Entertainment House

Entertainment House was developed by Clive Hodghton in Wembley Cottage, which for long years was the home of the Shop. Hickmans Stores

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.

Editor’s Comment 2017

THE BEST DISCO SHOP

In a survey done in 2005 his customers voted it “The best disco shop they had ever seen”.   In 2008 it was the first UK DJ shop to be awarded a full “Bose L 1 Professional Retail Partner” dealership

RENOWNED

Now it is renowned amongst local entertainers for great service, prices and importantly, high stock levels.    The customers come from far and wide.   They can pull up outside and fifty or sixty miles is nothing, in this day and age, if you are putting on something that is important to you.

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.

DJ 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.

CHAIRMAN of VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE

Clive 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.