Small independent shops

At the top of our street in Tooting there was a shop called "Jane's Trains" - which sold model trains. I can safely say the whole time we lived there I never saw anyone in the shop at all - including the owner. But there it stayed, year after year, for 12 years, presumably making money by mail order and on-line.

(Tooting of course also had a fantastic array of ethnic shops, including a Chinese apothecary which was great for window shopping, but which my acupuncturist assured me was a money laundering operation). Much more fun than the soul-sucking, identikit shopping malls of consumer England.

Shifnal's been doing well lately in the small shop stakes. The Deli has moved to bigger premises - now more than two customers can stand in the shop without having to play Twister to get their lunchtime baguette.

And we have a "specialist" shop opening down Church Street - moving into the Poodle Parlour that has also moved to bigger premises. It's called Lone Knight and specialises in clothing and accessories for all discerning mediaeval nobleman.

So, now, not only do I get to say hallo to my beloved shop mannequin each morning on my way for the paper, but I also get to nod good morning to a full suit of armour, and I don't suppose many people can say that...