Peebles Beltane Festival is just about to begin, a week of community celebrations beginning on Sunday 20th June. Customers from outwith Peebles should note that there will be some traffic disruption through the town, mainly on the Wedensday and Friday evenings. In common with most local businesses in the town centre we will be CLOSED ON SATURDAY 26TH JUNE. It's traditionally expected to allow staff to enjoy the festivities and as David and I have primary school age children who are heavily involved in events on Saturday we aren't able to open. We apologise to any customers planning to travel to Peebles for any inconvenience caused. General enquiries arising on Saturday can be directed to our Harrogate branch, contact details here. You can find out more about the Beltane festival here http://www.peeblesbeltanefestival.co.uk/index.html
In November 1992 we were working hard to get our shop in Peebles opened. We were living in a draughty old shepherd's cottage in the Moorfoot Hills at the time and one day, our landlady remarked that there was a famous mountaineer coming to give a fundraising talk in aid of the village hall. It seemed unlikely but yes, Chris Bonington was coming to Carrington. It proved to be a memorable evening that people still occasionally mention to us today. Standing room only with an eclectic audience of school children, Women's Institute stalwarts, elders of the kirk and a smattering of outdoor enthusiasts. It probably wasn't the kind of gathering Bonington was used to speaking to but his professionalism and communication skills ensured that his stories came alive for everyone in the room. At the end of the presentation we joined the scrum of autograph hunters and got his signature on a poster which we hung in our new shop on the day it opened. It stayed on the wall for quite a few...