The closure of Helen Kemp’s shop in the centre of the Village will inevitably have something of an emotional, as well as a huge visual impact on the area and its inhabitants. The Village website now features a special section where compliments and good wishes are already being posted; such as this, from Eddie Lawler on behalf of the Village Society: “The corner shop at 79 Victoria Road selling ‘Gifts for Mind and Body’ lit up that corner for several years around the turn of a millenium.”

However, it is by no means “Goodbye” to Helen (a Sentinel supporter from the outset, who has more than once made clear to the editor her enthusiasm for a postive outlook in all items reported) for she will remain busy, living just across the water in Lower Baildon, developing Helen Kemp Designs – as well as that other activity for which she is so much loved and admired: organising the Saltaire Festival. “I am looking forward to having more time to enjoy the beauties of Saltaire and this part of the Aire Valley,” says Helen, who, needless to add, has not sold Abraham Oldroyd’s old bookshop without consideration for the community –

Watch this space for news of a promising future for the property at No.79.

Coming soon:
www.helenkempdesigns.co.uk

[See the "Good Luck" pages devoted to Helen Kemp > ]