With half term approaching I was very busy trying to organise our new craft, Decopatch and introducing a new drink on our menu, milkshakes. Both proved very successful, particularly the milkshakes with our staff who of course had to try the product before selling it!! The decopatch went down a storm especially with our teenage customers who loved decorating our 3D letters, it was so popular that I had to place two urgent deliveries during the week to keep up with the demand as the letters were flying off the shevles.  

After Mary Portas's report into the High St was published on the 13th December 2011, The Kiln had a visit from the Minister for Business Innovation and Skills, Edward Davey and also the Director of the Business Improvement District in Bedford. The MP spent half an hour at The Kiln during which time we discussed the reason why we chose the High St for our location, what the Govement and the council could do to help more businesses within Bedford, whether my views and opinions will be taken on board remains to be seen!! 

Since taking over The Kiln at the end of 2008, I always wanted to add new projects and services to the business, and for the past three years I have been planning The Kiln's move. At the beginning of 2010 we first became aware that the Early Learning Centre on the High St was available to rent. After our first visit (in the dark as the electricity had been turned off) we decided there and then that this would make the perfect location for our new shop and dream. A further two years later after much waiting 87 High St was finally ours. But there was an awful lot of work to do - in the process we discovered a hidden window at the back of the shop, two hidden cupboards within the shop, and a domed ceiling perfect for a chandelier, but the best find was the two beautiful wrought iron pillars in the middle of the shop. After working 7 days a week many of them late into the night we opened on the 2nd December 2011. By being on the High St and in a much larger premises we have been able to add a tea room, and have an area where we can sell gifts.