LETTERS

… and It’s Goodbye From Us.

It is with great sadness but a sigh of relief that we can confirm the worst kept secret in Bawdeswell...namely that we have sold The Bawdeswell Store to Martin McColls; the largest Independent Retail Chain in Britain.

They approached us about this time last year and my first reaction was "Forget it; I'm going out in a box!" Quick and painless for me but hardly fair on Shirl - trapped until I croak! So when I subsequently suffered a stroke (divine intervention?) and everyone talked of enjoying life - not working all the time, it suddenly seemed easier to go with the offer - so we could enjoy some quality time together after 40 years of marriage.

The deal has not been without its hiccups and as everyone knows moving house is fraught with minor setbacks: imagine selling a business too!  The existing staff were promised continued employment but a few could not take the uncertainty and left anyway; our apologies for any slippage of service in the last few weeks. Although it has to be said that the vast majority of our staff have largely coped with a lot of changes, and ensured that our customers have still enjoyed their shopping experience.

Both Shirl and I feel sorry to leave - it's been nearly 20 years of hard but mostly enjoyable work which has been all consuming of our life.  Unfortunately the strain of never ending regulation and directives takes a heavy toll. Most small businesses struggle to survive when faced with compulsory legislation and fierce competitors.

Our thanks to the Parish, District and County Councils who have been very supportive and Norfolk Constabulary, who have given excellent service.

A huge thank you to our customers and friends, the residents of Bawdeswell and Foxley and surrounding villages whose support has ensured the survival of a shop on this site.  Despite the ensuing problems of deliveries and parking, their reward is in enhanced property values.  It was not an easy village to find when we first came here but Bawdeswell is now a sought-after village for house hunting and is signposted from Kings Lynn and the A47.  (Not single handedly down to us; the Garden Centre / Floranova and all the other businesses in the village have more than played their part.)

Lastly, my thanks to my family for everything over the years and especially Shirl, Fel and Dave who have worked extremely hard to keep things going for the last few months.

Andy & Shirley Battley

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