Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Greengrocer ran shop for over half a century
THE death of a greengrocer who ran her fruit and veg shop for 56 years has sparked a huge response from well-wishers.
Joyce Arnold had worked at the shop in Bishop’s Cleeve, near Cheltenham, that bore her name, since setting up the business in 1965.
It initially began with produce being sold from a barrow in the street, before she opened a shop on land adjacent to her stall in 1971.
She still joined her sons, Adrian and Peter, in working at the Church Road site for six days a week until August of this year. Illness then stopped her from doing so and she died on September 26.
The loss of the 85-year-old, who lived in the village, has hit the Bishop’s Cleeve community.
Dozens of comments have been posted on social media as members of the public have paid tribute to the popular figure.
Son Adrian said: “People have been unbelievable. So many want to celebrate her life.”
He said they would be able to do so at her funeral at St Michael and All Angels Church in Bishop’s Cleeve at 1.30pm on October 13.
A processional route will take place from the Joyce Arnold shop, along Church Road to the church.
The family is inviting all of the business’s customers and their friends to join them in a celebration of Mrs Arnold’s life.
Many people described her as a “legend” in their comments on social media and Adrian said he felt that had been justified.
“I’m humbled by what people are saying. Mum always worked hard and was always polite.
“She loved the job and was a very special lady to all who knew her,” he said.
He and his brother would continue to run the shop until they retired, he said.
Adrian added that his mother, whose husband Fred died in 2011, was a people person.
He said: “She loved everyone. She would always stop and talk to people.”
Mrs Arnold leaves Adrian, Peter and her daughter, Shirley, as well as a large number of grandchildren and great grandchildren.