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🎧 Old Chemist: past and present

Listen: Interview with former pharmacist Celia Evans and Community Development Worker Emily Light

Jan 08, 2026
∙ Paid

What was the Old Chemist like when it was still a working pharmacy?

And what was it like for Celia Evans to return to the recently revamped building - having lived there with her family from the 1950s and run the shop herself?

The now much larger downstairs space at The Old Chemist, with the old dividing wall removed

We took a tour of the building with Celia and Emily Light, The Old Chemist’s Community Development Manager. Afterwards, we sat down for a coffee and a chat in what used to be Celia’s lounge!

Recording a chat at The Old Chemist with Celia, left, and Emily, right

Hear Celia’s reflections now that the building is run by Oasis Church, and her anecdotes from running the shop — including serving a queue of customers one Christmas day. And listen to Emily Light explain the new building changes and share The Old Chemist’s vision for its future.

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