TOMORROW, Friday, February 3, at 4pm will be the last time Paul and Tara Conabeare close the doors for Evans News as a shop in Crediton High Street.

Tara said: “It is with mixed emotions that Paul and I are leaving 10 High Street. For the past 12 years we have spent most of our time providing a service for our lovely customers and being an active part of the town and community.

“We have got to know so many local people and we will surely miss the daily contact, gossip and many laughs.

“We have made friends for life with some, have thoroughly enjoyed our time here and been lucky enough to have had loyal polite and trustworthy paper delivery boys and girls and, of course, not forgetting the adult deliverers, Sandy Deem (18 years service), Bill Davey (retired in his 70’s ), Ian Wreford and his son Corbin - who looked after Sundays - and Jane Avenell and her grandsons - who have delivered three rounds of papers for eight years - six days a week without fail.

“Also all the parents who have covered their children’s round in their absence!

“It is admirable for a young person to get up every day come rain, hail or snow and deliver the newspapers before they go to school - and most stayed with us until they went off to university or college or took a job in our shop.

“All members of staff have been a pleasure to work with - Wendy Snell has been with us for 18 years, Mary Hills-Harrop (Mum) for 12 years and Nick for 16 years. Starting as a paperboy he moved on to be our shop manager and another member of our family.

“I will miss all the dogs who I consider my friends too!,” Tara said.

She added that they have had the pleasure of Hot Pins Knit and Natter Group for the past seven years or so, led by Sheila Job, working in the shop haberdashery section.

“We won’t miss the early mornings and seven days-a-week responsibility, and we are looking forward to spending time with our family and looking after our grandson, Rory.

“The list of people to thank is endless - Thank you ALL for your support, loyalty, service and friendship,” said Tara.

She added that it was understood that 10 High Street has been a newsagents for 53 years this year. Mr Les Evans moved into the property in 1970 and Paul and Marion Evans moved out around 2003/4 - passing the business and residence onto Bernie and Mary Miller, Paul and Tara bought it from the Millers in 2011.

However, this year is the 60th anniversary of the name Evans above a shop in the High Street because Les Evans opened the business further along the High Street 60 years ago in 1963.

Before the Evans family, 10 High Street housed Boots the Chemist having been where Ernest Jackson sold its products.

People used to say they remembered the lozenge-shaped seats there in Jackson’s day.

Tara commented: “It is a shame there will be no newsagents in town however, SPAR across the road have been extremely helpful and pro-active and Gemma in Winkleigh is hoping to be able to provide all the haberdashery and wool requirements in the future.

“It is tough being a small independent retailer in amongst the giant supermarkets who provide everything and therefore it is time for a change.

“We wish our buyers well and hope they enjoy being a part of the community as we have.

“Please support them in their venture. It is always nice to see something new on the High Street.

“We would like to thank the Crediton Courier and all the staff we have worked with over the years, not only did you provide a local paper for us to sell - but also helped us and many others to promote their business.”

In turn, we wish Paul and Tara the very best in whatever the future brings for them.

Sue Read