One of the most inspiring parts of my day is seeing the ripple effect initiated by a news article shared by our esteemed community member, Dave Stevens, a captivating photo from Mark Gilronan, or a thought-provoking comment from a resident on our social media page.

This serves as a powerful reminder that the most engaging narratives are often born from those who have lived them and it’s these very individuals who play a crucial role in preserving our local history.

A few months back, I penned an editorial about the Salston Hotel. The catalyst for this piece was a series of images shared on social media, igniting a wave of nostalgia and sparking a vibrant conversation. People from all walks of life, young and old, were transported back to their encounters with the hotel.

Recently, Mark Gilronan shared a breath-taking photograph of the building that houses Piper Wines and the Cobbler on Silver Street. His image served as a poignant reminder of how often we miss hidden gems in our community simply because of their location or our approach to them.

The comments started as a compliment on the construction skills of the past and even of the interior, with its black and white tiled floor leading you into the hallway from the main entrance onto a switchback staircase up to several high-ceiling rooms, displaying many original fireplaces and features. According to Dave Stevens, the building goes into a horseshoe shape, and the houses behind the gates in Saddlers Lane used to be the shoe/boot factory, which made the shoes sold in the shop. Apparently, the factory made boots for soldiers in WW1. However, some people pointed out the sorry state of the modern pavement in front of it. Others highlighted that living in old buildings doesn't mean they are maintenance-free and still require regular upkeep, a responsibility we all share.

The previous comments were followed by a string of memories of the good times passed at the café where older teenagers taught the younger ones to rock and roll to the rhythm of music piped through from a radiogram. Equally impressive was the list of shops still remembered by residents offering efficient and friendly service. For instance, an antique shop, a unisex clothes shop with a shoe wing shop not far away from what used to be Season's tea rooms. Others mentioned a knitting/wool shop, possibly called Emma's, a short-lived bridal wear shop, a kitchenware shop, a comic-book type shop, a cook shop specializing in sugar craft and a shoe shop where the cobbler is now. Even a fridge in one of the shops is considered a marvel of those days as some didn't have one at home.

Some individuals had even closer ties with the building, as they lived in the flat above Christopher Piper's and as young children were taken downstairs to buy Victorian children's shoes, which were usually kept in what appeared to be tea chests, recalling this flat as the place where everyone would gather in fancy dress on Tar Barrels night, or having a room in the attic at age five. Mark Gilronan fondly remembers "mooching around the wonderful wines" and always ending up with a Slowine Cab Sav, which, unfortunately, is no longer available.

The picture shared by Mark carries a powerful message – we must remember to appreciate the beauty of our surroundings and the privileges of modern life. One contributor admitted that despite living in Ottery for many years, they had not noticed the building's beauty due to concerns about traffic. Another contributor shared that they had never bothered to look up. The present owner, Chris Piper, said: "It's a great building that we've been deeply attached to for over 40 years! Like its inhabitants, it's a bit crumbly now but still just as charming."

A reminder that time is fleeting, and we should seize every moment to appreciate our community's beauty.