Brighton and the surrounding area was always a good place to buy stamps. There were three stamp shops in Brighton, one in Lancing and one in Saltdean - just five miles out of Brighton. I had never been to the shop in Saltdean, so last week I decided to pay it a visit. Because it was a nice day, I decided to cycle.
Brighton happens to be on the South coast of England, in a county called Sussex. It happens to be around 60 miles from London. (Most British people will know all this, but I mention it for the benefit of readers from overseas.) It’s not an easy cycle ride, because you have to take the cliff top road, which is quite steep in places, but it is a beautiful view. On the right you’ve got the sea and on the left the rolling South Downs.
I was five days too late! The shop had closed last Saturday after six years of trading. I arrived on the following Friday. The stamps and the stock were still in the shop, so I presume that the closure had been fairly sudden. There was a notice saying the owners were moving to Morecambe - in the north of England. It was a bitter blow.
Worse, one of two remaining shops in Brighton is looking precarious. Evidently the owner isn’t entirely well. When I visited the owner was being helped by his son-in-law. So I’m praying for his speedy recovery. And remember, with stamps shops as with so many things, you have to use it or lose it. Support your local stamp shop!
see also - How much should you pay for a £1 PUC?