The curtain has risen on a brand new chapter in the history of a traditional fabrics shop in the island’s capital.

Debbie Kelly-Banks is the new owner of Bon Fabrics which is tucked away down Howard Street, off Strand Street, Douglas.

And in a show of support for ’bricks and mortar’ retail shopping Mrs Kelly-Banks said she is determined to carry on the success of the shop which is 35 years old.

Mrs Kelly-Banks, 48, said the success of the BBC programme The Great British Sewing Bee, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, had helped in bringing about a revival of interest in textiles and fabrics.

The shop marks a complete change in career for the enterprising woman. This is her first shop business, having previously worked in the world of computers.

A special 35th birthday party for the shop was held last week and guests of honour were Margaret Downward and her daughter Debra Looker, who had previously run the shop.

Mrs Kelly-Banks said the business had previously gone from strength-to-strength with a wide variety of products including bespoke blinds, made to measure curtains along with dress fabrics, ribbons. buttons, fabric for curtains and other haberdashery items.

After the shop went on the market recently Mrs Kelly-Banks heard about this and talked about it with her husband Steve. She decided to buy the business after falling in love with it. She finally took over in May.

She told Business News: ’I was determined to do it. I think it is important we have shops like this in the island.

’The building has been here for a long time and it would have been a shame if nobody had been found to buy the business.

Mrs Kelly-Banks calls on help from two part time members of staff and she says: ’It’s a great business.’

She is originally from Manchester and has two sons Conor, 23, and Luke, 19.

She also has a step-son called Connor.

Talking about last week’s birthday party she said: ’It was a lovely occasion and the celebratory cake did not last long because so many people came along including customers who have known Bon Fabrics for many years.’

She believes retail shops like this still have a great future. And now she is welcoming new customers as well as those who have been coming for years.

Mrs Kelly-Banks said there is nothing like the human touch.

She said: ’Our biggest sellers are curtain fabrics and made to measure curtains.

’And television programmes such as The Great British Sewing Bee have helped spark something of a revival in crafts.

’More younger people seem to be getting involved in things like sewing.’

She admits the continuing works on the prom have caused some problems for clients trying to get to the shop.

So she has been pushing the fact she can offer a home visiting service in her distinctive red van.

’This shop performs a vital service and it would be a terrible shame to lose it.

’The problems caused by the work on the prom are unfortunate but it will eventually be finished.’

She added: ’I am determined the shop will thrive for years to come. It serves a vital service in the community in my opinion.

Bon Fabrics has a busy site on Facebook and Mrs Kelly-Banks has updated the stock on sale in the shop

Among many glowing comments one person wrote on the Facebook site: ’Always bought my material from Bon Fabrics, brilliant material brilliant place, like a crafters version of a sweet shop.’