End of an era for Bedlington hardware shop

Really really sad, but all good things do come to an end.  It's the way of retailing at the moment, and small retailers are by no means the exception: the iconic Boots is in meltdown, and who would have believed that retail analysts would ever be forecasting that now struggling retail giant M&S won't survive the next decade.  I hope Bedlington.co.uk can preserve a bit of the Keenleysides magic for posterity.

Sad to see another part of our town pass on,but Joan and her staff should have medals for their service to Bedlington for all the decades that they have been top - notch!!,and Joan deserves a happy retirement!

They,together with Matty Robinsons,built Bedlington between them.if you wanted a pink Elephant,they would try to get you one!!

I built my Wife a little bedside cabinet,and covered it with the "New" fashionable Quilted effect white "Fablon"[?],vinyl type of material!!!...in 1968-ish,my first project after we got married..with very little money!

As the years went by,I practically re-built my house from Keenleysides materials...!

Joan and young Morris were always there to help me sort out exactly what I needed,along with free advice...!

I wish Joan,and the Staff,all the very best and will be calling in to say thanks!

To  Russell,I will give you a big nod on the road if we pass...keep riding safe!!

Cheers to all!

Bill Allison.

I agree it is so sad to watch some wonderful premises close and to lose some fine people working them. Watching from afar I can't help but reflect back to yonder years. Stable town built on a strong community spirit is now a lost time. No cinemas No swimming pool No mining people who brought a kindred spirit to each other. So thanks to Joan and the many others who made my childhood a wonderful memory.