Time to switch off all devices, put on your shoes
and shop locally this Christmas
Words: Paul Chapman
I try and encourage those around me to do the same and through S40 and S41 Local we try and point you to some great local independent businesses run by the very people who might just live on your street.
Baz Luhrmann penned a classic in 1999, taking the words from a hypothetical commencement speech by columnist Mary Schmich, originally published in June 1997 in the Chicago Tribune. The essay, giving various pieces of advice on how to live a happier life and avoid common frustrations, spread massively via viral email.*
What's he on about now, what's this got to do with anything? I can almost hear the groans!
The last line 'But trust me on the sunscreen', is how I feel about 'shopping locally'. I feel I use the phrase repeatedly, I try and encourage those around me to do the same and through S40 and S41 Local we try and point you to some great local independent businesses run by the very people who might just live on your street.
Yet again Christmas approaches and I make no apologies for repeating the text below.
Christmas is on the horizon and with it a shopping list of gifts for family and friends. To fulfil your present buying objectives you could go online and await delivery to your door.
Alternatively, you could spend your money locally this Christmas at a small independent business. There's a chance that the business owner or maker will take your money and spend it in another community shop or cafe... and then the next business owner will do the same thing, keeping the money in Chesterfield and benefiting our local economy. Or yes, you could spend it in a chain store and some faceless shareholder somewhere in the world will add the amount to their fortune and it has no impact on our community's economy. I know shopping local takes more time and effort but if you need convincing or you'd like to see how this works, check out 'Tale of a Tenner' on YouTube (quick code below), it's inspiring - and not just because of the cyclists!
This edition and next we'll be including some great ideas for gifts and we'll also suggest some great services so people don't end up regifting that 'thing' they didn't want or need, perhaps helping the planet a little. See adverts for more details, contact numbers and addresses.
And ... if you're a local business reading this and want something in December give us a call, it'll only cost you an advert.
Last thing ... tell them S40 & S41 Local sent you!
M's Gallery Handmade contemporary silver jewellery from Britain's best designer makers, and M's Accessories for ladies clothing & accessories.
St Thomas Brampton 'More Than An Ironmonger' a tribute to Phil Johnson. Ironmonger, husband, father, grandad, friend and pillar of the community.
Helen Rowan Photography
Christmas Gift Vouchers for Beginner Workshops and Helen's fabulous 2020 Photo Sessions.
The Scent Styling Co
Luxury home fragrance products for all, Christmas gift boxes, vouchers, Studio shop open to the public.
Shop Indie Spalted Beech Silver Dome Necklace. Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s newest independent retailer for quirky handcrafted gifts.
Brampton Brewery
Three bottle pack £7.70 per pack – just select three of your loved one's favourite Brampton beers.
Holymoorside Film Treat someone to Spring Membership for fun, friendship of our Village Hall cinema. Quote S40 to see 7 films for £20.
StraightCurves Specialist 1:1 Tuition
Got a crafty friend and no idea what to get them? One-to-one tuition, learn at their own pace. From £25.
4 Elements Spa & Beauty
Treat your someone special in your life (and perhaps yourself) to a spa treat, massage or beauty service.
West Studios Shop
Selling locally made gifts, cards and jewellery. Knitted wire bracelet by Hannah Watson £35.
Brampton Manor and Salon & Spa
Salon & Spa Festive Gift Vouchers 20% extra free with every £25 spent. Buy online.
Hogg Norton Fruit Liqueurs Fruity tipples gooseberry, spiced plum, blackberry, raspberry, strawberry & mixed berries. £4 each or 8 for £28
Brampton Picture Framing Framing services plus a huge range of art. Prices from £15. Shown a classic “Miffy” print by Dick Bruna £69.
Ingmans
Peregrine Bexley waxed jacket. Clothing for the man in your life who loves the great outdoors.
Love Brewing Gin Making Sessions
Experiences to create Botanical flavours and take it away to enjoy at home. £49 per couple £89 for four.
Mellors & Kirk Auctioneers
A wide range of items from fine jewellery to classic timeless watches and fine art. You'll need to bid though.
Autoselect The Bear Grylls in your life won't need to fashion a shelter out of leaves anymore! Rental of a VW T6 Ocean Campervan for the weekend.
Torne Valley Is your loved one in need of the perfect garden power tool? Tools to cover all jobs from blowing leaves to cutting up logs.