AN INDEPENDENT estate agents is celebrating two decades of success having established itself in Thornbury 20 years ago.

Bonds of Thornbury, which was founded by business partners Rowena Moncrieffe and Penny Skinner in December 1997 over a love of helping people find their perfect home.

Having more than 30 years of industry experience between them at the time, the pair saw their jobs going in a different direction from what they enjoyed and decided to team up in the town.

Their first sale was completed in less than three months of doors opening, with the business also being “secret shopped” and consequently invited to join the Guild of Professional Estate Agents, now the Guild of Property Professionals.

We were a little nervous, but very excited on the first day,” said Penny, “but we had our first instruction within three quarters of an hour of being open, took a deep breath and went on from there.”

The pair say they are just as passionate about their work today as they were all those years ago, remaining fully hands on, with no negotiators or viewing people and one of them always in the office on a Saturday.

We have the pleasure to deal with a lot of nice people as clients,” said Rowena. “And that is what is most important to us, the interaction with our clients. Knowing we have done the very best for them we can is worth getting out of bed for.”

Since its foundation, Bonds has been a big supporter of the Thornbury community, sponsoring a range of clubs and individuals in all sorts of endeavours over the years, with both Penny and Rowena actively involved in the town’s Chamber of Commerce, organising events including the soon-to-be revived food fair.

To celebrate the 20-year milestone, the business is inviting any clients, past or present, to join them on December 14, between 3pm and 5.30pm for a celebratory glass of fizz at the office on Castle Street, with everyone able to take part in a fun 20 year quiz to win a hamper.

Entry forms can be found on the Bonds of Thornbury Facebook page. Entries close on December 15.