Support for Midhurst creators as high street shops return

Jeanette Sutton brought the idea to the town council, which will spend up to £1,000 on behalf of the scheme, including ‘Made in Midhurst’ stickers and shopping bags for people to spot independent makers in the town.

The announcement comes as non-essential businesses in the town were allowed to reopen on Monday.

Now cllr Sutton is hoping to bring the scheme to the attention of the town’s artisans.

“What I really want is to find all the people who make things in Midhurst and I will be making a directory of all the makers in Midhurst

“A lot of people don’t realise the amount of things that are made in Midhurst.”

Laura Jandac owns The Uphosterer in High Street with her husband Milos.

She said: “I think it’s a great idea now more than ever. It is fantastic.

“Anything that brings people in to the town has got to be a good thing. As you walk around Midhurst you will be able to identify what is made in the town.”

For many businesses in the town the hope is that customers continue to shop locally and support independent businesses.

Karin Dunbar is one such business owner and her shop Stuff and Co opened again on Monday.

“We are trying to push local business and the idea that you can even shop local online.”

For the past three months, Karin has been operating her business from the website and offers free delivery to people living in Midhurst but being able to open her shop has been a big relief.

“It was really lovely to have some kind of normality. We had no idea what it was going to be like but we were quite busy and it was a good day.”

Freya Parles owns Wizzbits toy shop in West Street.

She said: “Everybody has been really excited to get back into shops. We had lots of people on Monday but it has quietened down.

“I think we can all do with a bit local support.”

Freya has also been operating her business from the internet over the past few weeks.

“It has already been useful,” she said, “but it has been nice having people back in the shop.

“The town itself was really busy and people seem to really want to support local businesses. I think it will take a while for people to get their confidence back but it is a slow recovery.”

Are you a Midhurst maker or do you know someone who is? Get in touch with Jeanette: [email protected]