- Viv Robins
- Sep 10, 2023
Dozens of local residents crowded into Formosa Street on September 3rd to say Goodbye to two of its best-loved & most familiar figures, Hiten & Darshna Patel, who ran Dhigs convenience store for a hard-to-credit 44 years. before handing over to new owners in mid-August.
The closure of Formosa Street was arranged by Westminster Councillor Melvyn Caplan who made a speech thanking the Patels for their exceptional service to the community, particularly during the dark days of Covid when they were a vital source not just of supplies but of human contact.
It was an emotional occasion, especially for Darshna as her husband gave a speech of thanks in reply...
....and again when he singled out his shop co-worker & friend Jassi Taylor for a special hug:
The Prince Alfred pub laid on lavish refreshments plus two cakes which seemed to say it all:
So good luck to Hiten & Darshna in their new life which we understand includes a well-earned holiday in India....
Updated: Sep 6, 2023
In the residents' poll for the garden's outdoor film screening on Sunday 10th September 2023, the winner has been confirmed as the 1961 American romantic comedy "Breakfast at Tiffany's". The film was directed by Blake Edwards and stars Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard.
The screening is kindly sponsored by Wallacea Living - local retirement living specialists who will also provide still & sparling wine, soft drinks and popcorn. Please arrive from 18.00 to secure your place - the screening will start at 19.30. Please bring your own headphones with a 3.5mm jack, a chair and a blanket if required.
Attendance is open to all - but it would help the organisers if you would confirm numbers for your party by emailing details to support@formosagarden.co.uk. This is to ensure we have sufficient refreshments and units for your headphones.
- Viv Robins
- Aug 31, 2023
....for a start it's not called Dhigs any more! The shop re-opened on August 29th under the new name of Shivam Convenience. The owner is Bhavesh Patel, who also runs five other convenience stores in London.
The shop has been extensively re-furbished but still stocks the same range of products, only slightly more of them! Mr Patel says he was drawn to Litle Venice because it's such a buzzy area, "with a lot going on".
