Day 163 - Country style

Being a professor of entrepreneurship (among other business things), Phil does have a natural draw toward supporting businesses that are local and run by people looking to fulfill a dream. As he always tells his students, you will be more successful if you do something you love. And I might add, you can consider yourself a success if you find yourself doing something you love.

In Moreton in Marsh, we often take what we refer to as "town walks" on days when we're working and so can't get out for a longer hike. Often on those days, we take the opportunity to slip down Oxford St to go by a shop called Henry's of Moreton and have a look in the window. Henry's is a really lovely shop selling country and coastal clothing. Think tweed and sail cloth, horses and hounds, fishing boats and shingle beaches. Ah, what lovely combinations ... I'm sure you get the idea and in your mind's you eye are now blissfully walking down a cliff-edge beach or across a windswept moor.

Today's walk was a delicate trek around town. I have self-diagnosed myself with extensor tendinitis, an inflamed tendon in the top of my foot. I don't usually like to share my aches and pains publicly, but, as this is something that usually befalls runners from overuse, I am rather chuffed to advise everyone who will listen that I HAVE A SPORTS INJURY. Well, Phil and I have been averaging about 70 km of walking a week, so something was bound to give. LOL!

Henry of Henry's of Moreton.
Souce: twitter.com/henrysmoreton 

To "rest my foot" after a few blocks of walking, I suggested we go into Henry's of Moreton to have a look around at the advertised sale items and get a closer look at all the clothing we tend to admire from the window display. Generally, when looking, we are mentally outfitting our kids, and that is exactly how today's perusal through the store started. However, we soon found ourselves looking at items for us. You just can't help it...who can resist well-mde beautiful wool coats, soft leather or suede boots, crisp linen shirts ... aah.

In true entrepreneurial fashion, Henry's was started by a couple with a love of coast and country, Neil and Debbie. They opened the Moreton store in 2015 in a Grade II listed, Cotswold-stone building just off the town's High Street.

As they say on their website: "Running a business that combined all things country, with a nod to the coast, our love of dogs and horses (and Debbie’s unashamedly desire for tweed, stripy tops & sail cloth jackets) had been a concept we had both secretly harboured for many years."

Neil was in the shop today when we went in, and was a wonderful guide through the various brands and products he carries, many of which are made in the UK. His dog, Henry, a gorgeous Golden Retriever, greeted us ... his low growl 'hello' letting us know who really runs the place, and, as Neil explained, advising Neil that he was anxious for his walk.

It didn't take long for the Neil and Phil to be talking sports, horses and pubs. All the better for me as I got a chance to take longer poking around the shop.

Phil came away with a nice jacket, while I managed, with much effort, to restrain myself from a purchase. It wasn't for a lack of finding something I wanted. I need time to step away and decide which of the many wonderful pieces I saw that I am going to get! Thank goodness the shop is just around the corner. I'm sure my foot will stay sore foot long enough for me to have to take more town walks...and, while doing so, a few more shopping rests.

PS. Remember: Shop local!