Chapter 17 - Summertime, and the seaside is….. lovely!

This is the first summer when the shop is open and trading and I am interested to understand the rhythm of the town and the inhabitants’ retail requirements.

Given that Jaadu is so niche, I am very encouraged by the positive reception the shop has received so far. Compliments include - how wonderful the shop looks; how Bexhill needs independent shops selling quality and stylish goods that are different; a calm and peaceful atmosphere; it smells lovely! And, as with the shop in West Dulwich, I am meeting some really fascinating people who have such interesting lives, many who have moved down from London. The DFL’s as we are called by the indigenous population. 

The thing is…..when this shop is finished next year with the fabulous ground floor space we have for retail and the lower ground floor for the gallery, events and coffee shop, we will be a ‘destination’.  Especially as my dear friend Dana, a Buddhist Nun from the Meditation Centre at the end of the road, will be running the coffee shop for me. Coffee, biscuits and a blessing. How fabulous is that?

Meanwhile, seagull breeding activity has kept us alert and on tenterhooks. They nest in the most precarious places. We have a family on the rooftop opposite, wobbling about on the chimney stack and swaying in the wind. I try not to look as they start to get a bit too adventurous, flapping their wings, jumping up and down and shrieking their heads off, getting ready for their inaugural flight. And then they are gone……

I have been very occupied working on the trip to India, planned for March 2026. I am partnering with Go Vacation, a highly regarded travel company, part of the Kuoni group, and although I say it myself, it will be a very special experience. I have kept it small, only 12 places, which will give us access to more unusual places that could not accommodate large numbers of visitors. The idea of a bespoke trip came about when I was in the other shop. Customers frequently expressed a wish to visit India but on a more sedate and curated way rather than in a large group of tourists being coached from site to site, ending up exhausted and happy to go home.

Sadly, Covid delayed my plans until now. But, we are now up and running and looking forward to a happy and successful trip. You can see the details, itinerary and booking T & C’s on the Jaadu Travel pages.

You are most welcome!