» No return for family-run fruit and veg business in Tewkesbury
FAMILY-BUILT and family-run are the core values of beloved business ‘Woody’s’ fruit and vegetable market.
The shop has had patches in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Cirencester, Tewkesbury and Bristol.
As times changed, Woody’s has stayed true to itself and its values.
But the business announced that it would not be reopening its Tewkesbury Market patch, where they have been for nearly 30 years, so they can instead focus on their farm shop in Mitton.
In a post on Facebook, Nicky Wood said: “The fruit and veg stall was operated by our friend and colleague Bob since 1980 and Adrian has been there for the last 33 years and Nicky for 29 years, but times change and we must move with the times.
“Bob and his team have moved over to Cheltenham on our very successful street pitch at Henrietta Street Car Park, which operates six days a week - Monday - Saturday, (7am - 5pm).
“We now have Woody’s Farm Shop in Mitton and offer the same great quality, price and service that Woody’s have always been known for in Tewkesbury.
We also have an order and collect service and a home delivery service, which have proven very popular and we will continue to operate these even after the current corona crisis is behind us.
“We sincerely thank all of our loyal customers at the market and hope you will all continue to support us at the farm shop in Mitton.”
Speaking about his decision to move his focus from Tewkesbury Market, Adrian ‘Woody’ Wood, 47, said: “Over the years Tewkesbury business has declined.
“Of course we want Tewkesbury Market to thrive and carry on, we don’t want it to die.
“But financially, it was a hard decision, I work hard but I don’t want to do it for the rest of my life. We need to move with the times.
“To run the store it’s £1,000 before I even sell an apple in expenses.
“We go to Bristol to get the produce then to Tewkesbury, that’s before you sell anything.
“Ten years ago, over 52 weeks you’d have 26 good weeks, 13 average, and 13 poor - but now, that’s swapped round. You’ll have 26 poor weeks.
“At the end of the day, it was the right decision for me and my business, we’ve done a good job at Tewkesbury but our customers can get the same quality and service up at Mitton, prices aren’t different at Mitton and people are loving the home delivery.
“We care, we want to give people good produce, we go to market and get the best for people.”
It’s not just a one man show with this popular shop, Woody’s wife Nicky and sons Lee, 21, and Jack, 16, work hard within the business, with Woody saying that Jack was even helping get the company’s website up and running.
He said: “Lee is so dedicated about the job he’s a mini me he doesn’t mind doing the hours like me - he’s doing the website too, it’s nearly ready.”
Woody said: “I left school at 13 to work here with Bobby, and when I was 16 I’d take what was left from Bobby and take it to Bristol, sell it there.
“I was thinking of taking over Tewkesbury myself initially, because we moved Bobby to the Cheltenham patch he runs it there now, but I’m 47. It’s getting harder to get up at 2am. “
You can find fresh meat, bread and Cotteswold Dairy as well as fresh fruit and vegetables at Woody’s Farm Shop at 12a Mitton Way, Tewkesbury, GL20 8AN.
You can also find the Cheltenham pitch at 261 High Street, GL50 3HJ.
You’ll find Woody at his favourite patch in Cirencester on Fridays 9am 3pm, at the Charter Market.
Of course we want Tewkesbury Market to thrive and carry on, we don’t want it to die
Adrian Wood