GREENGROCER Mary Jenkins in High Street, Wellington, is changing hands this weekend with the retirement of Geoff Jenkins after 40 years in the business.

Geoff, 65, and wife Mary bought the shop in 1978 from Lords Fruit Shops, which had a dozen stores stretching from Taunton to Paignton.

Mary had managed the store for four years and Geoff left his job as a civil servant with the Inland Revenue to join her.

Geoff said: "The whole street scene has changed – back then Wellington had five or six greengrocers, now it’s just us." The switch from counter service to self-service in 1982 represented another major change.

Geoff says he will be able to spend more time in his retirement with Mary, who has been retired 12 years. He also plans to devote plenty of time to his hobby of bowls – he has played at Uffculme for 30 years.

The couple, who live at Pleamore Cross, said: "We would particularly like to thank all the team, both past and present, many of whom remain friends long after their retirement or move to other jobs.

"Their loyalty, honesty, skills and willingness to go the extra mile is without doubt the reason for our longevity.

"Thank you to all our customers, some of whom have supported us since Day 1.

"We shall miss serving Wellington but we are not running away and hope to catch up with you around town in the future."

New proprietors Paul and Kim Shipp take over the shop on Saturday (September 1). They plan to continue to trade as Mary Jenkins and offer a specialist and personal service.