From Beccles & Bungay Journal, 19 October 2007

Beccles fish shop closes after 102 years

MOTHER and son Yvonne and David Neech, owners of Neech's fresh fish shop in Beccles, have announced that their last day of trading will be tomorrow.

The mother and son had told The Journal back in June that they were planning to close the business in Blyburgate, but could not give a final date.

But this week it was confirmed that they have found a buyer, and will be moving out of their house on Friday October 26.

The shop has spanned four family generations and has been operating since 1905, but in recent years the strain of competition from larger outlets, a lack of passing trade, and the increased price of fish has forced the family out.

David Neech, 47, who has worked at the shop since he left school, said: “We would like to thank all our customers for all their support, as well as Jimmy Hunter, who left three years ago but worked with us for over forty years, and Joan Hunter, who has been with us for 19 years.

“I would also like to thank my wife, friends and children for their support.”

Yvonne Neech, who has lived at the shop for 56 years, said: “It's the end of an era. It's very very sad, but it's time to go.”

David now plans to work in the fish trade in Norwich, although nothing is certain, and Yvonne will move into Abbeyfields independent supported sheltered housing in Ravensmere, Beccles.