A Durham pet supplies business is celebrating 70 years trading in Durham Market Hall.
Garnham and Sons, which supplies foods and treats as well as cages, beds and toys for pets, is the Market Hall’s longest established trader.
Henry Garnham and William Turner began trading in 1948 as GT Seeds, opening both a stall in Durham Market Hall and a shop on Front Street in Sacriston at the time. Henry Garnham bought out his partner within a year, and the business became H Garnham and Son. Stan, Henry’s son took over the business in the 50s, supplying bird seed and selling birds as he was a keen and accomplished bird breeder. In later years, the business expanded to also sell cold water fish, cats, rabbits and tortoises. More recently the focus has become pet supplies and feeds, supplying from the Market Hall and the Sacriston shop, and providing deliveries in the Durham area.
Lesley Garnham, Stan’s granddaughter, now runs Garnham and Sons with her husband Eddie Bond, having joined the family business as a ‘Saturday girl’ in 1980.
Lesley commented: “This is a great opportunity to look back on 70 years of a family business, one that stemmed from a passion for bird breeding, and has evolved into a popular pet supplies business, with numerous loyal customers. Stan was a well-known and much-loved character who’s still remembered by some customers today.
“Many pets in and around Durham will have enjoyed treats and supplies from Garnham and Sons, and they include Catherine Cookson’s dogs as a friend of the author would regularly visit and pick up the treats.”
Colin Wilkes, Managing Director of Durham Markets, added: “Garnham and Sons is a fabulous example of an independent family business, and we’re proud that the Market Hall in Durham has been home to them for 70 years. Their knowledge and passion sets them apart, anyone with pets knows they can get great advice from the Garnhams team, as well as great value for money. We’d like to say congratulations from everyone in the Market Hall to Lesley and her family on their 70th anniversary!”
Garnham and Sons is at unit 17 in the Market Hall, which is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4.30pm.