PERSONAL ELTHAM
Boxing compere, beekeeper and bridal boutique owner, Bob Smith, 66, is a man of many parts. MATTHEW BELL spoke to him.
When did you come to Eltham? We’ve lived in New Eltham since 1969.
After starting the business in Beckenham, we spent 10 years in Grove Market Place and then moved to St Mary’s Arcade, where we are now, next to Sainsbury's. It’s named after a combination of my and my wife’s fi rst names, Gillian and Robert.
So it’s a family business? Yes, my daughter Hazel runs it and
my wife devotes her time to looking after our other business, The Sewing Rooms in Arcade Chambers, which makes alterations to bridal gowns and special occasion wear.
Do you get much passing trade in Eltham?
A lot of our business is from
recommendations. We've even had women who've moved to London from Australia, South Africa, Scandinavia and other countries come to our shop.
How did you get involved in boxing?
I met a friend for lunch in 1982 and said he was looking for an MC for a boxing dinner night at the old Yorkshire Grey pub in Eltham. Then he said he wasn't looking for one anymore, he had found the ideal person - me.
How did it go? It was a baptism of fi re, standing in the
ring with the microphone in front of 300 enthusiastic people. Since then I've been an MC at hundreds of events including the ABA Finals and the Commonwealth Federation Games. I've been in the ring with boxers like Audley Harrison and
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Do you fi nd many other people share your interest for beekeeping?
It has become more popular over
the last few years although I would urge people to go to a club fi rst, learn about what it involves. I keep hives at an allotment in Plumstead, a manor house garden in Hawley and on a farm in Chislehurst.
How many bees do you keep?
On average each colony has up to 60,000 bees. They produce an average of 30-40lbs of honey. I've only ever had one really good year when I had 200 lbs
Wayne Alexander. Not fi ghting them though! I enjoy watching the boxing, especially the mums who get carried away.
How often is it?
During the season from October to May I do one or two evenings a week. I remember once a fi ght broke out in the crowd at the Hilton Hotel, so I announced, 'Ladies and gentlemen, please focus on the action in the ring, not outside it'. It seemed to calm things down.
What attracted you to beekeeping? I'm a frustrated farmer. I nearly got
into breeding rabbits but my wife said it would be too upsetting for our kids to see the rabbits leave. Then in 1979 I read an article about beekeeping, met a guy with a hive, got some bees and I was hooked. I joined the Sidcup branch of the Kent Beekeeping Association and I'm now the treasurer.
SEnine Brides, Bees Boxing & Bob
of honey. I sell it the bridal shop and also at the farmers' market in Eltham.
Do you take part in agricultural shows?
Yes, I attend the Kent County Show
every year at Detling. Our club has over 100 stewards there so I help to organise them.
Are you worried about the future of Eltham town centre?
I say to local people 'use it or lose it'. Unless people support the traders then they'll end up losing them. It's important to have individual traders there.
Family? As well as Gillian and Hazel, we’ve a
son, Colin and four grandchildren. How do you fi nd time to fi t it all in? It can get busy but I enjoy it that
way. I'm doing things I enjoy. I would urge people to get involved in the many varied and excellent groups in the area which need volunteers to keep going, they’ll fi nd it so rewarding.
Help keep Eltham tidy! Put your litter in bins.
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