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 6th 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’.
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| 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!
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| Official Opening of Co-op - 6th August 2015 |
