Small needs our support

At the beginning of the year I wrote a piece about using shops or losing them, so I was really sad today when I saw that our local toyshop was closing.  It took me back to saving up my pocket money to buy a tambourine from my local parade of shops, I have to be honest, it was something only a seven year old could love... On the face was a scene in a gypsy encampment with a wild haired girl dancing round the camp fire... but better still it had red and turquoise ribbons and frankly by the end of the day that I bought it, I could have joined the Sally Army such was my proficiency on the tambourine!  And yes I did wear my mum's headscarf...

So I am asking you all to buy at least one Christmas gift from a local shop or a small website and to tell us who they are.  Here are my local faves:
Cedar Tree - who are on the Broadway in Leigh, it is the best place to find the present you didn't know you needed
Natural Edge - also on the Broadway, it's where you go if you cannot find it in Cedar Tree
Goods and Chattels - on Rectory Grove, unusual gifts
Now on the web
1st Unique Gifts - Wendy does brilliant plaques and black boards, fantastic service
Red Needle Sewing - Caroline does fabulous free style embroidery and her items have a super finish
Claire Manwani - Pottery to die for!
Now let me know where else we should be shopping to support small businesses