A beloved shop keeper who has served his Andover community for over three decades has announced his retirement.  

Bhupindra Patel, 72, better known to his customers as John, will step down from the Sheepfayre Store in Highlands Road, at Christmas.  

Over the past 33 years John has never had a day off, other than to go on holiday, and has opened on Christmas day and bank holidays generating a loyal community customer base.  

“I was looking for a shop and the people here were nice. Before I was in Basingstoke and then came up here. I didn’t expect to be here this long,” said John.  

John still has a few customers from when he originally took over the shop but has also had a ringside seat in watching his community grow.  

“I have a good relationship with all the customers. I have seen three generations come in here. A woman came in then her daughter and her daughter,” said John.  

Also leaving the store are long time employees Janette Smith and Connie Stanton. 

John said: “I have good staff, Jeanette has been here for 18 years and Connie around ten.” 

John will assist the new owners as they take over the day to day running and the shop will remain a vital epicentre for the community.  

Reaction to the announcement has been met with sadness from the community who have supported John and the store but understand his desire to retire. 

“They understand, with my age but say they don’t like me to go. They do miss me and they do get upset.  

“Thank you very much to all my customers for supporting me over these 33 years,” added John. 

Upon retirement John will use his newfound free time to spend time with wife, Indumati, children and his two granddaughters.