Clive Hodghton of Entertainment House

Report after interview with Clive by Joan West

D.J. in 1980

Clive Houghton started a DJ business part-time in 1980, becoming full time in 1992.   Being a DJ three nights a week and buying and selling equipment from his mother’s home in Flackwell Heath.   By 1999 it had grown so much it was time to get a shop.   He came to Lacey Green.

A NEW SHOP “Entertainment House” opened in Lacey Green in 1999.

Not a noisy disco venue, but a shop supplying everything electronic needed to lay on an occasion.   There were no other shops left in Lacey Green or Loosley Row at the time, and never had been one like this.

THE SHOP

Clive Houghton bought the shop that had been built in 1924, then known as Hickman’s Stores.   It had been empty for three years.   He gutted it and refurbished it to a very high standard and   Entertainment House was born.

THE SUPPLIES

Catering for DJ’s, karaoke, presenters, bands, singers, children’s entertainers, schools, places of worship, village halls, and even home parties, the business went from strength to strength.    Clive admits that little did he know that it would be such a success and take over his life as much as it has.   He and his team are always busy, due in no uncertain terms to their unending commitment.

MORE SERVICES ADDED

With the shop busy he then extended the workshop and added repairs, Pat testing, Installations, refurbishments, exhibition displays, lighting and PA hire to the services provided.    They have already accumulated in impressive portfolio of installations.

FROM FAR & WIDE

Clive has proved that shops in this village can be a success.    He does not have to rely solely on the local community, although they number amongst his customers. He provides a special service in a specialised market.    His shop is unique here, in the way it is run.

CHAIRMAN of VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE

Clive had immediately joined the Residents Association becoming their representative on the Village Hall committee.    Then the two amalgamated to become “The Village Hall Committee”. Clive soon found himself Chairman, a position he has held for some years.   Clive quickly became part of the village community.   Some people never manage to.   It says much for his personality and commitment to all he does.

click Hodghton for others in this family