Sweet Memories

A recent Marks & Spencer poll to identify the nation’s favourite sweets revealed that when it comes to the British palate most were drawn to the temptations of days gone by. The survey found that fizzy cola bottles came out on top whilst non-fizzy cola bottles were second and rhubarb and custards a close third.

Black Jacks, bon-bons, flying saucers and aniseed balls also made it into the top 20 list, proving that there remains a clear demand for old fashioned sweets.

In trendy Twickenham on a cobbled street close to the river Thames former city lawyer Carla Knox appears to have cottoned onto this fact and has traded her court room gown for a stock-room apron.

Her shop window constantly grabs the eye of passing parents and children, many of whom cannot resist a brief glimpse inside.

“We seem to attract two kinds of trade here. Naturally there is the under 16 crowd who wander on by after school closes but by the very nature of our product, there are also the over 35s who grew up with some of the sweets we sell and they are obviously looking to re-visit a memory of their youth.

“I can’t tell you how many genuine looks of surprise and excitement I have seen on numerous 40-somethings who have stumbled by and then suddenly seen a sweet in one of our jars that they remember from their childhood.”

And therein could be the real secret to Carla Knox and her “Sweet Memories” venture. It isn’t just that she sells great confectionary – toffee bon bons and aniseed twists were certainly my favourites – but it is that reconnection with the past which so many of us seem to yearn for these days (fashion, food, music and cinema continue to dip into the archives of yesteryear for inspiration).

Confident, attractive and certainly motivated by her recently launched venture, Carla previously worked as a successful lawyer in the city but found the pressures and long hours took their toll on her family life.

“I struggled to find time to spend with my partner and son and my workload was beginning to follow me around. My time was never my own and thisforced me to re-asses my life. After much thought (and family discussions) I came up with a plan and made the leap.

“Having the support of my family behind me was a massive boost. Fortunately my partner also believed in the project and I have had nothing but help and assistance from my friends. They have all taken on an indispensable role in the creation of “Sweet Memories”.

“On our opening day we had all hands on deck. My brother in law, son and father re-fitted the outlet and some good friends in marketing also aided the cause, whilst another colleague in the floristry trade advised on displays (consequently we won the award for the best Christmas display on Church Street).

“You only live once and as far as I am concerned if you are prepared to work hard, it is worth taking the chance to follow your dreams. It was always a risk starting a new business in this difficult economic climate, but at the end of the day everyone needs cheering up. Traditional sweets always seem to bring a smile to people’s faces and since so many of us remain kids at heart, it is no surprise we still enjoy the same things wedid in our youth.

The location for “Sweet Memories” is a cobbled side street in Twickenham’s most fashionable shopping parade, Church Street, a mix of old and new buildings that range from the 15^th century tower to the 20^th century selection of modern restaurants that are popular with residents and visitors alike.

“I suppose you could argue that we are dealing in a little piece of history with what we do so it is quite apt that we’re based down one of the most historically significant streets in the area.”

Centuries ago Church Street, located close to the River Thames, was the mail road through Twickenham for travellers between Richmond and the West. When the King came through on his way to Hampton Court, the bells of St Mary’s church were rung in his honour. In fact the street took its name from the church which remains a focal point.

Carla’s business has really captured the imagination of the locals although it might not come as such asurprised to the well informed. The British confectionary sector is thriving, with a staggering value of £738 million and even in trying times, continues to expand at a rate of approximately 4.2% per year.

“With trends at Christmas, Valentines, Mother Day, Easter, Fathers Day and Halloween the market never really suffers a dip, although I expect the summer months to be a little quieter, which is where our locally produced ice cream in a variety of flavours looks set to keep interest heightened.

“Overall, there has been a huge surge in independent sweet shops springing up all over the country and I think the departure of Woolworths has opened agap in the market.

“People may also be interested to know that all our products come exclusively from the UK and we use a number of independent producers for our wonderful chocolate and fudge that really demonstrates just how much home-grown talent there is on these isles. Sometimes I think we tend to forget to pat ourselves on the back!”

If you fancy a “taste trip” down memory lane then why not visit their store or website at www.retrosweetmemories.com.

Poppy Watt

Posted Fri, 02/12/2010 - 13:58 by Carla Knox