N.A Fargher Newsagent in Onchan has announced it is to close its doors.
One of the village’s oldest businesses, now run by Graham, will continue to do newspaper deliveries, but the shop will close on February 1.
First opening in the 1920s, the shop has been at the heart of the village serving up newspapers, tobacco and loose sweets, amongst a surprisingly large range for a small physical shop, since day one.
In an open letter the family said: “First & foremost, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Val & the Caley family for being the backbone of our family business, we could not have wished for a more supportive landlord.
“There is one part if the business that remains steadfast – our famous Newspaper deliveries and this is a tradition we are committed to continue into the future.
“We’d like to express our deepest gratitude to the many paper boys & girls who have helped us over the years, as well as the incredible team members behind the counter:
“To our loyal customers, past present & future we cannot Thank You enough for your unwavering support.”
Generations
Graham explained that the Fargher family have “been proud to serve the wonderful community of Onchan, starting way back in the 1920’s with Grandad Monty & Nanna Dora – not only was the shop a newsagents but a barbers out the back!
“Following the sad passing of Grandad Monty, Auntie Mu stepped in; she continued to support the business for many years to come.”
By the 1960’s Norman and Irene ran the store running newspaper deliveries, alongside traditional sweets and toys. Normal also took to visiting the TT camps to supply the TT news to the bikers!
The letter added: “Fast forward to the 1990’s Graham & Jackie stepped in to continue the legacy, being the heart of the village until the heartbreaking passing of Jackie in 2015.
“Since then, Graham has kept the business going through extremely challenging times. Unfortunately the covid-19 pandemic took its toll & the shop hasn’t fully recovered, but what hasn’t been disrupted is the newspaper deliveries & we are committed to continue this!”
February
The store’s final day will be on February 1, but with newspaper deliveries continuing past this date, the family will manage the transition with its customers.
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