Jane says life in Oxford is different to life in their previous village store because this one's bang in the middle of a housing association estate. "We get a bit of aggro from there ­ it's become almost routine," she says. Although CCTV keeps a record of the most persistent thieves the couple have employed more staff in the store, which also helps. And a newly-appointed store manager is settling in well. "He used to work in a betting shop so he recognises the villains!" says Jane. Turnover has been going up nicely ­ more than £30,000 a week ­ and the Clarkes will soon install a lottery terminal. A substantial number of players use the nearby rival store, but Jane thinks that Camelot has realised their shop is doing well and that, in her words, it is "in lottery territory". She hopes turnover could reach £40,000 as a result. Mike and some staff will train on a terminal next week, and once the shop's terminal is installed at the front counter, they may consider getting a fourth till because customers hate queuing. Other initiatives include two Wall's branded freezers and a hot drinks machine for the food to go counter. Jane is looking forward to the forthcoming Bank Holiday. "People tend to stay at home and buy lots of drinks and ice creams," she says. They both continue to put in long hours, particularly because of the high incidence of staff absence ­ either through genuine illness or less honest reasons. "Unfortunately, we always have to cover." {{FEATURES }}