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Monday 20 August 2012

End of An Era at Gwen's


Milford on Sea are about to lose a pillar of village life.  Gwen Peden has decided to close Gwen's Ladies Fashion Shop in Milford on Sea High Street towards the end of this year, after 48 years of trading.

The delightful Gwen, and Anne (her sister) plan to take a well earned retirement.  Gwen's daughter Michele, is also moving on to something new.

There can only be a few in the village that have not visited Gwen's shop at some time.

This is not to say that Milford is full of male cross-dressers, but many men boldly cross the threshold to visit the village's ticket sales office.

Whoever you are, male or female, young or old, the welcome has always been warm, and time for a chat the order of the day.

Generations of the whole family were born and still live in the village and have served local people in many ways.

I always found my visits fun and educational.  They all know so much about village days gone by, yet have embraced change and always had a warm welcome for people new to the village.

I remember them telling me how their father had been a butcher in a couple of shops in the village, including the current Gwen's.  Incredibly, where they stand behind the counter now, it is in the same location as the 'Butchers Paying Kiosk' they once stood in as children.  If I remember correctly, one of 'Dad's' old butchers shop even had an abattoir at the back.

Running a business is challenge enough, but the girls have also willingly provided support to many groups and organisations running events in the village.  The way they manage ticket sales is impressive and there efforts have made a major difference to the success of so many events.  The whole service is also always done with a smile and great efficiency.  I know this because they have been a wonderful help to me and the Food Week organising team.

It may surprise many, but they have never take anything for providing this service, they simply take pleasure in helping others.  How amazing and rewarding.

The shop itself is 'for the older stylish woman' and the range of stock pretty extraordinary.  Each customer has always been dealt with personally, and nothing is too much trouble.  Shops like these are lost forever once they go.

Retiring is often a time for mixed emotions, proving both a wrench and relief at the same time, I hope this retirement is simply full of happy memories.

Gwen is currently holding a 'Retirement Closing Down sale' with up to 50% off, I might even pop in myself, I have always thought I would look good in a 'two-piece'!

Personally, I will miss them, and send my thanks for all the support they have given me and Food Week, I loved dealing with you all.  I am sure there will be many other people with warm things to say in the coming weeks.

The village owes Gwen, Michelle, and Anne so much. Their tireless effort on behalf of the community has been nothing short of amazing, and all have more than earned a long, happy and healthy future.

Hopefully, living in this wonderful part of the world, they will all now get more time to enjoy it! 


1 comment:

  1. Since moving to Milford 8 years ago Gwens has been a pillar of strength, from buying clothes to 'box office' agents for the RNLI. Michelle has provided a very professional service as have Gwen and Anne and they will certainly be missed by the whole village. I personally wish them all the very best for the future. Margaret

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