Much loved couple to leave their shop after 34 years of service

Customers gathered outside Davison’s general dealers on Horsely Road to say emotional goodbyes and show their appreciation for Les and Val Davison, who took over the shop on May 27, 1987.

The couple are retiring and leaving behind a huge circle of friends and customers they became close to over the decades. They have sold the shop and will be leaving it in the coming days.

Les, 62, had previously been an area manager for Carricks the bakers while Val worked in Binns in Sunderland. The couple were married in 1985 and have two grown up sons, Alan and Michael.

Both sons now live in Wollongong in New South Wales so a trip to Australia to see the boys is among the Davisons’ plans for their retirement.

Val and Les are sad to leave Barmston, but delighted that so many of their loyal customers have come to say goodbye and thank them for their service.

Les said: “It was just people taking the opportunity to say cheerio. It’s heartbreaking. We’ve got to know so many people in this community and they’re lovely, lovely people. It brings a tear to your eye.

“We’re not sure exactly when we’re leaving, so there’s still time for people to come in and say cheerio. It’s the customers and the friendships that we’ll miss most of all. What a great community this is.

“We were only going to do five or ten years of this then move on, but working for yourself and all the customers makes it all worthwhile.

Apart from their Australian trip, the Davisons are looking forward to walks, golf and bowls.

Les added: “After working seven days a week for all these years, you can’t just suddenly sit and vegetate.”

Tasha Rose is a friend and customer of the couple and was keen to pay tribute and wish them well. She said: “They’re amazing people. They’ve always been waiting with a smile when you walk into the shop. Nothing is too much trouble and nobody wants them to leave.”

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