What is all this excitement about Poundland? My Son treats it like his local shop. My Daughter is planning a special trip to the High Street with her friends. Surely the novelty will wear off soon?

I have to admit its so nice going back into the old Woolworth site again. Once the centre of Twickenham and its community. Many a tea towel and oven glove have been purchased there on our numerous house moves. Another party invite? Another present? Into Woolworths immediately for some Lego or Barbie depending on which child. Board games every Christmas? Look no further! Moving house again, more duvets – guess where? Bung them straight on the pushchair and out the big doors. Short and sweet. Time to spare between school and Brownies? Into Woolworths for the pick n’mix. Sorry, W H Smiths and Tescos but yours are not the same. Neither is Poundland. For all its choice of batteries, it will never replace my childhood and adult memories of Woolworths. Although it will my eleven year old Son’s, as he seems to spend every waking moment there! At weekends, he takes his pals along. So his own memories may not be dissimilar from mine. It’ll just be under a different name.