From behind their counter, Kash Bhatti and his wife Sarbjit get ready to serve their last customers today at the Brentford Dock shop which they have run for 26 years. They were busy handing over the business to the three young brothers who promise to make it 'totally different'.
Although it was his last day, Kash opened his doors on the dot at 6.30am as he has done without fail since 1985. He unbundled his newspapers and started preparing fresh bread. 'But in my heart,' he said, 'I knew this day was going to be different, both sad and happy.'
The one break from his usual routine was that he went to the window and stuck up a printed notice he had prepared the evening before: After 26 years of serving the residents of Brentford Dock, the time to retire has finally arrived today...
When the first customers started arriving, Kash, 61, began to break the news of his imminent departure. There was surprise and sadness.
Then he was joined by his wife and son Harry, 40, to welcome their replacements - Sandeep Singh Chopra, 20, Harmeet Singh Chopra, 21, and Satnam Singh Chopra, 22. Their father has been running the Newstalk grocery store in Albany Parade, Brentford, and they come from a shopkeeping family, with a network of similar shops in the area.
Harmeet explained their philosophy and immediately began to offer Dockers new promises.
He said: 'First, we intend to stay open till 9.30 in the evening. Second, we will offer everything you can buy in the supermarket. We are determined to give a very good service to everyone on Brentford Dock.'
For Kash, it continued to be a day of mixed feelings.
He said: 'It's been 26 happy years and I was young in those days! We've enjoyed it because we've met so many nice people here. I want to thank all those who have given us support. But things change, I've got a bit older and the world moves on.'
Sarbjit said: 'We've had a good time working here and have made many friends. We will be sorry to be leaving them.'
They will continue to live in the area, at their home in Heston, and so will be able to keep in touch with the Dock. Kash has no intention of resuming working. He and Sarbjit will start a relaxing retirement after so many years of long hours and seven day weeks.
They may do some travelling.
There has been a steady change in the business since they began, shortly after the shop had been constructed.
Harry Bhatti said: 'In those days - I was just 14 - we used to get 200 copies of the Sunday Times. Now it's 40. The competition has got much tougher. Other shops now stay open late. And the nature of the Dock has altered as more tenants have replaced owner occupiers.
'With regular customers you can order specific things for them such as, say, soya milk or cat food, things to suit their purchasing habits. But it's not so easy with people who you don't get to know.'
'Yes,' said Kash, 'now we get Americans coming in who are staying here on a self-catering holiday. That's a big change.'
The demanding hours mean that it has been very much a family business - with Kash also being assisted by his daughters Aman and Hardeep, and his nephew Jag. All have been characterised by their unending helpfulness and polite manners and that has embedded them in the community. When Harry married, a number of Dockers were delighted to attend the wedding with its 1000 guests.
They will be missed.
Their energetic replacements are undaunted by the challenge that faces them. They are very determined and, although young, seem to have learnt well the arts and science of shopkeeping from their father.
The handover was taking place at 1 o'clock prompt.
Kash and family intend to hold a small farewell party for the Dock friends and customers in the next few weeks.
'After 26 years of serving the residents of Brentford Dock, the time to retire has finally arrived today.
Over the years we have seen many changes around us but your custom and loyalty and support has made us feel very welcome and we have enjoyed being part of the community.
My Family and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your friendship and we will miss you all dearly.
Once again thank you for your support and wishing you all good health.
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What a lovely article! Nice to know that Kash and his wife will be taking it easier in the future after so many years of hard work! I wish him and his family well.
I was a dock resident between 1979 - 2007 and used the Spar Shop everyday. Good luck to Kash and Sarbjit.
