Although I didn't do any of my Christmas Shopping in Hedge End this year, it would be true to say that the nicest shopping trip I've ever had was in Hedge End earlier this year, prior to Mothers Day.

I left home mid-morning and walked down the road to the Post Office seeking a suitable card. Most unusually I put my hand on exactly the right card straight away then went to the counter and paid for it. Having solved that dilemma in a couple of minutes, instead of the usual twenty, I strolled round the corner to Jesters Jewellery where I quickly found the ideal Mothers Day gift that I was looking for. It was a nice friendly shop and to my great surprise, my purchase was wrapped for me too. Fabulous.

So that was it. Job done quickly and efficiently without any of the hassle of travelling into the neighbouring towns/cities and parking.

The only slight problem was that I looked slightly camp carrying a pink gift bag back home. I thus took the scenic route home, so that I didn't risk bumping into any of my old workmates or give them the opportunity to make rude remarks whilst hanging out of the office windows...!

But as I'd completed the shopping trip inside half-an-hour and it was a nice sunny day, it was worth the longer walk and the drama of having to conceal the bag under my jumper when I walked past Nosher's house...

The lesson, I think, is that local shopping in Hedge End village centre is usually OK for the odd special present for a special occasion, but for a bigger shopping expedition where variety is important (e.g. for Christmas Shopping), the village centre isn't really up to scratch...