Truly Inspirational

If you spend much time in Dorking you’ve probably, like me, walked across the mouth of Lyon’s Court hundreds of times. You’ve possibly driven up it in the hope of finding the elusive parking space. You’ve probably never noticed a little, unobtrusive shop in the corner, tucked away opposite The Hub. Next time, notice it. Next time, stop. Next time, pop in.

Inspirations is an enterprise serving so many purposes in one fell swoop. First of all, it’s a gift shop full of lovely handcrafted items and cards. Secondly, it’s an outlet for local craftspeople to display their talents and sell their wares. Thirdly, and undoubtedly most significantly, it’s raising funds for a charity which supports people with disabilities to live independently. It also has a fourth purpose in that it’s allowing some of those people it supports to work in the shop; to learn new skills, and to interact with customers.

When I walked into the shop for the first time I was met with the warmest of greetings. The items available for purchase are lovely, and extremely wide-ranging. From dog leads, to knitted dolls, via hand-embroidered cushions, hand-made soap and preserves, there are gifts for all occasions as well as a selection of beautifully creative greetings cards. Oh, and then there’s the fudge: Lots of different flavours of lovely, lovely fudge.

I was warned by Sue, who had put down her knitting to say hello when I walked in, that the fudge was really, really sweet and I mustn’t eat it all in go.  She had the insider info on this as she was on fudge-making duty last week and had helped to make the fudge I was buying; honeycomb flavoured by the way. She was right, it is ever so sweet, (reminds self to make dental appointment) but it’s pretty

The shop isn’t a commercial enterprise, it’s a social business.  A small amount is added onto the price the creator puts on the item which goes to The Grange, a charity which is really making a difference for people who need extra support to get on in life.

So next time you need a birthday card, try Inspirations rather than the chain stores on there a High Street. If you want a handmade gift; if you want to encourage local creativity; if you want to help people learn new skills; and if you want some of the warmest service imaginable, then please, try Inspirations for size. You’ll be glad you do it and you’ll probably save a penny or seven too.

If you can’t get into Dorking,  check out the website and pick up some fudge here. What’s not to love about the idea of Postie delivering delectable goodies through the letterbox any day now?

In case you were wondering: No, my fudge didn’t get eaten all in go, but no,  I’m so not sharing!

Stay chilled x