I broke the rules - already!

I thought I should confess that I broke the rules yesterday.  I know, very poor.  And the worst thing is, I didn't even mean to do it.  I was just driving home from a meeting at the shop and as I came up to Wickes, I suddenly remembered that I needed some little washers.  Without even considering that I shouldn't, I nipped it and made my purchase.  It was only on the way out to the car that I realised what I'd done.  I'd just given my £3.04 to the man.

It got me thinking about how little consideration I generally give to to where I make purchases like this.  Which may be why there are so few independent DIY and hardware shops left these days.  Even for purchases like light bulbs, I'm sad to say that I normally pick them up at the supermarket.  But in truth, it would be no less convenient for me to pick them up on my walk to work, especially since one of my walking routes can bring me right past Briggs & Powell.

I don't really know it's history but you can just tell that the store has been there for a VERY long time.  It sort of reminds me of my childhood.  It's completely utilitarian but in a good way - it gives you confidence that they'll have just the thing you want.

The batteries on my camera were dying earlier this week (it's not used to getting as much exercise as it has over the last week or so since we started blogging!) so it was Briggs & Powell to the rescue.

We also managed to get some of those little anti-ant thingies that they never have at the supermarket.  We're attempting a preemptive strike against the persistent family of ants that we do battle with every year.

They have various cookware and utensils including wonderful vintage style enamelware....

...cleaning products (new broom head anyone?) and kitchen accessories like storage jars, bread bins and rubbish bins....

And at the front of the store, they have white goods including washing machines, fridges, TVs and radios.  A veritable tardis.