Sulby Stores closed its doors for the final time on Saturday afternoon after serving the public for more than 60 years.

Proprietor, Graham Garrett, who took over the full-time running of the business from the late Raymond Caley three-and-a-half years ago, admitted it was a sad day.

’I started working here as a teenager before I left school,’ said Graham, who was born and raised in the village.

’Working here in this shop is the only job I have ever known. It’s been a labour of love to an extent, with long hours six-a-half-days a week.

’But it’s a big wrench and I will miss the customers greatly.’

The popular traditional-values shop on the inside of the TT Course at Sulby crossroads has been the hub of the community since before it was taken over by the Caley family in the 1950s.

’It was originally owned by a Garrett family, no relations of mine,’ continued Graham.

’Maggie Caley then ran it for years, while her husband Fred was station master at Sulby railway station a few yards down the road.

’Raymond came into the business as a young fellow and ultimately ran it until he retired through ill health in late 2016.’

Graham worked alongside Raymond Caley from the early 1980s onwards. The latter was sub-post master for 25 years before Graham took over for the last 15, with Raymond behind the counter selling the general groceries, vegetables and newspapers.

’Local businesses have been wonderful to supply us with goods, and we’ve had such loyal customers.

’I’d like to take this opportunity to thank every one of them.’

Graham wished to highlight a number of individuals, namely: Bernard and Brenda Davenport, Ian MacDonald, Phil Martin, George Keenan and many others including the Knight brothers - Juan and David.

He also singled out Andrea Warrilow who had helped him part-time since Raymond retired from the business.

Graham also wished to thank everyone for their kind gifts and cards. ’It’s been overwhelming,’ he said.

’My family have been fantastic. Without my wife Carolyn - a special lady - and our two sons Stephen and Jamie I’d be nothing. I have been very lucky.’

Graham had made the decision to shut the shop late last year, before the current situation with Covid-19 became apparent.

’After coronavirus has passed through it will be interesting to see if the general public still support local businesses and farmers like they are doing at present,’ suggests Graham.

’People should buy Manx products, they don’t need to wait for the boat to come in.

’If this crisis had struck a few months ago when the sailings were heavily disrupted there would have been a real issue.

’It’s a strong message to us all for the need to support local businesses and suppliers.’