‘Some have fame thrust upon them’ – Attending the Opening of the Co-op Store in Princess Drive, Seaford.

Apologies for no recent posts. I've been away and have been busy with other matters since my return. But I'm back now with a recent 'happening', which I hope you'll enjoy.

It’s not that I lead a boring life, but this must rate as one of the more interesting events that has happened recently, mainly because it was so unexpected.

“You’re joking,” was my first comment when my husband came back from his morning walk with our dog and announced that we has been asked to ‘open the new Co-op in Princess Drive’ on Thursday 6^th August. His face showed that it clearly wasn't a joke, but he was clearly enjoying the drama of the situation.

“No, really,” he said. “I'm to go back tomorrow to say if we agree.”

“Well, OK,” I responded, “But why us? We’re not important in any shape or form.”

“Oh, it’s because we have talked to the manager before it opened and showed an interest,” he said. “You alright with it?”

I nodded, not really thinking of any excuses why not and went back to surfing the Internet.

Thursday came. Much debate had been had about whether to dress up or dress down. Finally, because of the cloudy, drizzly weather that day, I dressed more for comfort in casual trousers and a top coupled with a grey jacket. We arrived to find that Cllr Mark Brown, who had been the mayor of Seaford last year, was also in attendance. I was relieved – ‘that’s fine’ I thought, ‘he’ll be doing the honours’.

Opening the door

When the time came, after a photo-call, he did indeed cut the ribbon. But then the manager, Conor Gallen, made it clear that I was to turn the key that would open the door - a symbolic opening. This I duly did, thinking that that would be it. But, no – with Conor beside me holding a trolley, I was taken around the new generation Co-operative Store in what must have been the slowest ‘supermarket dash’ in history as we filled the trolley with groceries for myself. This was a first for me and very unexpected – no one had warned me. And it was made worse because Alan walked away – a proud man where unexpected gifts embarrass.

As time went on, it actually became great fun and was for me a much appreciated gesture of the Co-op – one of the many for their opening freebies (for others as well as myself).

The store has been much renovated since its last incarnation as ‘Costcutters’. Structural work had been carried out, enlarging the shopping area, with the design of the shop maximising the space for large amount of products. Having seen a new generation Co-op store just a few weeks ago in Moreton, Dorset, I had some idea as to what to expect. Even so, the idea of having a local store so well stocked and close to home was a little overwhelming.

Later on that day, my husband sent me on a mission to see if they had ingredients for a recipe he was cooking, namely fresh herbs. Even he was surprised when I returned with said items. And while there, it was really good to hear the positive comments of those who were visiting the store that day, who were pleased with the variety and style of the shop. Long may it stay!

Official Opening of Co-op - 6th August 2015