A FAMILY business with more than 100 years of trading comes to an end on Thursday (March 31) in Oswestry.

Marking the end of an era for many townsfolk, saddlers and leather shop T Jones & Son in Leg Street, one of the oldest businesses in the town, is set to cease trading in Leg Street.

Current owner David Jones, who has followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, confirmed he is calling time on nearly 50 years of working at the shop, joining his wife Eirian in retirement.

In a notice left for customers, David said the time had come for him to enjoy the rest of his life, with getting to watch Leeds United, his favourite team, on his agenda.

"After 46 years, I have decided to hang up my needles for good and retire," said David.

"Obviously a massive thank you goes out to all our loyal customers, who have supported our family business over the years and have helped make the Saddlers a recognised feature of the retail scene in Oswestry.

“It would be impossible to thank each and every one of you, so collectively – thank you so much.

"What of the future? Well, after 42 years working in the NHS, initially as a medical secretary and for the last 26 years as a physiotherapist, my wife, Eirian, will also be retiring at the same time and with our new found freedom we will attempt to put considerably more mileage on both our motorhome and our walking boots.

"And hopefully be able to attend many more race meetings and watch my beloved Leeds United.

"My best wishes go to all of you."

David explained the history of his family business, with its roots in the late 19th century just down the road before it became a mainstay at 27 Leg Street.

READ MORE:

He said: "In May 1893 my grandfather, Thomas Jones, started work as an apprentice saddler to George Nunnerley, who was the saddler at 22 Leg Street, and in the early 1900s grandfather took over the business after it had moved to its present premises

"It then changed to T Jones & Son and has remained so until the present day.

"My father, Tom Jones, came into the business straight from school and worked alongside grandfather for many years., with the business emphasis being on the manufacture and repair of harness for working horses in agriculture and on the canals, and for driving harness for the numerous horse-drawn vehicles which for many was their daily means of transport, especially those in the farming community.

"Grandfather retired in the early 1960s and father carried on the business until his retirement on the last day of 1999, after giving a lifetime of 64 years' service.

"I came into the business in June 1976 and worked with my father until he retired.

“Many of you will also remember my mother, now in her 101st year, who served in the shop for many years, finishing in the late 1980s.

"I continued to run the business both retail and workshop with the business emphasis now having changed to retail leather goods and the manufacture and repair of saddlery for riding rather than driving."