Derek & Maureen Woodbridge

also click Christine Langley (Maureen's sister an osteopath)

also click Hickmans Stores for the history of Hickmans Stores

1988 Hallmark. Excerpt from a report by Peter Trotter on the village shop called Hickmans Stores. (click Peter & Lilian Trotter)

"A new innovation, in addition to video hire, is a splendid selection of wines, spirits and daily newspapers.

Derek & Maureen The new owners, who after 13 years in the Health Service with husband Derek who gave up running a welding shop, fulfilled a long ambition to run their own business. After searching all over the country they found what they were looking for right under their noses in Lacey Green after a chance remark to the previous owners. The Woodbridges have lived in the village for 4 years and now manage the shop with the support of the entire family who assist with serving in the shop. They are totally involved in providing a service with Derek at time helping customers with "Do it yourself" problems.

The business is slowly improving, wines and newspapers providing the extra turnover to finance the many new ideas and plans they have for the shops future. We are indeed very fortunate to have such dedicated people in our midst - long may they continue.

If you accept the principle "use it or lose it'' the hard work and enterprise of the new owners deserves all the support we can give them. Where would we be without the village shop? Poorer as a community. Don't let it become a neglected asset - USE IT!"