06/04/2026
Not sure how it can possibly be this long but 'The Harbour with Footprints Gallery' is ten years old today! 🥂🍾🎉🎂
On the 6th April 2016 we unlocked the shop to customers for the first time and it was both terrifying and exciting in equal parts. Ann had owned and run it for eight years and naturally the boat owners all wanted to know who was becoming the new custodian of the Kenco coffee station. I was like a deer caught in headlights and at the end of the first day one helpful soul(?) said "You're going to have to develop a much thicker skin!" We reminisce about that day and they now add "...and she did!!"
Thank you to every last one of you, you've become like family and I'd trust you all with my life. You've helped me in more ways than I can say, from mending the lock when we couldn't get in, to popping up the street for milk, replacing the plank on the bench outside, putting up signs, helping me paint and even just popping up from the pontoon occasionally when you've seen someone who perhaps you weren't sure of coming in, just to make sure I'm ok and all that has made me feel so safe 🥰
We've sat out in the sun, shared indoor cuppas in the rain, laughed 'til we've cried, said goodbye to far too many and on those occasions we've cried until happy memories of them made us laugh again, I've taken so much stick and learned to give it in return and I wouldn't change one minute...thank you! ❤️
We'll be opening again today, as I can't leave her all locked up on her Birthday, so maybe see you down there shortly...teas and coffees are on me! ☕️ xXx
