Let there be light

In the village this morning the greengrocers were enjoying the challenge of putting lights into the walnut tree outside their shop. The High Street is already sparkling with little Christmas trees above the shops and other decorations on the lamp posts. The shop owners do all this themselves and the High Street is a thriving community - at the moment.

Recently HSBC closed their branch which brought people to the bank and to use the cash point. There are rumours that the site will be a funeral parlour or an estate agent, not really encouraging foot fall. A jeweller nearby has a closing down sale. I spoke to the owner of an at present successful gift and toy shop who is worried whether she can compete with the big stores who this year are having pre Christmas sales, both in store and on line. How can little shops compete?
I feel guilty now that I shopped in Guildford on Monday!