Do you remember The Precinct Gift Centre?
I miss this little gift shop very much.
The Precinct Gift Centre was loved by many. It held many local people’s childhood memories.
It was my favourite gift shop. Sadly, the shop closed in February 2006 after 16 years serving the Chandler’s Ford community.
Brian and Suzette Matthews, who ran the gift shop, still miss Chandler’s Ford, especially many friends that they had met through their Aladdin’s Cave in the Central Precinct of Chandler’s Ford.
Today Brian and Suzette send you good wishes for Christmas and the New Year. They wish you peace and happiness.
Brian and Suzette: Good Neighbours in Chandler’s Ford
I met Suzette and Brian Matthews a few weeks ago at the United Reformed Church, where a Toy Service with the Chandler’s Ford Beavers, Cubs and Scouts took place.
Brian and Suzette still remember me and my son, and we shared fond memories of our good old days at their shop.
I particularly enjoyed having coffee and biscuits at the back of their shop. The cosy shop oozed love and warmth. Many people loved visiting their shop for their warm hearts and comforting words.
In 2004, to their surprise, Suzette and Brian won an “Good Neighbours” award by ITV. Here is a picture of Brian and Suzette with news presenter Fred Dinenage on Meridian – ITV News at their gift shop.
In the New Year, I’ll publish more posts about Brian and Suzette on Chandler’s Ford Today, including their Good Neighbours award. You’ll find more pictures to reminisce the happy old days, when we still had retail shops at the Central Precinct.
“Be nice to each other”
When Brian and Suzette closed their shop in 2006, they left a poignant note to all of us:
“During the past 16 years it has been a pleasure to get to know so many of you and watch your families grow up.
We hope we have been an asset to the community. We have tried to provide a friendly shoulder and a cheery word as we have served you and supported local charities, churches and schools…
Most important of all, please always try to “be nice to each other” as we have encouraged in our own small way.
Sincerely,
Suzette and Brian Matthews
February 2006
Merry Christmas to you all. Let’s use these words from Suzette and Brian to remind ourselves to be kind to our neighbours in the new year.
[…] The Precinct Gift Centre was a precious gift shop at the Central Precinct of Chandler’s Ford. I wrote about the shop last Christmas and showed you a happy picture of the shop owners, Brian And Suzette Matthews. […]