Shashi and Pallu Patel are exemplars of selfless contribution to their local community from the heart of their “friendly community shop”, situated near Twickenham Green and called “Meet and Deep”, after their sons Meeten and Deepen.

Reading about the family in the press, investigating their Facebook page and knowing them as our newsagent, who wouldn't want to find out more? The Patels were kind enough to let me interview them.

Deepen described how they have opened up on Christmas Day for eight years, welcoming anybody who wants to pop by, without any obligation to purchase. Christmas 2017 was pivotal, Pallu highlighted. It was the change “from word of mouth to social media”. Deepen continued how, “Pop in for a hug and a mince pie!”, was shared 60,000 times, with nearly 10 million views and comments from all over the world and articles appearing in India, Australia and Russia! More than 100 people popped by who were alone or just wanted to say hello. The event has been so successful that next Christmas, the Patels hope to expand into the local church hall.

The Patels’ community spirit exists all year round. They welcome anybody to their shop to chat and often check on elderly folk they haven't seen for a while. For example, Pallu remembered Dorothy whom she found injured in her home unable to get help. She said that Deepen regularly accompanies a lady too scared to attend medical appointments alone. Visitors to the Mind Charity next door who are “shy and nervous” pop in and we “get them to warm to us, open up”, explained Deepen.

Pallu had to be encouraged to talk about how she had received a Bravery Award from the Mayor of London in 2001, for her courageous alerting and rescue of neighbours, including a baby, herself then a mother of two young children and in her nightdress, before the fire took hold.

The Patels relocated here 35 years ago and by their own admission their “English wasn't very good” and Pallu was “nervous to speak to customers” and it took a little time for locals to feel “comfortable” with them. Now the Patels are the heart of this local community and are loved and respected for their kindness and desire to help others. Their shop is also their home and “favourite place”, the reason why they never shut for an entire day, “always open to everybody”.

This compassionate attitude is central to their religious beliefs, following Hinduism or Sanatana Dharma (meaning “all-encompassing love or order” as Deepan explained). The Patels celebrate “all religious festivals, as there is no single way, but many paths to the same destination”. The essence of their faith is goodness in all and to help everybody, especially those less fortunate. 

It is no surprise that Shashi was awarded a Community “outstanding contribution” by Richmond Council in 2016. Everybody has a lot to learn from this family and as a Facebook comment says, “if only the whole of mankind was so thoughtful”. 

Toby Tolson, Hampton School