Engagement rings bought in the 50s and passed down through families to weddings of today. 18th birthday gifts still worn and loved. The adolescent excitement of getting ears pierced. And countless careful repairs and restorations of watches, rings and family heirlooms.
These are just a few of the many fond and heartfelt memories shared by some of those who have enjoyed the service, care and attention from Kemps Jewellers in Westbury village. Indeed, such service has been provided to locals and those further afield for the past 145 years – across four generations of the Kemp family and the last original family business trading in Bristol.
However, now the well-loved shop – a stalwart of the Carlton Court shopping centre – has shut its doors for the final time, as new developments in the area (and well-deserved retirement) beckon.
Thanking customers past and present on social media at the end of July, the team said: “It was time to retire and for the WW Kemp and Son journey to come to an end, but you will all be sorely missed and we wish you well. Thank you all for your support.”
Beneath the nostalgia and warm wishes for a happy retirement, there was unmistakeable sadness at the departure of yet another independent business from the heart of the village – just one of many such closures in recent months.