Thoroughly enjoyed shopping, and visiting our vast array of supermarkets independent shops, and convenience stores in preparation for this column.

By purchasing in-store reusable bags, I could be totally impartial, this also helped me focus on what each stores unique selling points were, and not be swayed by previously held opinions.

Looking at my collection, I can look back and remember this time with fondness though perhaps my bank manager may have other ideas.

I well remember shopping in the sixties, in all sorts of weathers, trekking from one end of town, to the other, purchasing assorted items from the different shops that we needed in those days.

Now of course we have Waitrose, Sainsburys, Tesco Extra, Asda, Iceland, Aldi, Lidl, Co-ops, Premier, Reliance Local, to name just a few of what we have dotted in the town serving our community.

In days gone by, there were indeed, Bakers, Butchers, Chemists, Green Grocers, Fishmongers, Newsagents, Tobacconists, Locksmiths, Ironmongers, and shops that sold Coats, Coal, Firewood, Hats, Umbrellas, Gloves, Dresses, Crockery.

Others specialised in Confectionary, Haberdashery, Soft Furnishings, White Goods, Glassware, Lingerie, Photographs, Television Sets, Microwaves.

You can now get cash out of the ATM’s as well as purchase your stamps, post your letters, fill up with diesel or petrol, put the car through the car wash, before if you so wished, relax in one of the many in store cafes. The supermarkets offer incentives such as, specialised trolleys for children to push themselves, or child friendly sinks in the toilets. Others have wheelchairs or motorised scooters, along with seats or benches for customers to have a minute or two to rest.

Many cater for workers with packed sandwiches, lunches, Costa coffee, or hot food from rotisseries, most have self-service tills, or offer complimentary newspapers.

Society has changed adapting to one-stop shopping where possible, embracing specialised independent shops, convenience stores and supermarkets.

I personally like the interactions of mixing with people, so will always support our town and its businesses, however I do understand that with online shopping, we can choose to have what we can’t find locally, delivered to our home address.

Or if you so desired, our own shops will deliver your groceries for you, so you don’t even need to leave home.