suppliers are raising their prices by 8 to 10% – in one case 25%.
If there is something you have had your eye on, please don’t delay and be tempted to get it later, as we will soon be forced to raise our prices along with everyone else. We can keep items back for you until we open or arrange delivery or click and collect.

In the meantime hang on in there, enjoy precious days like these and soon we will be able to chat in person and you can tell us all about your lockdown 3 experience.

Best wishes to you all

Nathalie, Terry, Sara and Elaine