I’m replying to both Tinkerbell and Cheeky.

I was extremely sad when I heard that John Broad in the HOP Gallery was retiring but I knew that the day would come at some stage. In June when the news broke, I gathered up the last items I had for framing, and was somewhat relieved at that point to be told that there was a chance of someone taking on the lease when it runs out at the end of Sep. A new member of staff was even being trained to continue the mounting/framing side of the business. Unfortunately, I now discover that the Landlord has decided not to go ahead with the new tenants who had fully intended to keep the business on as a Gallery and picture framers. I have no idea what the Landlord plans for the Gallery space but dread to think.

I look around my home and see more than 25 prints, pictures and photographs all beautifully hanging and each one tells the story of the time and patience spent by John guiding me to choose the right mounts and frames. Each and every one an enjoyable experience for me as I left the Gallery confident of the right choice which John had a knack of making you feel that it was you who had made the choice when in actual fact it was him!

Cheeky - I'm staggered to read that you had that unfortunate experience with John – everyone I know, without exception, who has used his services over the years have always been complimentary of the time, patience and great advice he has given. As a testament to this, he has been inundated with work since the news broke in June that the Gallery was likely to close.

Tinkerbell - I’m not going to comment on your posting other than to say, I too, am extremely sad that the Gallery is closing and I am dealing with this in my own way. I have offered my support and any practical help to John he needs to clear the Gallery – cleaning, dismantling, scrubbing floors, anything I can to repay him for his kindness to me over the past 15 years I’ve lived on HOP. So please don’t think that people don’t care just because we don’t post on the Forum. I rarely post on the Forum but felt compelled to when I read Cheeky’s comments.

A sad day for HOP losing both John Broad and the Gallery but I wish him all the very best for his retirement and a huge thank you for his friendship, advice and all the wonderful work I take pleasure from looking at every day.