Companies in WattonWatton Edwards News50 High Street, Watton, Norfolk. The Edwards family appeared upon Watton High Street in the early 1860s. they were farming as tenants on a farm in Thompson. This enterprise was sold at auction and the High St. premises were acquired by the then head of the family John Edwards. He set up initially as a picture framer but quickly expanded into all the goods that the modern day shop now sells. John was succeeded by his son Albert Thomas Edwards who carried on the business with the help of his eldest son Albert Ernest Edwards. Albert retired in the early 60s leaving the running of the business to Ernest “Ernie” as he was known throughout the Town. Ernie brought to the business his new wife Margaret, who was the daughter of a Lincolnshire Grocer and Bookmaker. This husband and wife team brought many changes and innovations to the small shop and made it a viable modern shop. During the 70s the fourth generation of the Edwards family became involved in the shop. Christopher Edwards began to help develop both the business and the premises in order to provide for his family. It was during this period the business underwent a massive re-development costing £125000.00p which provided all new retail premises and 5 flats above. The business was at the forefront of the development of specialist newsagents retail computer systems. The business is also part of IDEAL the East Anglian buying co-operative for Newsagent of which Chris Edwards is one of 5 Directors. The shop traded as, C & SA Edwards Ltd, Trading As Your Ideal Shop Mr Chris Edwards has retired and the company was purchased by Mr. Deven Changela in 2016. The company C & S A Edwards Ltd was closed and the new company trades as Watton Edwards News. Mr. Deven Changela desire was to maintain the history of the town in the choice of the new name of the company. The Business is now believed to be the oldest established Newsagents in the UK. |
