Pennies and Pounds

‘Christmas is coming
And with Boris getting fat,
Many people are asking
If there will still be an old man’s hat’

The short answer to that is that I think there still will be but, sadly, less old men this year and I fear that their hats may contain too many holes to contain pennies.

It’s been a really tough time for all of us, hasn’t it but, especially, for older people who remember when Dominic was a saint not a sinner, when dip dabs did not mean embezzlement, and when visors were only worn for riveting entertainment.

The older generation have generally worked hard all their lives and just want to enjoy themselves now – perhaps indulge in a few treats that they may have forsaken for so many years in order to give their children the very best of everything.

So many older ladies and gentlemen enter our sweet shop and are taken back to a time before children – when they were children themselves – and many still retain that sense of fun. For others, life and the virus threatening to end it, are clearly all-consuming. We worry with them because it could also spell the end of our little shop.

So, why don’t we all follow the advice of Wordsworth, in one of my favourite odes:

‘Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass; of glory in the flower,
We shall grieve not – rather find
Strength in what remains behind.’

Christmas is, of course, a great reminder that there is always hope, if only we can keep faith in a better future for all of us.

I’m pleased to say that Christmas has arrived at number 97a High Street as Worcester’s customers look to buy their presents and stocking-fillers earlier than ever, and the reindeer too have delivered our Christmas stock early. They will also deliver it to you if you wish (and have an ongoing supply of carrots).

Have a look at our Christmas brochure and you will see what we have to offer. As regular visitors to the shop will know, we have quite quickly become a gift shop that also sells sweets, as opposed to a sweet shop that also sells a few gifts from time to time.

Beautiful red Robin tins of vanilla fudge arrived this morning (though I understand that Batman is feeling a bit pushed out and currently taking legal advice from his lawyers in Gotham City on exclusion grounds).

We also have beautiful Snowmen and Stargazer tins of vanilla fudge, though I refer to the latter as ‘The John Lewis tin’ after their 2013 Christmas ‘Bear and the Hare’ advertising campaign which is, to date, their most successful ever.

I also consider Stargazer to be a track on my Rainbow Rising album from 1976 which I sometimes place on the turntable and play at maximum volume when Michelle is safely outside, working hard in the garden.

If it’s shortbread you’re after, then reindeer, sheep and Scottie dogs will be happy for you to take them for a walk.

Those loving chocolate in solid or liquid form are well served, while fudge and alcohol prove again what a fantastic combination they truly are.

We have jellies, toffee slabs and hampers of all your favourites which we hope will bring some respite from the cold winds from the north.
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‘If you can’t afford the sweet things
Then a cheerful wave will do.
If you can’t find it within yourself to smile,
Then may God bless you.’