when you cycle in the same direction
Millie and I have never felt so fortunate. Of course nothing went to plan this year and in many ways, the uncertainty we all felt brought us closer together. Looking out for each other, supporting our local businesses, being more patient in situations that could test us … these were lessons of 2020 that helped us grow into better human beings. As a couple, we made big decisions about prioritising happiness, health, education and doing more to be positive members of our community. Even little steps of change created new friendships for us, and set our future in bold new directions. What made it work was planning our future as a couple; moving in the same direction always makes us, and our relationship, stronger.
I am fortunate to be surrounded by beauty; Greytown is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful small towns and our emporium occupies one of its jewels, our handmade British Pashley bicycles, like this Old English White Britannia, are works of art designed to last a lifetime, and well, my wife Millie exudes beauty in every way you can think of. This image would indicate that she appears to like me too.
Our little Greytown bicycle emporium also went through some big changes in 2020; unprecedented demand for bikes after lockdown continues today, and we have brought Trish in to help Michelle with guest care, and another Adam (the team refer to him as Young Adam so we all know which one is which) to assist Shane with bicycle assembly and maintenance. Is it possible to find the most talented and dedicated people you could ever wish to work with in a town of just 2,500 people? Well, yes. It is.
2021 is going to be our most exciting year yet at Blackwell and Sons. We've got our eye on two new store locations in Christchurch and Cambridge so we can speed up our delivery service and make it easier to give our guests the chance to see our hand-built bicycles in person. We're also designing a Blackwell and Sons Workshop franchise that will enable couples with small business aspirations to create service facilities in their own towns, looking after bikes in their community. We believe the world has radically reprioritised cycling, with a focus on health for both the riders and the planet that we ride on. Many more people are cycling than ever before, and we hope that the bicycles they choose will be ridden for a lifetime. Looking after and maintaining bicycles makes B&S Workshop a way of keeping everyone's bicycle investment healthy.
What won't change is our emphasis on providing quality products that support a ‘buy it once' philosophy. Millie and I work hard on eliminating waste, by purchasing products that are designed to last. We know many of our Blackwell and Sons guests support this approach and we are thrilled to share our roadtested discoveries with them, in our Greytown emporium or online at blackwellandsons.nz
There's a better chance than ever we'll see you in the South Wairarapa this summer. Please come in and introduce yourself. It's lovely to get to know our guests and where they're visiting from. Millie, Shane, Michelle, Trish, Young Adam, Old Colin and I wish you and your families our warmest festive regards.