Taylor & Abel, the independent haberdashery shop on Maple Road Penge, is celebrating the retirement of long-standing team member Vanessa, who joined in April 2021 during the challenges of COVID.

Over nearly five years, Vanessa helped build one of South East London’s most welcoming knitting and sewing communities, launching WIPs evenings and supporting the Maple Road Market initiative.

Now stepping into retirement after becoming a first-time Nanna in January, Vanessa leaves behind a legacy of creativity and community in Penge.

We’d love to share her story of independent retail resilience and community building.