One of Hyndburn’s longest running jewellery shops is set to close.
F Stanley & Son will shut at the end of July after more than 50 years when owner Geoff Stanley retires.
The company was established in 1960 by Geoff and his father Frank on Blackburn Road, Accrington.
Geoff, 73, said it had been a ‘great pleasure’ to serve the town but said it is now time to retire.
He said: “Accrington has been very kind to us and so have the customers.
“My wife Jean and I have been blessed with good health, loyal staff and customers for all these years but retirement beckons as middle age approaches.”
Frank came to work at the Bristol Aircraft works during the war and opened a watchmakers on Union Road in Oswaldtwistle.
He later moved to Blackburn Road near the top of Oxford Street and then onto ‘Little’ Blackburn Road in 1960.
Grandfather-of-three Geoff joined his father in setting up the watchmakers and jewellers after leaving Accrington Technical School.
They later extended the business by buying Mrs Toogood’s corsetiere shop next door and opening it as an art gallery. Geoff, who now lives in Clitheroe, carried on the business after his father’s death in 1970 and says there have been many changes to the town during their time.
He said: “Since 1960 there have been many changes to the businesses of Accrington but as an Accrington lad I still see many positives in the town.
“To my mind it is still a much more pleasant centre than either Blackburn or Burnley.
“There have been several momentous and memorable things that have happened since we have been here, like the new Arndale Centre and the Eastgate bypass. There also used to be Addison wine shop on the corner which in the 1960s was demolished after a lorry crashed into it.”
The business will hold a retirement sale before it shuts at the end of July.
Geoff added: “I will be keeping my hand in with the clock repairing and renovation side as I have always had a workshop.
“I’ll also look to do some travelling and play golf.”
