Christmas came early for WHCA thanks to Vinod Mashru and the generosity of Bright News customers who contribute regularly to The Whistler costs by putting unwanted change into collecting boxes on the counter. We received an extra boost of funds towards the end of October when he stocked a 33kg giant pumpkin for Halloween and asked people to pay for the privilege of trying to lift the monster. Thank you, Vinod and your customers, for your ongoing support.

From The Whistler archives in March 1991, Steve Needham wrote the following ‘Portrait of a Local Character’.

“To the residents of West Hill, especially in the Buckingham Road area, Vinod Mashru is a familiar face. There are few residents in this local area who could not recognise the owner of Bright News and it appears there are few who Vinod does not know himself.

Vinod was born in India and spent a number of years working in the family wholesale cloth business in Bombay. When he came to the UK he spent a year working in a shop in London’s East End but it was love which finally brought him to Brighton. The love in question was the marriage of a friend, and it was on his first visit to the South coast that Vinod saw what is now Bright News and, having had enough of working for others, he decided to buy it. Vinod has a positive view of Brighton, finding it friendly, with a diverse group of inhabitants. He also enjoys having everything close enough to walk to, a real change from London and Bombay. During his 6 years in West Hill Vinod has never had any trouble at the shop, surely a plus point for the area.

Many of Vinod’s customers are professional people who come in on their way to work and again on their way home. With so many convenience stores in West Hill, it is amazing just how popular Bright New is. Is it the prices? The videos? The produce? Or do people come because they enjoy the friendly service? Whatever the reason there is one thing not to be missed at Bright News. Mrs Mashru’s home-made samosas and bhajis. Truly delicious!”

In 2015 Vinod and Meena celebrate 30 years at Bright News and at the heart of the community. We wish them heart-felt congratulations.