I DID intend to write about the ‘A’ frame debacle, which has once again raised its head but on reading Steve Dancey’s Comment, specifically ‘Running an independent retail business is stressful enough with so many pressures from all sides’, decided that this week has highlighted many of those “pressures”, which we would like to share with readers.

Monday, 8 September: ‘I wonder what today holds in store’, I muse as I drive the 25 miles or so to Andover. Head full of ‘things to do today’, which, realistically, I know I’ll be lucky to get through half of them but forever the optimist, I dream on! Open up, stock out, hoover, kettle on, chinwag with staff re their evening.

Actually, no, change order to: open up, kettle on.

By 9am halfway through checking emails. First of many customers arrives to collect a repair, off to a good start, which reminds me to check if the promised arrival of our new workshop furniture (solid oak benches no less!) is on track. Duly advised that furniture will arrive as promised.

On with accounts… Zzzzzz Busy day... did I manage lunch? Never mind, 5.30ish and heading home.

Tuesday, 9 September: Much as above plus staff holiday request – reminded her of small print in T&Cs that holidays are banned! (only joking).

Accounts… Wednesday 10: Working from another office today. Phone rang at about 10.30 to hear the horrific news that our store in Andover had been raided.

Established no-one seriously hurt but my husband had sustained a nasty injury to his leg (whilst rugby tackling the intruder!) and was on his way to the memorial hospital.

Headed to Andover to find forensics/police in situ where they remained until 4 o’clock, after which the ‘clear up’ operation could commence. The staff were fantastic.

I could have done without the altercation with an unidentified photographer who thought it OK to take pictures of our private back office – not helpful Sir. Kept replaying the CCTV – intruder was lucky to have got away, hubby lucky not to have been seriously hurt (but so proud of him).

Thursday 11: Phone hasn’t stopped ringing with wellwishers but a comparatively quiet day at the office! Hubby still a bit high on adrenalin!

Had a visit from a Hampshire County Council representative brandishing an official looking letter demanding that we remove our A frames. Hmmm, bad timing Sir – figuratively speaking he received all four barrels! That story is for another day – watch this space!

Friday 12: We’ve hit the headlines and it’s been a constant stream of customers, friends and acquaintances offering sympathy and cakes and chocolates and more red wine!

Saturday 13: Attempting to catch up with Monday’s not done ‘things to do today’.

Sunday 14: All hands on deck at Totton branch to strip out the workshop ready for the new benches.

Monday 15: I wonder what today holds in store...

Christine Mellor, David Mellor Jewellers