Independent Oxford: Championing Local Businesses
Independent Oxford is a local organisation that champions independent shops and businesses, via online listings and an app for those who prefer to shop at them. The directory shows that there is nearly always an independent alternative to choose, over big chains and supermarkets.
Run an indie shop? Many seeds, flowers, plants (and plantable cards) are toxic to pets, so learn what not to sell to households with pets.
Local independent shops can apply for membership. This costs around £20 per month (plus a £50 set-up fee) and includes a directly listing to reach 20,000 monthly readers, unlimited event listings, invitations to attend regular meet-ups and a members-only newsletter to hear the latest community news.
Why Support Indie Shops in Oxfordshire?
For a start, to help shops in Oxford, instead of chain stores and supermarkets. For every £5 or £10 you spend each week at an independent shop, this brings collectively billions back into the local economy over a year.
This is because local businesses use local suppliers, pay local taxes, use local signwriters, and tend to eat and drink locally too. Plus ‘top profits’ go the retail shop owner, rather out-of-county to shareholders and companies abroad.
The Lasting Appeal of Chief Inspector Morse
Inspector Endeavour Morse, created by novelist Colin Dexter (who like Alfred Hitchcock, always made a silent cameo appearance in each episode), was an Oxford-based fictional detective, known for his intelligence and quirks.
Morse stands out from most detectives because he often lets his emotions guide him. Born into a Quaker family (hence his hidden first name – Quakers often call children after aspirations – Hope, Faith, Charity etc), he became the most popular TV detective in the 1990s.
He loves opera, enjoys crossword puzzles, and rarely shares much about his past. These layers give him depth and make him hard to pin down, adding to his appeal. He never marries, but is a hopeless romantic.
The Inspector Morse TV series first aired on ITV in 1987, running for thirty-three episodes until 2000. John Thaw played Morse, capturing the detective’s mix of prickliness and humanity.
Handsome John Thaw looked older than he was due to his white hair (he was 44 when filming began, and only 60 when he died). When the series ended, John refused the offer of the famed red Jaguar, saying ‘it was too slow and terrible to drive!’
Shows like these, prove that kindness sells (think of Sir David Attenborough’s shows). Real talent and personality – means bullying, nastiness, ghosting and gossip are never needed, to entertain.
Once upon a time, we solved crime with a brain and a notebook. These days it’s pie charts and a notebook. The romance is gone. Chief Inspector Morse
