'End of an era' after longtime family Banbury business closes

After nearly a century as a family-run business Peter and Joan Buzzard have closed their shop, known as Buzzards shop, in Springfield Avenue of the Easington Community

Buzzards shop was known for selling sweets the old fashioned way – weighing them out of large jars on old fashioned scales and into paper bags.

Queues could often be seen of children lined up around the corner for their hot sausage rolls or pasties at lunchtime.

Peter and Joan Buzzard closed their shop, known in the community as Buzzards shop, at the start of the Covid-19 lockdown, and have decided not to reopen and retire.

Peter and Joan Buzzard have closed their shop, known as Buzzards shop to retire

The shop, which trades as P&J Buzzard General Stores in Springfield Avenue, Banbury, has been a major part of many family’s lives in the Easington community over the years.

Easington Cllr Kieron Mallon said: “Buzzards shop is an Easington institution run by a local Easington family. Generations of school children, including myself, have spent their pocket money in the shop buying their daily supply of sweets and chocolates. It is the end of an era.”

Peter and Joan have two children, Sandra England and Stephen Buzzard and six grandchildren.

Sandra said: “My dad has always been active, and really enjoyed it. They’re 79 now. It’s a big move for my dad to retire. I’ve been on to him about it for a few years now so it’s a really big decision for him. My dad has never moved from the shop. He was born and raised there.”

Peter Buzzard in his family shop in Springfield Avenue, Banbury

The couple have served thousands of children from the community sweets and snacks over the years and some are now parents and grandparents and even great-grandparents.

The couple not only ran a popular shop but kept active in the community too, running a youth club and kids disco at St Hugh’s Church in Ruskin Road.

Arthur Buzzard, Peter’s brother, spoke to the Banbury Guardian about some of that family history behind the shop in the community.

It was their grandfather who had the shop built in the 1930s, and at that time it was known as AG.Barnard. It traded as Barnards until the 1950s when it turned into a local sweet and snack shop.

Peter and Joan Buzzard outside their shop several years ago

Arthur said: “At that time it was run by our father, Mark Buzzard. Growing up as a child I lived there. It was the family home. I remember my father used to do deliveries, and I used to go with him. At one time they sold a lot of green grocery items. They used to get trees in for Christmas.

“Some years later it was taken over by Peter. I think they’ll miss it, especially the interaction with the children.”