A family business which has been operating in Alston for well over a century is set to close today.
The directors of JH Henderson & Sons say it is with a heavy heart that they have taken the decision to retire and close their garage business.
The firm’s last trading day will be today, Tuesday, February 28, with its premises at Townfoot already having been put up for sale.
It was in 1905 that the business was started by Joseph Henry Henderson — grandfather of the current directors — a plumber, gas fitter, tinsmith and ironmonger, who was based on Front Street, above the market place, where there is now a car park.
He later moved to larger premises opposite the Turks Head in the northern corner of the market place.
In 1926 he expanded and built a garage at Townfoot, specialising in vehicle repairs and a taxi service which operated Model T Ford cars and a Daimler charabanc — all fitted with solid rubber tyres which gave passengers a rather bumpy ride on the local cobbled streets.
Additional premises were bought on the opposite side of the road in 1955 by Joseph Henry’s sons, Tommy and Bob Henderson.
They sold petrol, repaired vehicles and also launched a successful haulage company, with Bob running this from Langwathby and Tommy handling the Alston side of things.
The current directors are Ian, son of Tommy, and Tony and Malcolm, sons of Bob, who in 2013 sold the site at Townfoot which is now the location of a Spar shop and petrol station.
The family business continued on the other side of the road as an MoT centre also offering vehicle repairs, supplying Calor Gas and being the base for the taxi business.
A representative of the firm said: “We are trying our best to keep up with demand for MoT tests and repairs and, thanks to our loyal staff and customers, our diary is full until the closing date.
“It is possible that we may have cancellations so please contact us if you have an emergency — we may be able to help or at least point you in the direction of someone who can.”
All the firm’s remaining stock is to be sold online by H&H Auctioneers.
JH Hendeerson & Sons have been Calor Gas dealers for 65 years and will supply cylinders until they close, but say they do not know if another dealer has been appointed in the area.
The representative added: “There will be activity in and around the garage after February 28 but this will be to assist with the closure of the business, not for any further workshop repairs or sales.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers for their support over the years and special thanks go to our loyal and supportive staff.”
