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Ex-Clash drummer Nick "Topper" Headon re-opens Co-operative store in River, Dover

The former drummer of the Clash has re-opened a supermarket following its £450,000 makeover.

Nick “Topper” Headon, who lives in Dover, cut the ribbon at the River Co-operative in Lower Road last Friday.

It is the second major facelift by the supermarket chain in the Dover district, following the unveiling of the new-look Aylesham branch last month.

Topper Headon, with store manager Simon Taylor, opens the new-look Co-op in River. Picture: Co-operative Group
Topper Headon, with store manager Simon Taylor, opens the new-look Co-op in River. Picture: Co-operative Group

The River store now has new features including self-service checkouts.

But in a nod to the past it also has the return of the clover leaf design logo first used in the 1960s.

It also provides money to community groups through its new membership scheme.

Members receive a 5% reward on purchases of own-branded products and services, with another 1% going directly to local causes.

Charities and group set to benefit include River Primary School, River Scouts and River Methodist Church who had representatives at the opening.

Branch manager Simon Taylor said: “We are delighted to have made such a significant investment in our River store.

“Our ambition is to establish the store as a local hub, a real asset for the community.”

Area manager Ian Rowe said: “Shoppers can become a co-owner and member of their Co-op.

“ Simply by using their membership card when they shop with us they will raise much needed funding for organisations who contribute to improving local life.”

And students with an NUS card will receive a 10% discount off their groceries.

Topper Headon
Topper Headon

The Aylesham branch in Market Place re-opened on July 28 with the same membership scheme.

Again it has the retro logo and causes benefiting from it include St Peter’s Church and Aylesham and Snowdown Social Welfare Scheme.

Headon, who is a former Dover Grammar schoolboy, was in the legendary punk band at the turn of the 1970s and 1980s.

It was famous for songs such as Rock the Casbah, which he largely wrote, White Riot, Should I Stay or Should I Go and London Calling.

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