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TOM’S FAVOURITES: left to right, Johnny Cash and Hurt, Mumford and Sons’ The Cave, and Stevie Wonder, Superstition
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here is no doubting that brands play an important indeed significant role in business. Millions are spent by multi-national companies in achieving the right name for that certain brand. However, this caused little concern to John Boot when he started his chemist or, for that matter when Reginald Meek opened a small greengrocers shop in Clifton Village. As is so often the case in the retail world, it’s all in the name, hence Reg the Veg was proudly displayed above the door. Some four decades later Tom Hagon is more than happy to trade under that same iconic sign, which in many respects has become part of the area’s landscape. Tom was born in Colchester and after leaving school and attending college, became a railway engineer, but he always harboured a burning ambition to visit Australia. His dream became reality when his job hit the buffers; he leapt on a Jumbo and headed for a life of adventure on the other side of the world, undertaking all manner of different jobs including selling ice cream on Bondi Beach. During his year-long stay he met his future partner Beth, who was on a gap year from her home in Bristol and when he eventually returned to the U.K. he headed down the M4 for a visit. Tom takes up the story: “I fell in love with Beth and at the same time the city and I’ve never really left.” To meet the bills and pay the rent he started working part-time for George the then owner of Reg the Veg; unloading the van, delivering groceries and polishing the odd apple. During the evenings he could be found pulling pints in local bars. After a few months George took him on full-time and he started to take a keen interest in the world of carrot tops and cabbages, eventually being offered the ownership of the business. He contacted his father in Essex who agreed to go into partnership with him and a result, his family decided to relocate here to help in the shop. Tom talks with genuine passion about the business: “I’m a great advocate in keeping things local and try to source as much organic and regional food as possible. It’s good for the growers, good for us and ultimately good for the customers.” His displays spill-out on barrows like a wash of colour onto the tiny cul-de-sac, offering seasonal fruit and vegetables, from the basic to the more exotic. He is lucky in having a following of loyal customers, ranging from bed-sit students to Clifton Village’s glitterati. The personal side of this busy greengrocer’s life sees him living across the city in Easton with Beth and their two small children. Finally I asked him how he felt about having another man’s name over the shop. He laughs : “My grandfather’s name was Reg. so I suppose it’s turned full circle and I guess you could say we’ve kept it in the family.”
Tom’s top ten: ● Mumford and Sons – The Cave I chose this for no particular reason, other than I like the way these guys blend many genres of music together. The audience’s reaction to their live gigs is epic. One of the band comes from a village just outside Bath, so I’m hoping he’ll come in one day and I can tell him how much his music means to me. ● Bon Iver – Skinny Love I listen to the radio in the shop on most days and heard this band www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk
on 6-Music, which is one of my favourite stations. They have a beautiful and unique sound and I’ve been a fan for many years. This particular track is one of my all time ‘must have’ pieces of music. ● Stevie Wonder – Superstition This was chosen for an odd reason. It was the song our young son danced to – on the back seat of our car. It just came on the radio and we couldn’t stop him from dancing. I suppose it proves that no one can sit still listening to this classic record. ● Israel Kamakwiw’ole – Somewhere Over the Rainbow A really beautiful song and it’s also my mum’s favourite, so I had to put it in. My family moved down to Bristol to help me in the shop. They live just around the corner in Victoria Square, which couldn’t be more handy. They enjoy the buzz of the village. ● The Verve – Lucky Man This takes me back to living in Colchester. It reminds me of growing up and leaving school and also the fun times I enjoyed as a young chap going to college. I was feeling very excited about my future and what it had in store for me. Now I have a partner and two beautiful children. The title says it all! ● Gil Scott-Heron – I’m New Here Chosen for my fabulous mother-in-law, who introduced me to Gil Scott-Heron when she saw him last year at the Womad festival. I wish I had been aware of him earlier. He writes in such an honest and open style, it’s really great music which never fails to lift you. ● Joy Division – Love Will Tear Us Apart I started listening to them after seeing the film Control, which was a moving and sometimes tragic story. They are incredibly talented and conjure up a mixture of feelings and emotions. Music used as a film soundtrack, paints such a vivid picture and this is no exception.
I’m a great advocate in keeping ❝things local and try to source as much organic and regional food as possible
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● Mylo – Need You Tonite While travelling around Australia during 2005, I listened quite a lot to Mylo. This track takes me right back to those days and the good times I was lucky enough to have. I was meeting new people, seeing sights and experiencing that fast, unique country. ● The Doors – The End Before my time I suppose, but I’m so appreciative of this 60’s band and their cutting edge music. They also featured this number in Apocalypse Now which is one of my absolute top films of all time. They don’t make tracks like this anymore. ● Johnny Cash – Hurt This is one of mine and Beth’s favourites. It is such a personal song and always manages to give us both goosebumps. You can’t but admire Johnny Cash, the voice, image and lyrics are just wonderful. This is a recording that stays with you; it is in many respects timeless. ■ December 2011
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The Bristol Magazine 19