Going Back Home to St.Margaret’s Street..
Sometimes in life, you just fall in love with a place; a place, which brought so much happiness and joy to a period in life. St. Margaret’s Street was that unique spot on Earth for me. So much of the street has personal links with myself and so many stages of my life, that I was honestly lost where to start.
Today’s blog entry might seem very different, but it is driven more by emotions and what I love. There is a deep reason behind my words, which I will no doubt explain when it is time to leave St. Margaret’s Street. But now, a journey into my heart…..
The reason I refer to St. Margaret’s Street as home is due to one particular place, one which is still very, very special to me: Tiny Tim’s Tearoom.
I worked here for five years and probably among the best memories I have in this life. 5am starts and baking scones and cakes for the hundreds of customers we’d get each day; each September, myself and the previous owner would prepare the Christmas cakes and mince pies for mid November. By the time December rolled around, me and her both loathed Christmas. Yet, there is something rather enjoyable about the catering industry at Christmas; yes, the workload becomes unbearable at times, but you do develop a sense of pride in your work and how much you’re able to achieve.
Sunday’s were just hilarious, by the way. It was essentially just me and the owner baking, kitchen staff were not in to later, and usually resulted in us shouting at the radio — mostly at The Treasure Hunt. Which randomly had us as a clue one morning and turned up! It was so funny. The Sunday morning shift were just a bizarre therapy session, mixed in with Alice in Wonderland; I’m amazed Jo and I got any work done. Co-workers, who you and the most relaxed with, tend to be the best. Always remember that.
I did worry, occasionally, I would end up driving her too mad. Alas, she and many others at Tim’s failed to appreciate my jokes and was often requested to “go home” after telling them. But, if you’re reading this Jo, for old times’ sake, it’s going to snow soon…..
Yes. Tiny Tim’s is haunted. Three children called John, John and Rosie. In the five years I was there, I’ve seen a little boy twice — once hiding behind the counter and scaring me to death at 5am in the morning. I was alone and no one else was in the building. Heard children playing on the stairs, singing and laughing. Doors slamming and had my name called (which resulted me in phoning the owners at 5:30am and freaking out); Rosie was the most active and most seen out of all the children. Usually sitting on the stairs and watching me bake, which never scared me.
I was honestly just fascinated by the ghosts really, only on two occasions was I terrified. What was weird though, from the first day of working alone to my last — I always felt as if someone was watching me, as soon as I walked in the building.
Disturbing fact: Rosie haunts my own house. I’ve seen her around my house, usually walking around the kitchen. It doesn’t bother me, I just assume she is saying hello and wondering what I am up to.
Saying goodbye is very hard sometimes, especially when your body is telling you to slow down and stop; but your heart wants to keep going until the bitter end. Tiny Tim’s sits in a little box, wrapped in a bow, in the bottom of heart. Forever.
ANGELS is just stunning. Just a work of art. I do believe the team create the best window displays in Canterbury, even better than national retailers such as TOPSHOP and H&M. It would be wrong for me to attempt to describe the care and innocent details — you just need to witness it for yourself.
The inside of the store is just flawless. So much attention to detail; even the littlest item is placed for a reason. It is so quirky and unique, yet manages to remain the most trendiest boutique in Canterbury. I just admire how much pride is put into ANGELS. The level of care and attention just shows the amount of love the team have.
ANGELS at Christmas is very special. The entire store becomes a winter wonderland and the window display illuminates St. Margaret’s Street. And, quite rightly, won the Gold Award for their Christmas window display.
Truthfully, ANGELS is one of the reasons I created YouCanterbury; I felt as if, like so many other independent stores in Canterbury, the uniqueness wasn’t truly praised enough. Yes, customer service is very important — especially gathering loyal consumers — but the presentation, dedication and effort in making unique experiences are just as important. ANGELS is a work of art; a breathtaking masterpiece in visual merchandising, which is impossible to find elsewhere in Canterbury. We should celebrate it more.
And, it would be wrong for me to leave this out, I went to college with Gem for two years and very proud to see her become a very successful young women.
Wow. We’re only two locations in and has already becomes quite extensive; next weeks will be just as long because there is so much I have to say about St. Margaret’s Street. This district is quite personal to me and felt it was necessary to express emotions a bit more.
The next blog post will feature more ghost stories, lots of coffee and why Canterbury Tales is the place I have visited the most and the nightlife of this amazing street….
