AFTER 22 years in business in Crediton, Elizabeth Foan is closing the door to her shop and taking time for her own life.

Elizabeth officially closed Busy Lizzie on Christmas Eve but is still in the shop on the Lower Pannier Market, opposite the Post Office, most mornings sorting out and packing up.

She opened in a unit that became a launderette in what was then the Helmores Centre on the High Street (formerly H B Todd and Son), now the Creedy Centre before moving to the Lower Pannier Market in November 1995.

Elizabeth is married to Ray, a Devonian who was working in Dover with the company building the Channel tunnel.

When they came to Crediton in 1965, Elizabeth was working as a link tutor for children aged 5-16 years who were out of school for whatever reason, sometimes illness or their behaviour.

“It was fun,” said Elizabeth. “I would go to people’s homes or to some centre or another.” She had trained at St Luke’s in Exeter.

For a time she had a unit at the Monday market held in the former Crediton Club off the High Street in the Dart and Francis yard.

That was successful, then Elizabeth saw units were to be available in the Helmores Centre. After a year there, they saw the empty shop on the Pannier Market which had been The Bike Shed and moved in.

“I always say I sell a selection of whole foods, herbs and spices, home brew, local honey, bits and pieces, and plants.

“I have seen a number of changes including the fire station knocked down and the town square created. I’ve made many friends over the years and much enjoyed conversations with customers and visitors, especially with the twinning.

“There are lots of other things I want to do while I still can and I want to spend more time with our guinea pigs - and I want to do more in my garden which is a jungle.

“I really thank everyone who has supported me over the past 22 years and I shall miss you,” said Elizabeth.

Elizabeth and Ray breed and exhibit guinea pigs as a hobby and have won many prizes at shows across the country.

Sue Read