Tears as business couple bid a fond farewell

IT is the end of an era in Ballycastle as a well-respected business couple retire at the end of this month.

And it is testament to the high regard which Angela and Brian Bradley are held in by shoppers from the town and beyond that when news emerged of their departure from Homestyle Interiors at Ann Street many customers had tears in their eyes.

Angela and Brian have built up a loyal clientele since opening in 1996 and they say they will miss their work and their customers.

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As they put their feet up for a well-earned break from the retail sector, their contribution to the business life of Ballycastle has been hailed.

And Angela said she enjoyed every minute of it.

Homestyle Interiors stated off selling solid and laminate flooring, pine furniture and also other household gifts which came in from India as well as lighting.

Business then developed and included Irish giftwear and religious giftwear.

Angela told the Times: "We will close on Saturday January 30 and would like to thank al the customers we have had over the years.

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"We became friends with many people through the business and we always liked to think people could come in for a chat as much as anything else.

"And every year we held a wine and cheese evening to mark the date we opened and it was always a very popular event.

"When people heard we were closing some had tears in their eyes.

"We will miss the people. Every day was something different. It has been our life and it was a fantastic opportunity to be able to do this job.

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"We receive letters and Christmas Cards from all over the world and have received invites from people in several countries - people who have been in the shop.

"When people from big cities like say London came in to the shop they could not understand that we would talk to them so much and on the way out the door they would say thanks," said Angela.

The shop was also known as having a Christmas Nativity scene painted on its window each year and many people made dedicated trips just to see the picture.

"It was great to see the reaction of people to that," said Angela, "especially the children".

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And some famous people visited the shop over the years including one senior politician and although Eamonn Holmes or Liam Neeson did not make it the shop - and they have just a few days to do so - their relatives have been in.

The shop is also well-known for selling unique giftwear with one particular item - 'The Willow Tree' - an ornament with a message - will still be on sale in Ballycastle at McLaughlin's Jewellers in Ann Street.

And furniture and flooring will be available at K Kitchens on Leyland Road.

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