This is the first in a new series of “Meet the…” articles about our local shops, researched and written by Councillor Sarah Godfrey.
Our local hardware store is Perkins on the High Street and is run by Helen and Simon Beal. The shop sells a wide range of hardware and DIY products and also offers key cutting, shoe repairs, tool sharpening, lightbulbs, kitchen-wares, plumbing and electrical items, gardening and pet supplies.
Visitors to Perkins can also enjoy their fabulous window displays and the friendly and knowledgeable service provided by the dynamic DIY duo.
This July marks 10 years since the Beals were handed the keys to Ruddington’s popular hardware store. Before that, Helen’s parents, the Perkins, ran it for 23 years.
I met up with Helen and Simon to ask them a few questions.
Q: What did you both do before this job?
A: Simon was a dental technician and Helen did Conveyancing.
Q: what is your best seller?
A: Bird food.
Q: Has anyone asked you for four candles?
A: About once a week!
Q: What’s the strangest request you have had?
A: “Can you fix my ferret finders?” Simon was able to oblige. The customer was very happy and brought us a rabbit as a thank you!
Q: Who makes the tea?
A: Simon. We’d go thirsty all day if it was left to Helen.
Q: Where do you go for lunch? (We love that you close for lunch!)
A: We go home to feed the chickens.
Q: What’s the best season for your shop?
A: Spring and Christmas, unless it snows very heavily and that will be our best day of the year (we sell sledges).
Q: If you could run any other shop what would it be?
A: A chocolate shop sounds quite good but we’d probably end up eating it all!
Q: what do you like most about Ruddington?
A: The people – we wouldn’t want our shop to be anywhere else.
Happy 10th anniversary to Perkins! We’re looking forward to your celebratory window display.
Councillor Sarah Godfrey