Bohemia Village Voice

Eddie Vicary pictured in his new gift shop

London Road received an unexpected boost recently when not one but two new retailers opened simultaneously. Buchanan Florist (pictured, right) and Buchanan Gift Shop occupy adjoining units that were once home, respectively, to the enigmatic Waterlife and Eversfield Food and Gifts. New owner Eddie Vicary took on both and was open in time for Mother’s Day. The flower shop is a new departure for London Road, but the gift shop is more or less a going concern, according to Eddie. ‘We’ve kept a lot of the existing stock. As you can see, there’s a wide variety, including things like good-quality children’s wooden toys and kites that you won’t find elsewhere locally. We also sell cards, candles, soaps, ceramic and glass ornaments, nice vases, kitchen utensils, even bibles.’
The flower shop is run by experienced florist Roxanne, and part-time help Annette, and offers contemporary flowers for all occasions. As well as serving the local community, Eddie is also hoping the shop can attract business from local hotels and pubs. To that end he has already struck up an affiliation with Tower House guest house in Tower Road West, and is linking up with the Little Mill Bakery on weddings and other events. With a nod to the current recession, not to mention the perennially straitened trading conditions in Bohemia, Eddie says, ‘Businesses have got to help each other out.’
Eddie was brought up in Rye, but was born in the old Buchanan Hospital, which prompted him to adopt the same name for this business. He has been a builder for most of his working life, and has planning approval to convert the top floor of the two properties into a maisonette for himself, his partner Chrissie Buckingham and baby son Liam. Both shops are open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday.  ‘Sometimes we have to close; my baby son has recently developed health problems that have meant quite a few trips to hospital for us all,’ says Eddie. ‘You never know what’s round the corner, do you?’ 
 The Voice wishes both his baby and his business all the luck in the world.
 o Buchanan Florist & Gift Shop, 259, London Road, Bohemia. Tel: 437961 & 07872 440 879.

Newly-opened Buchanan Florists in London Road.