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New Shop Opens in Bungay - 6th November 2004

This week sees the opening of a new shop in Bungay, giving a permanent base for two local women to display and sell their home and garden wares.

Sara Sherriff and Jackie Bell, who started in business just over a year ago previously attended county and gift shows throughout the region to sell a range of items, which reflect their love for vintage - inspired and traditional pieces for the home.

"It's great for Sherriff and Bell to be in these beautiful premises," said Jackie who bought the property at 40 Earsham Street with her husband in August.  "We've worked hard during the past three months to give the shop just the look we wanted and we are delighted with the result."

"We have a large space to fill here," added Sara, "usually we have to cram everything into a small stand at shows, so it is lovely to be able to display the goods more attractively."

And having more space has enabled Sherriff and Bell to extend their product range, which includes pottery, tea towels, Ostrich feather dusters, real bristle brushes and vintage enamelware, to include Christmas decorations, lots of gift ideas and larger items of furniture, such as painted cupboards and dressers, and limited edition prints and paintings.

"We have the work of two local women artists on display at the moment," explained Jackie, "Hannah Giffard from Top Croft, who won a BAFTA award for her animation Red Fox and Hempnall-based Georgina Warne, with her beautiful and often quirky dry point prints.

"The shop in Bungay has given us the opportunity to be a showcase for other local craftspeople, and it's great to be able to help others in business," said Sara.  " We have Louise from Earsham making gorgeous cushions and Deborah Thomas from Suffolk who makes jewellery from vintage 1930s dress buckles, diamante and mother-of-pearl buttons, as well as hand-tooled belts made from the finest English saddle hide supplied from her family's tannery in Northamptonshire."

Sara and Jackie hope to offer something for everyone, from a garden dibber to a crystal bauble, and opening in time for Christmas should give the shop a good boost with people looking for presents for all members of the family.

"Opening a shop has been a big step for us and local people have been tremendously kind and supportive," said Jackie.  "We have received cards and good luck messages from many other shopkeepers in the town, which we really appreciate. Some shops have closed recently but new businesses are opening. Bungay is a lovely town with much to offer and we are pleased to be a part of the local business community." Some of the products that Serriff and Bell have to offer can be seen at www.sherriffandbell.com

www.bungay-suffolk.co.uk