The Fence

The story kicks off on Hartcliffe council estate in Bristol during the early 1980’s. It follows Steven Knight, a working-class boy who has his motorbike stolen the day he buys it. Teaming up with his scoundrel friends he desperately tries to track it down before it’s gone for good. In cinemas 1st October

ALSO SHOWING IN CINEMAS

LION STORES CELEBRATES 50 YEARS SERVING BEDMINSTER

Derek Knapman of the iconic Lion Stores on North Street, Bedminster, has now been serving the people of Bedminster for half a century as he celebrates 50 years in his hardware store this month.

In a store that can only be described as ‘Aladdin's cave’, shoppers will find stacks of shelves filled to the brim with hardware tools, electricals, vintage radios, cleaning products, decorations and even an Iron Man action figure peering through the shop window. Derek’s father bought the iconic North Street landmark in 1972 when the tobacco factories were the main source of employment in the area. Now 50 years have passed and Derek has been helping the residents of South Bristol out of sticky spots for 50 years as when there is a problem, he jokes that Lion Stores is the “fourth emergency ser-

vice.”

Lion Stores and Derek have become synonymous with Bedminster and anyone who’s resided in BS3 for a long time will have watched him grow into the incredibly kind man he is. When he was born he lived above Eddie’s Appliances and his family would regularly shop at Dennis Butt Butchers.

As a young lad, Derek would cycle home from school to work behind the counter at his father’s business with only one minor aversion… “We’d get all the Will’s girls’ come down and I’d hate serving them as they’d always make me blush.” Speaking with Derek about how much the shop has changed over the years, he reminisced over the times where they would sell a lot of ornaments; particularly the ‘china shire horses’. “The only place you’re likely to see one of those today is in the charity shops.”

Regulars will know that Derek has a penchant for dancing on the pavement outside his store, where the stock continues to grow beyond the bricks and mortar - displaying an array of potted plants and gardening supplies.

THE LEGENDARY SHOP-OWNER EXPLAINS;

“My parents took over the shop back in 1972 and I would come home from school to help out whenever I could. I’ve seen so many things on this high street change over the years but the one thing that’s remained is the amazing independent spirit and the loyalty of our customers. I was born on this road and I’m proud to still be here.

“It is the fiercely independent spirit of the Bedminster high streets that attracts customers and keeps them coming back for more. Bedminster has fundamentally been about more than shops and hospitality, but the people that work in these establishments and the unmatched above-and-beyond attitude towards customer service is what makes this area so unbelievably special.” “Anyone who is local to Bedminster is more than a customer to Derek, they are often his friends. Lion Stores is a true staple to the neighbourhood and living proof that independent traders are at the heart of any bustling high street. The milestone is also a strong reminder that if the city pulls together to support local traders and businesses, they will continue to grow and flourish and be around to satisfy customer needs long into the future.”

“As the face of Bedminster BID’s “Shop Bedminster” campaign, Derek is the perfect example to customers to get out there and get to know the people behind their favourite local businesses. Just like Lion Stores itself, there’s way more to find when we dig a little deeper.” At first glance, shoppers might not find exactly what they’re looking for in Lion Stores, but a quick word with Derek and he shoots up a ladder or into a cupboard and pulls out even the most unusual requested item. It’s this good old-fashioned approach to customer service and Derek’s wide knowledge, expertise and advice that has kept his customers coming back for such a long time amongst the ever evolving stores on the high street.

SIMON DICKEN, CHAIR OF BEDMINSTER BID COMMENTS;

“Anyone who is local to Bedminster is more than a customer to Derek, they are often his friends. Lion Stores is a true staple to the neighbourhood and living proof that independent traders are at the heart of any bustling high street. The milestone is also a strong reminder that if the city pulls together to support local traders and businesses, they will continue to grow and flourish and be around to satisfy customer needs long into the future.”

“As the face of Bedminster BID’s “Shop Bedminster” campaign, Derek is the perfect example to customers to get out there and get to know the people behind their favourite local businesses. Just like Lion Stores itself, there’s way more to find when we dig a little deeper.”