Well, what an amazing start to the week I had!
Monday was a really busy day, and it began with a returning customer who has been loving her Robell cords. She wanted another pair in black but also spotted a bargain — the very last pair in taupe. Having got that sorted, she was then rather distracted by our gorgeous Cream wool jumper and, before long, had put together a lovely outfit with a blouse too!
Then another lovely regular lady arrived, all the way from Oxford — although, to be fair, she was visiting locally! She told me she simply had to call in to Karen George, which is always lovely to hear.
Trousers are definitely having their moment this week! I’ve sold a good mix of Robell and FOIL, alongside socks, jumpers, tops and handbags. In fact, I got so low on handbags that I’ve placed another order, and I’m delighted to say we are now fully stocked again with some gorgeous autumnal colours and a lovely choice of styles.
I think you’ll agree they look rather fabulous!
Now, one of the conversations I had this week really stayed with me.
As you know, I always enjoy a good chat with my ladies, and I often say that kindness and good manners cost nothing and that we should all try to do our bit to help one another.
Well, I met a lovely lady called Di who told me she volunteers for Rowlands Castle Good Neighbours and has been driving for them for an incredible 17 years!
I was so impressed. I’d never really appreciated what a wonderful service this was, and she told me that surprisingly, many people don’t even know it exists.
The group is run by volunteers and supported by donations. The volunteers use their own cars to help people get to places they might otherwise struggle to reach. This includes GP, hospital, dental and other health appointments, trips to social clubs, shopping, collecting prescriptions and other neighbourly activities. They can also wait if needed and take people home afterwards.
I later mentioned it to a local lady here in Emsworth, who promptly told me, “We have that here in Emsworth too!”
Well, I never! Isn’t that brilliant?
It turns out Di already drives one of our own lovely ladies, Ann — you know who you are! I suggested that perhaps Di could bring Ann into Emsworth one day, as she used to love coming into the shop but can no longer drive.
What a small world, and what lovely people there are out there giving their time to help others.
I thought it was worth mentioning in case, like me, you weren’t aware of these services. We speak to so many people who live alone, have difficulty getting about or perhaps have lost their confidence with public transport. Sometimes all they need is a little helping hand to get out and about again.
For anyone who might find it useful, the contact numbers are:
Rowlands Castle Good Neighbours: 07897 994378
Emsworth Good Neighbours: 01243 430999
And on the subject of small acts of kindness, I had a little experience of my own this week.
A lady came into the shop having lost her mobile phone. She was understandably rather worried and asked whether anyone had handed it in.
I offered to take her husband’s telephone number in case it turned up, and suggested that we could also put a message on one of the local Facebook groups, such as Emsworth Mums or Emsworth Community, while she retraced her steps.
“Oh, I don’t use Facebook,” she said.
“Well, I do!” I replied. 😂
She was SO grateful that I offered to look out for it and keep her contact details while she retraced her steps.
As it happened, just minutes later she found it, but she came back to tell me and I was absolutely thrilled for her. I know what an inconvenience and worry losing your phone can be.
She thanked me for being so kind, but honestly, it was nothing for me to do. A couple of minutes of my time had meant an awful lot to her.
And that’s really the point, isn’t it? We don’t always have to do something grand. Sometimes the smallest gesture can make someone’s day.
On the home front, we’ve started making plans for the bedroom. I’ve ordered a new sliding wardrobe in the sale, which should arrive in a few weeks, and once that’s installed I can get started on the decorating.
Of course, that means a new carpet and curtains too… oh, the list goes on!
I just need that lottery win now. 😂
Ian and I also had a night out on Wednesday, going to see The Beat and The Selecter at Fareham Live. We do enjoy our Ska music and the Mod scene — showing our age a little, perhaps!
Although I have to say, we are not quite as good at going out midweek as we used to be. It takes me a couple of days to recover! 😂
No great Vinny adventures to report this week, although we did take him out for a spin last Sunday, just for the fun of it. I’ve also ordered my new 2027 planner, so I can start filling it with ideas and adventures for next year.
Something to look forward to!
So, that’s my week — a lovely start in the shop, some gorgeous new handbags, a reminder of how many good people are out there helping others, and a few plans taking shape at home.
I’m conscious that these emails seem to get longer every week, but I always have so much to tell you! Thank you for continuing to read them and for all the lovely comments you send back. It really is nice to know you enjoy hearing what’s going on.
Until next week, take care of each other and, above all, be kind.
Karen xx
Karen George Boutique
34 High Street, Emsworth, PO10 7AW
Open Monday–Saturday, 10am–4pm
