A SIGNIFICANT happening in Bridge Street is occurring.

P Squire (Andover) Limited, the electrical store, is closing down after providing countless years of excellent service to the general public.

Squires used to be one of the 331 one-man band shops in the 50s and 60s and added to the wide variety of shops that we were spoilt by in and around Andover. The pale blue painted frontage seems to have been there all my life.

It is marvellous that the owner, Mr Holloway, who has long been a mighty presence in Bridge Street, has kept the shop thriving despite all the rival outlets that have come and gone.

Mr Holloway deserves more than a medal especially as he always started work early each day thus providing help and advice to all and sundry.

It was a pleasure to visit the shop as his staff always gave top drawer assistance as well.

I’ve always wanted to climb those old wooden stairs to the repair workshop and soak up the history of the place.

Well done Mr Holloway, a huge stalwart in the business fraternity, we salute you. I have no doubt that, like us, everyone will wish you a grand retirement.

We shall miss you.

John Porter, Millway Road, Andover