A PIECE of Wokingham history came to an end at the weekend, as a family-run sports shop ceased trading.
KC Sports has been supplying customers with fishing, hunting, and cycling equipment in the town for 40 years.
Now the shop’s landlord intends to let the retail unit to a new business, understood to be a massage parlour.
Three generations of the Stemp family gathered in the store during the last week of trading.
Original owner John, his son and current owner Andrew, and grandson James took final sales, with help from Andrew’s wife Audrey.
“It’s a bit sad to be closing, but I will find something else to do,” said Andrew.
“I’ve been doing this for 40 years, and it’s been really great, but now it’s time to go.”
KC Sports first opened in Slough, from where John relocated 10 years later to Barkham Road in 1983.
After four decades in Wokingham, the family has grown a strong client base.
“We’ve had so many faithful customers over the years, and I’d like to thank them for all their support,” said Andrew.
“People have been coming in all this week to reminisce about fireworks and bikes that they’ve bought for their families.”
“There have been hundreds of customers,” agreed Audrey, “ and lots of thank you notes and cards.”
The shop has developed something of a community, providing not only sporting equipment, but often a friendly chat and a cup of tea too.
“Tea has definitely been one of the main functions of the store,” said Andrew.
“We must have gone through thousands of tea bags, in fact that’s probably been one of our major outgoings.
“There are about 40 or 50 very regular customers I’ve got to know, whose faces I see week in, week out.”
As if to prove the point, customer Tony Climie stepped inside to make a final purchase and to shake Andrew’s hand.
“I’ve been coming here for years, since I moved to Barkham in the 80s,” Mr Climie said.
“I’m sad to see the family go because they’re so friendly, they know what they’re talking about, and they always advise you.
“It’s a real shame to see the shop close.”
Mr Stemp says that he will miss talking to people, but that he is looking forward to the next steps.
He may possibly be tempted to set up an online cycle repair shop, but first, he’s hoping for a well-earned holiday somewhere warm.
