As we move into the second lockdown there’s never been a more important time to support our local shops, cafes and businesses. Many are extending their hours of opening today, Tuesday November 3 and tomorrow November 4 and will be continuing a click and collect service during lockdown.
The White Horse Bookshop is keen to let everyone know it’s still open for business, 10am-4pm for browsing until the end of Wednesday. From Thursday 5 November it will operate a click and collect service as well as taking telephone and email orders. The staff are still working hard in the shop and are happy to make book recommendations over the phone or on email as well as taking orders for art materials. Phone 01672 512071 or email info@whitehorsebooks.co.uk. The bookshop is also happy to post orders within the UK.
Angus MacLennan, The White Horse Bookshop manager, said: “We will be here. If you’re not sure what you want, give us a call and we can help you. You just won’t be able to come into the shop, which is just as well considering the way we treat our customers!”
Across the road at Beauty Full Time, Megan Bromley is installing a ‘take away beauty hatch’ in the front window and a press for beauty bell. She told Marlborough.news, “ All the Christmas stock is in. Popular items include Decleor skincare gift sets and Aroma Works reed room diffusers usually £20-£26 on sale for £10.
Customers can browse on the website and our click and collect page includes instructions on how to order. I’m offering free delivery to people in the area. Orders and payment can also be made over the phone on 01672 – 514114.”
Ducklings Toy Shop in Hilliers Yard are also offering click and collect and free delivery. Owner Janice Pattison said, “It’s not too late to pick up your advent calendars. We have Lego Playmobil and Schleich including the amazing Back to the Future and Harry Potter Ball Calendars. We also have Our Generation including lots of festive accessories and Hama and Aqua Beads. These craft ones are great for starting early. Open a door every time you find a making feeling coming on.
If you miss out before Thursday lockdown you can still order for delivery or Click and Collect.” Phone: 01672 512170 email : info@ducklingstoyshop.com
At The Marlborough Bike Company it’s business as usual. The shop was classed as an essential business during the last lockdown and owner, John Joel, will continue normal opening hours. “We have a small selection of kid’s bikes for sale and lots of biking accessories which would make good Christmas presents.”
Cat’s Whiskers at the bottom of Kingsbury Street is open today and tomorrow. A message on Facebook states: “From Thursday our shop will still be open for business, posting photos of our vast selection of quirky vintage items and new gifts and homewares on our Instagram and Facebook pages, and also on local Facebook Marketplace sites.
Our massive half price giftware sale continues, and with prices starting at under £1, and things to appeal to all ages and interests, there really is something for everyone. We will be happy to take orders over the phone for you to collect from the kerbside, and can also offer local delivery or postage. Call 07712 018543 any day.”
The message ends with a sentiment we can all agree with – “Please continue to support your local independent shops so that together we can help our interesting, vibrant town centres to survive!”
Obituary : Alan Rix, Rotarian and hospital administrator
