WHISPERING SMITH: Riverside monster turned into an Empress

A monster, of well over 2,000 square feet of nothing, built into the East Bank riverside development and left to rot – or so it seemed.

Earmarked as a bar/restaurant or other recreational venue, the premises stood there alone and unloved for seven years. Then, last year, along came Paul and Tee Hickey, looking for somewhere to settle and start their own business.

They took one look at the view across the waters of the temperamental Arun running by their door, and fell in love with the place.

It took a bit of raw nerve to set up a business of any kind along the river at that time, but they never doubted the place would be a success and an asset to LA. Out of season and in competition with the popular Arun View upstream and The Nelson downstream, the couple persevered.

Tee had 15 years of experience and Paul was a builder. Together, they forged The Empress. They built the bar and then the restaurant around that. Arun District Council gave advice and support and helped the couple find their way around the legislation.

The décor changed constantly until they had it about right. The furniture shifted and the band played on. Good grub, prepared by Peter the chef, a friendly place to relax and converse, quiet music, a brilliant outlook, a regular exhibition gallery for local artists and, of course, good ale!

The gamble has paid off and The Empress is now a popular watering hole, has created five new jobs in the area and celebrated its first year of trading on Friday with a party and music.

FALLING DOWN On my way past Lob’s Wood and into LA last week, I saw an elderly woman fall from her invalid buggy and bang her head quite badly on the pavement.

Apart from asking a passer-by to phone for an ambulance, I didn’t have a clue as to what to do. Luckily, others did. Within seconds, two men appeared, one with a first aid kit from his vehicle and the other with obvious knowledge as to how to kindly comfort the dazed woman.

I am ashamed to say I just stood there like a lemon, while others efficiently ministered to her. That is not going to happen again!

I have enrolled in a first aid course and when that is under my belt I shall be on the lookout for folk who fall down in LA... Shouldn’t have far to look!

I am happy to report that I saw the lady a few days later, cheerfully riding her buggy, back in the saddle again!

Jammy Dodgers tomorrow? Shopping in an LA supermarket, I overheard a little eight-year-old quietly say to his mother: “Mum, I have a very good idea but I don’t know if you will agree with me or not.”

He was gazing up at the Jammy Dodgers and I could well guess what his good idea was. His mum walked over to him, smiled and asked innocently just what that idea might be.

I hope the outcome was satisfactory to both parties. I report this only for the simple reason that it delighted me to hear a mum and child conversing reasonably and not yelling irritably at each other as is so often the case.