When I returned to the UK after almost 10 years in Colorado, I was pleased to discover that my nearest yarn shop was not too far away from me – just a few miles along the south coast at Shoreham-by-Sea. I got to know the owner, Monica Hardman, and was delighted to be invited to the 50th Anniversary celebration of her shop, the wonderful Shoreham Knitting & Needlecraft.
Monica Hardman (sitting, far right) with her staff, past and present in the front of her shop.
Celebrating 50 years of success along with Monica was her staff including Bridget Moore who worked with Monica for 26 years and Sue Davies for 15 years.
Left to right, Sue Davies and Bridget Moore and in the background – yarn!
I also managed to catch up with Emma King from Rowan, who used to work for Monica a few years ago. In addition, Martin Storey, knitwear designer – but I’m sure you knew that – was there and it was good to chat with him too.
Left to right, Martin Storey and Emma King celebrating with Monica Hardman
While there I discovered that Monica had been to Buckingham Palace on 16th November. She said:
I was nominated by the CEO of the British Independent Retail Association (BIRA). It was just a coincidence that it was around the same time as Shoreham Knitting & Needlecraft’s 50th Anniversary as it had been organised 2-3 months ago when the new King was still Prince of Wales. I couldn’t think who had nominated me to attend this reception in recognition of the contribution of small businesses to the economy of the UK! Then one day I received a call from Andrew Goodacre, the CEO, saying that he had nominated me!
Royal invitation to Buckingham Palace
What an excellent way to celebrate 50 years of success!
If you are a regular reader of my blog, you will recall that I have written about Monica’s beautiful shop before. To remind you just a little, Shoreham Knitting & Needlecraft is a Rowan Flagship store, which means it stocks the entire Rowan yarn collection. Other yarns are available too including Sirdar, Sirdar, and Sublime, as well as knitting patterns and accessories such as buttons and beads and a variety of items you would expect to find in a good needlework and haberdashery store – so, not just a lovely yarn store. Balls of yarn are neatly arranged on wooden shelving and wooden cubes from floor to ceiling. Yarn-filled wicker baskets and mannequins in knitted cardigans and jumpers are dotted around the shop. It’s a knitter’s dream!
If you ever get a chance to be anywhere near Shoreham-by-Sea then make sure you stop by. Here’s the address: Shoreham Knitting & Needlecraft.19 East Street, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 5ZE. England
If you can’t, Monica also has an online shop, English Yarns, and delivers worldwide.
If you have visited Monica’s shop, please leave a comment by scrolling down to “Leave a Reply” below.
Happy knitting and crocheting!
Esther x
Esther, thank you so much for all the kind words about Shoreham Knitting & Needlecraft. It was lovely to meet so many customers, some who regularly visit our shop, and many new ones. The winner of one of our competitions had actually driven all the way from Chippenham in Wiltshire on that day to join in our celebrations! During the evening I was thrilled to see some of the members of our team from past years and from our old shop Shoreham Knitting Machines. I had not seen some of them for over 35 years! Saturday 26th November will certainly be a day to remember. Monica x
You are very welcome Monica! I am not surprised that someone had traveled such a long way to visit you on Saturday – you have a very special shop!