Danni Segal, Sleep-deprived The (ir)regular thoughts of Around-Bexhill.co.uk founder, Danni Segal, on life in Bexhill-on-Sea This column reflects the thoughts of Danni Segal, and does not claim to reflect the opinions of around-bexhill.co.uk or any of the shops or businesses listed on this site unless directly stated

Dateline: November 2006

Item: ”Local” Banks

In setting up this site I approached all the local banks to see if they would support the site. The following is a selection of answers received. In the interests of fairness I will not say which bank said what, but feel free to guess.

“You don’t bank with us so we can’t help.”

“All these kind of things are handled centrally, we can’t do things at a local level.”

“It’s amazing, we make billions in profits but can’t spare I few pounds to
support the local community. I’m actually embarrassed to work here.”

Of course, none of the banks are obligated to offer support and I have no issue if they say no. But with all the banks currently doing their best to tell us via TV campaigns that they are different and that they are here to help us, these answers say a lot more about the banks then their adverts...

Item: Community Spirit

Since starting work on this web site around 4 months ago, I have spoken to hundreds of business owners across Bexhill and will be speaking to many more in the coming weeks. The result of this is that I have been privileged to get an insight into many aspects of life in the town that I would not otherwise have been aware of and have made many new friends. It now seems that I cannot go into the town centre without meeting someone I know or who knows me (I apologise here for being absolutely terrible at remembering names) and stopping for a chat or even just to exchange a quick hello.

Now, it may be a small thing to some people, but to me these simple exchanges make me feel part of something, part of a community. It’s an act of friendliness that - even if just for a second - brings a smile to the face. It’s like going into a shop and being greeted by name; it gives a warm and fuzzy feeling that you are valued as a person and as a customer.

As detailed elsewhere, I recently spent a few nights in hospital. Whilst I was off my feet, my wife was regularly stopped in the town centre by people asking after my health. It may be a small example of the community working in a positive way, but is one that helped put me in a positive frame of mind when I was feeling pretty negative about things. So a huge thank you to everyone for their good wishes - they were very much appreciated.

We recently had our latest Around Bexhill social. As ever it was a lot of fun, and allowed shops and business oweners from across Bexhill to get to know each other, have fun, and enjoy some delicious food. A lot of interesting ideas and comments arose during the event, many of which will result in new things being done. I’m not going to say any more for now about what these things might be; details will follow soon. Ultimately, the fact that a diverse group of people are happily socialising and becoming friends works to make to town a friendlier place.

The town centre is an important hub of the community. It is a place where everyone can interact regardless of age, gender, religion or any other factors. And people are more likely to make use of the town centre if they feel valued by being there. And if people feel good about themselves and the world around them, then we have the basis of a strong community.

As we enter the Christmas season, let’s all make an extra effort to improve the community spirit. Customers, make the people in the shops you use feel valued; shop owners and staff, let the customers know you appreciate their custom. After all, a smile costs nothing.

Until next time,

Danni Segal
founder
around-bexhill.co.uk

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