Shopkeeper prepares to bid farewell to High Street (From Gazette Series)

Shopkeeper prepares to bid farewell to Chipping Sodbury High Street after 30 years

8:30am Wednesday 1st February 2012 in Yate and Sodbury news By Alexandra Womack

A SHOPKEEPER in Chipping Sodbury is preparing to bid a fond farewell to the High Street he first fell in love with 30 years ago.

Roy Vickers, who runs Vickers’ Stationers, is shutting up shop for the final time next week after three decades in the town. But the former mayor and supporter of various town events said he would dearly miss the medieval High Street which first attracted him to Chipping Sodbury.

"I had built up a chain of five shops in Bristol, Bath, Swindon and Gloucester known as Wilding Office Equipment," said Mr Vickers. "But I decided to semi-retire and chose Chipping Sodbury because of this wonderful wide street that we have.

"I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was then and I still can’t now. Since 1992 I have lived above the shop and have been looking out on the street every day. It is a big part of my life."

Since opening on April 1, 1982, Mr Vickers has become a familiar face to many.

He was president of the disbanded Chamber of Trade for five years and helped to reform Sodbury Chamber of Commerce two years ago, acting as vice-chairman until recently. Mr Vickers joined Sodbury Town Council for a 15-year term of officer and was mayor of the town in 2004 to 2006.

"Some of my best memories are the 25th anniversary of the Chipping Sodbury twinning with Cesson in France, which coincided with when I was mayor," he told the Gazette.

"I am also proud of the money we raised following the Boxing Day tsunami victims."

Mr Vickers has been one of Chipping Sodbury’s biggest supporters of town events, having organised the annual Victorian Evening for five years and more recently hosting a horticultural competition as part of the autumn food festival.

"I do honestly hope that things in the High Street improve," he said. "Times have been quite difficult, many people are struggling and I wish them well. But I am looking forward to a rest.

"I have worked six days a week for 40 years so not working will be exciting."

A regular at Chipping Sodbury Golf Club, Mr Vickers is now looking for a replacement club in Poole, Dorset, where he and wife Marilyn are moving to spend more time with their one-year-old grandson Sunny and a new baby due any day.

He added: "I would like to thank all my loyal customers over the years.

"Chipping Sodbury has been the centre of my universe for so long and I am going to miss it."

The final day of trading depends on the sale of half price stock, but is expected to be next weekend.