The end of an era as town’s oldest shop goes up for sale

John Greenwood’s was established in 1856 as a pawn-brokers and now stocks outdoor clothing, workwear and jewellery.

It has been in the Parkin family for 35 years, after Colin Parkin was unexpectedly bequeathed the shop, on Church Street, in 1977.

He had worked at the business since leaving school in 1953, when then owner, Jack Gledhill, left the shop to him as a surprise thank you for all his hard work.

Colin ran the shop for more than two decades before it was handed over to his wife, Catherine, 72, and daughter, Caroline Clegg, 45, following his death, seven years ago.

But they have put the shop on the market and are looking forward to a new phase in their lives.

Caroline, who has worked in the shop since she was 12, said: “My mum is wanting to retire, and I got married two years ago and am now wanting to change career path and become a phlebotomist.

“The business has been a way of life for us for many years and it is sad to be coming to the end of an era. But we have worked hard in the shop for a long time and we are ready to take a back seat now.

“We have a great rapport with our customers and I think there will be quite a few sad to see us go.

“We have already had some interest in the business and it will be really interesting to see what any new owner does with it - seeing someone else put their mark on it will be a good thing. We are both remaining in the area and will definitely return to the shop but it will be very strange being a customer after all this time!”