Delivered in partnership with EastCroydonCool and local filmmaker Sayedul Abrar, the Hidden Voices docu-series went behind the scenes at three Croydon businesses to shine a light on the people whose work can often go unseen but remains vital to keeping the local economy running.
The project highlighted the important role that independent businesses play within the community, capturing the human side of each business through personal stories and memories.
This first edition of the series featured two longstanding Croydon institutions Hewitts of Croydon and Rawlings Opticians, alongside trusted modern retailer Freshfields Market. The videos drove strong levels of engagement and positive sentiment, highlighting the cherished nature of these businesses whilst introducing them to new audiences.
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engagements
First up in the series was David Barker of Rawlings Opticians, a business with deep roots in Croydon town centre.
David was first introduced to the practice as a child through his mother, who worked there at the time. These visits sparked a lasting interest in the profession for David, who has now been working at Rawlings Croydon for over 30 years.
Watch the video to hear David’s key memories from his time at the branch.
Next was Ben Selvaratnam, Managing Director of Freshfields Market, a convenience store that has become a staple in the local community.
The Church Street store offers a range of locally sourced goods including bread, eggs and honey, alongside a wide collection of international foods. The store’s role within the community then evolved with the introduction of a Post Office branch.
Play the video to discover the impact of this introduction.
Rounding off the series was Martin Hewitt, Managing Director of Hewitts of Croydon, which has served the borough since 1863. In this time, the store has become renowned locally for its wide range of school and scout uniforms, sports equipment and workwear.
The post received 157 comments, with users sharing fond memories of their trips to the store as children.
Watch along to learn Martin’s story at Hewitts, which officially began when he was nine years old!
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