Grandad prepares to sell family business after nine decades

Arthur Elms, of Cecil Avenue, Enfield, took over Elms Trophies, in Southbury Road, from his dad, also called Arthur.

The 67-year-old's grandfather, also called Arthur, opened it in 1931 and it once also included a sport shop. His grandparents, including grandmother Esther, used to live above the shop.

But it was closed 25 years ago and the firm began focussing on creating and designing trophies.

Mr Elms, who lives with wife, Maureen, said: "I've spent my whole life here. When I was around eight or nine-years-old, I used to take the strings out of tennis rackets and re-string them. They were all strung by hand, so I've still carried on with that tradition.

"I remember sitting on the edge of the bench while my grandad mixed the glue for his leatherwork - that smell sticks in my memory."

Although he has tried to sell the shop in the hopes the business would continue to flourish, he received little interest.

Instead, he has sold the building to a hairdresser.

He added: "I've loved meeting people and doing jobs for them, especially when they are happy with what I've done, "People have always been very friendly. I've thoroughly enjoyed my life here. It's been brilliant.

"I'm grateful to everyone who has spent their time and money with me."

His son, Rutland Arthur, did not go into the family trade, instead opting to be an estate agent in Bethnal Green. He also has one daughter, Rachel, and four grandchildren aged one to eight-years-old.

He added: "I’m going to be spending my retirement playing golf, been doing it since I was 16.

"I’m learning to sail and I’m also going to spend more time with my grandsons."