Life in the slow lane is not what it seems, according to the new owners of a thriving rural business.
Having been a primary school teacher for 14 years, James Spurr, 39, finished the academic term, packed up his belongings and left his life in Reading to run Askham Stores.
Yet moving away from the fast-paced big smoke to the Eden countryside was not as he’d imagined, due to the staycation tourist boom inundating him on his first few weeks in charge.
He bought the business with his partner Ian Spurr after the previous owners Tracey and Simon Perryman stepped down with more than six years under their belt at the heart of one of Eden’s busiest rural communities. The couple officially reopened the store on the 20th July.
“It’s been a bit mental but we are getting there,” said James, who is yet to fully unpack.
“Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and it’s been nice getting to know all the locals.
“I’m loving village life although there hasn’t really been a change of pace yet with us being so busy but I’m hoping by September or October there will be a bit of a shift.
“Askham is so lovely. You’ve got the fells, two pubs, a pool, a hotel and Penrith is on the doorstep. It’s perfect.”
Ian is currently working from home for a law firm and will commute to London when the pandemic allows. However, this hasn’t stopped James from roping him in to running the till during his weekends off.
Outside of work, James is a keen runner and is excited to get out onto the fells.
Despite clocking up a regular three outings a week during lockdown, the hectic schedule of shop-life has prevented him from hitting the hills.
“For the moment, life revolves around the shop,” he added.
The couple also bring with them new opening hours.
From Monday to Saturday the shop is open from 8am to 6pm and on Sunday it will be 9am to 4pm.
In a statement online, the previous owners, said: “We would like to thank you all for all the support you have given us during our time here, we have made some great friends and have had such a laugh but thankfully are staying in the village so will still see you all.
“We wish the new owners, James and Ian, all the best and I’m sure you’ll continue to support them.”
Plans to give the shop a makeover are in the pipeline, but James said this will not be until after the summer trade rush has subsided and the pair have settled in properly.
