In 1990 Wendy Formstone started a small retail business in Weybridge. Poppy's Children's Centre traded in nearly new baby clothes, toys and equipment and later expanded to include new goods and school uniform. This business grew out of all recognition to become a very large enterprise based in Walton on Thames. It served many Surrey families, especially those struggling in that period of recession. After twelve years Wendy and family relocated to Elstead.

The old cobblers, located next to Spar, has recently been made available for the remainder of its lease to resurrect this business. Poppy's will reopen at the end of April, in a smaller format, trading in children's nearly new clothes, toys and equipment, some ladies items and some household pictures, china etc. The shop will initially be open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays  9.30 am to 4 pm.

Part of the focus of this new business is to offer part time employment to village, Mums, Teenagers and University students, hopefully giving them the opportunity to experience running a small business. Although we aim to cover costs, we also hope to be able to support the Elstead Millennium Education Fund [E.M.E.F.], which supports local young people undertaking projects of service or developing excellence in arts or sports.

If you are interested in this venture to work part time, to sell your own goods on 50/50 commission, or to donate items for sale in support of the Millennium Fund*, please come and meet us. Wendy can be contacted on 07527 583876 or by e-mail on cwjf1@hotmail.com

* see p15 ed