By Monica Jones
photos Monica Jones, Surrey Herald and The Informer
Yes, if you have not heard it yet, Wendy Thomson has finally retired. Daisy Chain on Station Approach, closed its doors for the last time at the end of August and it will feel like a loss of a friend to many.
Daisy Chain was one of the longest established shops in Shepperton. It leaves Daines and Gray and Quality Fruit as the remaining oldest businesses in town.
Wendy took on the premises in Station Approach on February 8th 1982. She had a young family; daughter Jo was 9 and James was only 6 so Wendy really had her hands full.
The world was a different place back then. There were no mobile phones, no internet, no flowers being sold in supermarkets. It was all about service and all very personal.
Wendy would go to New Covent Garden twice a week to get fresh flowers. These of course were nocturnal visits, when the market was open. So Sunday night/Monday morning and Wednesday night/Thursday morning, Wendy would drive the van up to the market, often accompanied by little Jo, to get fresh stock for her customers.
The business thrived. Wendy employed 5 full time staff back then. The business became a village favourite and Wendy won many awards over the years: the Rotary award for Services to the community; Spelthorne in Bloom for Best Decorated Shop Front and several times Daisy Chain won the best Christmas Window from the Shepperton Chamber of Commerce.
Wendy and her staff played an important role in marking milestone events in the cycle of local peoples lives; weddings, christenings, funerals and sympathy flowers. As time has marched on Wendy created bouquets to mark key wedding anniversaries of her original clients, along with christening flowers for their children and grandchildren. She has been involved in many Shepperton family stories, and what an honour that has been.
Daisy Chain also had its fair share of stardom, providing flowers for several films at Shepper-ton Studios including The Mummy, The Hunts-man and Beauty & the Beast.
Asked when the heyday was and Wendy replies that it was probably the late 80s to early 90s. She has ridden out the storms of reces-sions and the pandemic and come out on top. But now is the time to take it easy and have some well deserved relaxation. She is 75 after all! We wish you a happy retirement Wendy.
The Daisy Chain name will live on though. Jo Hornsby, who now works for a growing import/export flower firm, will continue to operate a Daisy Chain business, albeit not from the shop. She will be offering her popular wreath making classes, consulting to other florists and working for Interflora as a training consultant. She has made a name for herself over the years, giving demonstrations at top level venues such as the Chelsea Flower Show, RHS Tatton Park and the Hampton Court Flower Show. Do keep in touch with Jo for your floral requirements: Email: daisychainshepperton@gmail.com
Insta: DaisychainJoHornsby
Facebook: Daisy chain Jo Hornsby
