December 30, 2020 4.39 pm
This story is over 18 months old
Lincoln jewellers shutting after over 70 years in business
Business owner and staff are retiring
John Storr (right), owner at HW Franklin in Lincoln, with fellow staff Colin McQueen (left) and Trudi Isles (centre). | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
A jewellers that has traded in Lincoln for over 70 years has closed as the owner and staff prepare for retirement.
HW Franklin first opened on Grantham Street in Lincoln in 1949. It moved to near the old mini market that used to front onto the High Street before relocating to its current premises next to Madame Waffle in 1991.
Current owner John Storr, 67, worked for the business for 10 years before purchasing it from the previous owner in 1990, the year before its relocation. It then changed from being a traditional jeweller to one that specialises in pre-owned and vintage jewellery.
John Storr worked at HW Franklin for four decades and owned the business for 30 years. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
John told The Lincolnite that around 18 months ago he decided to close business and retire, but the coronavirus pandemic had no impact on his decision. However, Wednesday’s announcement that Lincolnshire will move into tier 4 at midnight on New Year’s Eve means the shop will close a day earlier than planned.
John works alongside shop manager Colin McQueen, 62, and shop assistant Trudi Isles, 68, who have worked for the business for 30 and 13 years respectively.
Stock in the windows of HW Franklin on the penultimate day of trading. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
John said: “I’d like to thank our many customers for their support over the last 30 years (since I took over).
“In many respects it is very sad to close and a lot of customers became good friends over the years. The three of us here are also good friends and have very much enjoyed working with each other.
“I am hoping to have a long and happy retirement with more time in the garden.”
HW Franklin on Lincoln High Street will close its doors for the final time on December 31, 2020. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
John added that he believes there are currently no plans for what the future holds for the building.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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