New product is arriving at the shop every day. We have just received a new collection of limited edition bronze animals (sorry Whippet and Labrador already sold). And we have added to our range of ceramic birds too. From Belgium, we have a variety of shell necklaces and from New Zealand, a subtle necklace of amber beads.

We have recently sourced some very unusual painted transport signs from India (sections shown here). Each is a permit which would allow the driver of the bus/goods vehicle to travel between the States indicated and would be attached to the front of the vehicle. We only have a few available in our shop in Old Amersham and the prices range from £225-£275. They vary in length but are approx. 6ft long.

Having endured a low of -18C a week or two ago, it was a delight to feel the warmth of the sun flooding through the shop windows today. We are going to be selling a limited range of potted plants in the Spring and yesterday visited our local supplier to source pussy willow, blossom and hyacinths for the windows.

We are delighted to announce the opening of our first shop, in Old Amersham, Buckinghamshire. Feedback from customers has been wonderful and it has been a delight to put faces to names who have ordered with us (via our catalogue) over the years.

Pedestrian street signs were first introduced in the U.S during the 1920’s in an effort to halt the alarming amount of deaths caused by the growing number of motorcars on the roads. The city started taking the WALK DONT WALK signs down in 1999, in response to the growing diversity of languages spoken in NY. A batch of freshly manufactured units waiting to be utilised never made it to their street-side destination - they were sadly made redundant, until now that is. Cast in aluminium, and painted in classic NYC yellow, the unit features tempered glass, is vandal resistant and can be wall mounted, suspended or propped in-situ.

The sign is fitted with new circuitry which enables the WALK DONT WALK to flash at timed intervals. The wiring is for indoor or outdoor use. Dimensions: 18.75″ h x 9.0″ d x 18.5″ w. Weight: 6.8 kg. They cost £825.00

A strong constitution and a set of sturdy wheels are a prerequisite when visiting the mountain-top Lycian site of Kadyanda. The gravel and rock track is washed away by heavy rains each year, but the spectacular views through the pine forests are unmissable.

Fifteen years ago on our first visit to the ancient Lycian site at Patara, there was little more to see than the monumental triple vaulted arch (below). Today archaeologists excavate the remains for two months each summer and the full importance of this once flourishing maritime and commercial city has yet to be fully recognised.

Arch of Modestus painted by Charles Ewart in 1842. Courtesy of the V&A

Patara was one of three Lycian sites we visited on our recent sourcing trip to Southern Turkey. Temperatures well in excess of 100 degrees (and baring in mind there is little shade) do restrict what can be achieved. But hidden Kadyanda high up in the mountains was cooler and another story altogether…

After several months of negotiation we have finally exchanged contracts on a shop premises in the High Street of Old Amersham and aim to open for business at the beginning of October. The shop is located in part of a building that housed Gurney’s Butchers as photographed (above) in 1918.

Amersham Fair c1905

Oddfellowes Fete c1901

Photographs courtesy of Amersham Museum

Today’s weekly progress meeting was cut short when we noticed wasps building a nest in the garden. We were mesmerised for ages, watching busy wasps working studiously away.