We looked today at two very different kinds of shops, starting with what may be the world’s most inconvenient “convenience store”.

So what gives it this designation?

Well first off it’s no more than a tiny wooden shed so it’s no surprise that only one member of staff is available to serve customers at any one time, and secondly its perched 394 feet above ground, hanging precariously from the side of a steep cliff face.

So why is it there in the first place?

Well it opened in 2018  to serve climbers in the Shiniuzhai National Geological Park in China’s Hunan province.

All customers are given a free bottle of water. For other drinks, snacks and energy bars, they accept cash, mobile apps like WE CHAT PAY, and credit cards – but not AMEX.

Stock is replenished daily by means of ziplines and the journey up the cliff to the store takes about 90 minutes, so don’t forget your wallet – and oh I don’t think it offers a restroom! 

At the other end of the scale a shop in Saltash, Cornwall that had served customers for nearly 70 years, was finally forced to close when owner, Frank Elliott refused to go metric.

Opened in 1902, Frank shut up shop when the currency changed. 

He also fought against bureaucracy, refusing to pay the business rates imposed by the town council, eventually successfully beating them in court.

Even though not actually trading he kept the store fully stocked, and as ELLIOTT’S STORE, it has now become a museum owned by the TAMAR PROTECTION SOCIETY,  and is fully staffed by volunteers.

Of course being a Tuesday I was joined once more by Margaret Mills who looked at the history of Woodham Walter Hall which used to stand near Maldon, until the then owners demolished the Hall as they were moving to Danbury Park.

Listen again here to what Margaret had to say about this house and its Royal connections: –

I very hope to have your company again next week,
Scott