The opening of a brand-new store in Nailsworth attracted a very special shopper yesterday.
BBC Countryfile's very own Ellie Harrison dropped in with her two young daughters to see for herself the wonderful range of handcrafted gifts and homeware goodies on sale in the new Fountain Street shop.
PICTURES: COUNTRYFILE STAR ELLIE HARRISON AT OPENING OF ENGLISH HERETIC
English Heretic is a labour of love for former Stroud midwife Marion Maas who, after more than 25 years of delivering babies, is now delivering beautiful handcrafted homeware and gifts, including new and vintage kitchenware, lighting, storage, newborn baby gifts, china and pottery.
"I've always had a love for colour and design," said Marion at the shop's opening yesterday.
"Starting this new venture has been a really exciting challenge for me.
"Finding the right suppliers, both here in the UK and overseas, is an ongoing process. My aim is to sell nothing mass produced.
"Many of the goods on sale, such as the cushions and aprons, are by British designers.
"We have this wonderful hand-painted pottery from Poland. And these beautiful baby blankets are actually biodegradable."
Speaking about her new venture, she said: "It will be a totally different experience from dealing with mums and babies every day.
"But this is my new baby and I'm really excited about it."
Marion, who worked for 15 years at Stroud Maternity Unit - some of them with Countryfile presenter Ellie's mum, Debbie - continued: "It was great to see Ellie and the people who did come, despite the awful weather."
Ellie, who grew up in nearby Horsley, joined Marion, her partner Rob and guests, in toasting the success of English Heretic with a glass of champagne - or orange juice.
BBC Countryfile's very own Ellie Harrison dropped in with her two young daughters to see for herself the wonderful range of handcrafted gifts and homeware goodies on sale in the new Fountain Street shop.
PICTURES: COUNTRYFILE STAR ELLIE HARRISON AT OPENING OF ENGLISH HERETIC
English Heretic is a labour of love for former Stroud midwife Marion Maas who, after more than 25 years of delivering babies, is now delivering beautiful handcrafted homeware and gifts, including new and vintage kitchenware, lighting, storage, newborn baby gifts, china and pottery.
"I've always had a love for colour and design," said Marion at the shop's opening yesterday.
"Starting this new venture has been a really exciting challenge for me.
"Finding the right suppliers, both here in the UK and overseas, is an ongoing process. My aim is to sell nothing mass produced.
"Many of the goods on sale, such as the cushions and aprons, are by British designers.
"We have this wonderful hand-painted pottery from Poland. And these beautiful baby blankets are actually biodegradable."
Speaking about her new venture, she said: "It will be a totally different experience from dealing with mums and babies every day.
"But this is my new baby and I'm really excited about it."
Marion, who worked for 15 years at Stroud Maternity Unit - some of them with Countryfile presenter Ellie's mum, Debbie - continued: "It was great to see Ellie and the people who did come, despite the awful weather."
Ellie, who grew up in nearby Horsley, joined Marion, her partner Rob and guests, in toasting the success of English Heretic with a glass of champagne - or orange juice.
