In support of Finches after the recent fire
- Forest Hill Society
- 24 hours ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 13 minutes ago
Like everyone in Forest Hill and around, we were shocked to see dramatic flames and a column of smoke rising from somewhere near the Perry Vale exit of Forest Hill Station on Thursday evening, 16th of October.
Our fears were confirmed as rumours quickly spread that there had been an accident at Finches and the building was on fire. We are all so grateful that despite this terrible event, the amazing London Fire Brigade was able to respond quickly enough to save all the surrounding buildings, but the result for Angela, Frank and Bradley who owned and ran Finches Emporium was heart-breaking as the building has been gutted.
Finches has been a keystone presence for Forest Hill retail for many years, and was always quoted when anyone mentioned the unique aspects of our little corner of London. It is a place all of us will have shopped at one time or other for bikes, clothing, ski accessories - or even just a pair of gloves or a bike lock! We sincerely hope that Finches will rise once again on Perry Vale to delight residents of the area, and also ski and bike fans from all over the UK.
It has also been so great to see the community come together to offer support at this time. We’ve put together a few links below to some of the many offers of help that we are aware of, but we’ve also heard from many other shop keepers and members of the local community who have offered help, including the current and former owners of the Foresters / All Inn One pub, so if you hear of others we should share, please let us know.
While we are happy to share these, please be aware that we are not directly involved, and any questions should be addressed to those who have set these up.
Support Finches after their fire
Kerry Walmsley’s fund in support of the family that has already raised over £18,000
STAND TOGETHER FOR FINCHES EMPORIUM
Filipe Cruz of Olives & More who has set up a fund to support his neighbouring business
Olives & More are also running a draw for a Christmas hamper, with all proceeds going to the Finches fund - see their Instagram post for more details
Stuffed Walrus Pub is organising a Halloween Quiz Night raising funds for Finches
HB Therapy is running a £5 raffle with prizes of treatments, with money going to support Finches
You can also follow news that is shared directly by Angela and Frank on their Instagram channel at @finchesemporium
If you want more information about what happened, check out these links:
News articles on the night
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