I have been involved in the business since I left school in the 1930's, the fourth generation to do so. After serving in the Royal Navy in World War Two I returned to work in the family business. I took over the running of the shop following my Uncle Will's retirement in 1953. When our five sons were old enough my wife Barbara joined me to help run the shop.

I have guided the business through the post-war changes in shopping which have seen the rise of the supermarkets and chain stores over small independent shops.

In later life I took a back seat as my son Mark took over the reins but remained an active partner in the business.