Last week was heavy. It sort of sucked up all of my emotional energy, or at least enough to deplete the ability to collate these words for you, for me. On Wednesday, I had a lovely fella from the West Sussex council come by Potions to discuss a very important situation that has developed. After weeks of me running in circles without change or a forming direction, finally some sort of affirmed knowledge was obtained.
Okay, I'm realising this is all sounding cryptic. Let me take a few steps back...
As many of you might already know, the way Potions gets electricity to operate is, I have an agreement with Palace Fish & Kabab. When my generator didn't provide me with enough oomph to power the horsebox, Horsham District council, the kind EHO woman, Susan, suggested I approach Palace about piggy backing electricity from them. Palace were apprehensive and requested a day to discuss it. When I returned the following day, they agreed to allow me to power my little horsebox business through their business. What that means is, I had an electrician install a meter which only accounted for the horsebox's electricity and a socket for a 240v 32A commando plug on the outside of the building where the horsebox plugs in. This gives a clear estimate of the kilowatts of power only Potions uses. Monthly, on the 14th I photograph the meter, calculate what I owe, based on the electric provider Palace uses, and pay on the 15th of each month, in cash, as they have requested. Very organised, clear and concise. I do want to mention, I have paid the full amount, on time, since the agreement was made 20 months ago. Well, last month when paying the electricity I was told by Palace that Palace would be closed for 3 months, from June-September 2025, and that they did not want me to access the electricity during that time. It was said to me that they didn't want to "take the risk". I'm not really sure what that means. When the meter and outlet were originally installed, their shop was closed for a few weeks. "The risk" wasn't of concern then. Daily when I arrive at 7am and operate until their arrival at 12:30 or 15:30 depending on the day of the week, "the risk" isn't of concern then. I was told by them to take a vacation. A 3 month vacation.
Well, back on track for why I'm writing this, for weeks I had been trying to problem solve this. I do not have the privilege or luxury to close for even a day, let alone 3 months. Also, what a let down that would be for the community that has developed around Potions. I contacted everyone I thought could help in the effort to obtain my own electricity kiosk. I spoke to UKPN, enervo, the Parish council, Horsham district council, West Sussex council. I was searching for permission to get my own kiosk installed. Potions is pitched on West Sussex council land see, so permission is imperative. Well, last week, that lovely fella I mentioned at the beginning, from West Sussex council, Mark, came by to speak with me. He appreciated what I provide to the community with Potions. It was very heartwarming, if I'm honest. Well, I thought all of the good vibes were surely going to get me to the next step of sorting this out. In a way, I guess it did. Only, not in the way I was hoping. Ultimately, there is nothing I can do. My own kiosk isn't an option. Why not try a generator again, you're possibly thinking. Well, my original silent generator and custom silencing cover cost nearly £2000. I sold all of that kit because as I mentioned it wasn't enough power. Another tidbit on the generator, 2 weeks before I even launched, before the generator was present, someone in the neighbourhood complained of its noise, so that's a clear indicator for me that becoming a statutory nuisance for the neighbours is not welcome or on brand for Potions. Solar panels won't provide the power needed either. 
Are you sensing the stress yet? What else can I do? Throw in the towel and close up shop? Give up? I just can't do that. Potions was a very deliberate, very intentional action to ensure the quality of life my family needs to be happy and healthy is achieved. My husband, Mitch, he's disabled. It is important to me that he remains healthy. A fundamental way to achieve that is limiting his stress, his over activity. Potions helps us achieve that by creating a household balance ensuring he only works part-time. I know this is quite a personal thing for me to include, but if you've met me, you might have picked up on my transparency. Anyway, back to, what can I do... Beg. That's all I feel is left, reapproach Palace and beg them to come to some sort of solution allowing Potions continuation of operation. Why am I telling you about this? Because I think you can help me, by showing your support. A petition will hopefully help affirm the effects of closing Potions on not only myself and my family, but on our greater community. Strength in numbers. Many of you have asked how you can help. This is the only solution I feel I have left. Use your voice in helping me request the ability to continue to trade. What do you say, are you in? Please sign this petition and perhaps let your friends and family know in case they might want to support this cause. I feel like it might help when I do go back and ask Palace to please not shut down Potions. Thank you for your ongoing support, Michelle.