Sue Mead, the manager of Metfield shop, invited me. I was touched. In January this year I happened across a moment in time, 20 years ago, when while in India the bank transaction for Metfield Stores went through. When I contacted Sue, she had already the wheels in motion. She organised a gathering at the Village Hall, the day after the elections. Gill, now 91, came with me and was excellent bright company. Gill with Peter had funded the awning still above the shop and 2 years later who listened and advised at that dark time of selling the shop. She recalled in detail such moments in our shared history.
Lorraine and Garry behind the bar. Their grand children gambling around. Emotional and surprising at times to see old and new faces, feel the company of the many ghosts still vivid in my mind here: Sylvia, Tessa, Caroline, Martin, Ann etc. The poster in Bridget’s shop identity typeface, probably designed by her. I sat with Bridget and Miranda for a while, with Keshar as she smoked a cigarette and talked of dogs, saw David and Miranda briefly and talked Kier Starmer, finally I sat with Gill who was talking with John who is still working on a Sunday – that’s 20 years he’s worked every Sunday.
Sue filmed my story of origination when Raj came to visit Metfield 21 years ago. (text here) Sweet to watch this (although also cringing to hear my voice see my hands catapult around). I didn’t take many photos but one was of Jane and Geoffry outside the shop (more in Sue’s post). But as I said then, the story was of the 20 years, 10 of which have been secured and manged brilliantly by Sue and her partner. I saw how she nurtured the community, was an important and central hub in it.
Kalikellett 