FEATURE: RETAIL TALES
Bryan is always happy to try and fix things for customers
Where to find Hambleton Hardware & Electrical in Hambleton, Poulton-le-Fylde
Above: Dad in May 2025 with a surprise window display created for him by my partner’s brother’s wife, Andrea Smith of Smudges Face Painting
fast. Some regulars even pay later if they’re short on cash, and Dad just says, “Drop it off next time you’re passing.” That sort of trust and kindness feels rare these days.
Above: Dad (Bryan Holme) is a regular at wholesalers, Stax Trade Centres
Above: Mum (Susan Holme) on the right with Marcia Walker on the left who owned the shop previously, handing over the keys
Hambleton Hardware & Electrical is tucked away just behind the main row of shops on Broadpool Lane in Hambleton
More than just a shop There’s a saying around here: “If Bryan can’t fix it, nobody can.” Over the years, dad’s helped countless neighbours sort out electrical faults, leaky taps, and dodgy door latches – often with nothing more than a few minutes’ advice and a smile. His wisdom has rubbed off on me too; I’ve learned to tackle all sorts of jobs around my own home that I’d never have dared attempt before. Sometimes I wish I’d kept a notebook of all the funny things people say on a Saturday, it would make brilliant reading! The banter, the stories, the village gossip, it’s all part of the charm. You can’t get that kind of experience on a screen or in a supermarket aisle.
Looking ahead
DIY dilemmas. Every Wednesday, he drives to the wholesalers in Manchester to restock, catching up with the same staff who’ve known him and mum for decades. They always make a point of checking in on him, and recently, the team at Stax even featured him in their trade week promotions and social media – a proud moment for us all.
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Keeping the tradition alive These days, I (Kirsty) drive an hour each Saturday to join dad in the shop. I tell people it’s to help, but really, it’s to keep him company – and to make sure he doesn’t nod off behind the counter! On Wednesdays, I tag along to the wholesalers too, mostly to lift the heavy stuff, my brother Mark also
helps out with that, though Dad still insists he’s fine to do it himself. It warms my heart to see how much the community adores him. People pop in not just for supplies but for a friendly chat, a bit of advice, or even just a brew. For many elderly residents, we’re a lifeline – a familiar face and a kind word in a world that’s changing
Like many small family businesses, we’ve weathered some tough times. The pandemic years were especially hard, and rising costs mean every bill feels steeper. But somehow, dad keeps the lights on, helped a little by his pension and a lot by sheer determination. We know the day will come when he’ll have to hang up his shop apron for good. When that happens, I hope we can look back with pride at everything mum and dad built: a business that’s more than just a shop –it’s part of the village’s story. For now, you’ll still find dad behind the counter most days, sharing a laugh, offering advice, and proving that the best kind of service is still the personal kind. As one local customer said
recently, “I don’t know what we’d do without your dad, or this shop.” And honestly, neither do I.
OCTOBER 2025 DIY WEEK 23
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