We've lost almost all of our 'real' local shops, butcher, greengrocer, hardware etc. Thankfully we have Tesco within walking distance.

The majority of the small shops we have around here these days are of the fast food variety. - Oh, we've had a couple of brothels, or so I'm reliably informed by my drinking partners.

I try and get a bit of a balance with my shopping - doing some at supermarkets (after all, I do have a budget to work too!), and doing some with local shops. I buy a lot of my meat from a butcher in Stratford - it is a bit more expensive, but it's better quality and usually lasts several meals, so doesn't work out too badly.

If we don't use them, we will certainly lose them!

It's that time of year again to make the effort to support local small businesses (although, we should be doing thiss all year round!): http://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/shop-local-small-business-saturday/

I just hope they don't have to endure the company of that prize dullard Osborne, like last year's winners.

A great idea, as advertised by American Express

https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/#small-biz-100