Yesterday (August 27) marked the end of an era as brothers Colin and Stephen Stokes retired – closing a chapter for Stokes Bros Plumbers in Grange Road, Ramsgate.
The shop was opened by the pair, and dad Ronald, in November 1989.
Stephen is an apprentice served plumber and Colin an apprentice served pipe fitter.
The store was known for its excellent service, competitively priced stock, the pair’s vast product knowledge and a delivery service that meant many local plumbers soon opened accounts with them.
The brothers say many are now friends rather than just customers.
The shop also had two long serving members of staff Kenny Stokes, who has been worked at the store for 30 years and David Hills who has been there for 28 years
New traders Mark Holland and daughter Marnie Holland have taken over the site.
Stephen and Colin said: “We would like to say thank you to all the loyal customers and wish Mark and Marnie the best of luck for the future, we are confident they will prosper.”
Excellent shop from guys who knew what they were talking about and good banter I used to drink with Ron in the windmill pub in the days I was working at the Chislet colliery. Happy and long retirement lads.
Excellent service. Enjoy your retirement.
Good luck guys! on your retirement
A proper plumbers merchants , great knowledge guys , enjoy your retirement and all the best to the new owners !
I went to school with Stephen at St George’s boys in the day. Happy retirement Stephen.
Great service, great knowledge and great banter. Have a great retirement guys, and thank you for all your help and advice.
Used this shop for many years,I enjoyed going there for good service good prices and good banter.
They were great guys. I remember when I’d been out on the Guinness and curry the previous night and got caught short whilst in the shop. I laid a serious jobbie in their loo and it cleared the shop for 20 minutes. They never treated me any different after that and i shall always be appreciative of that
Beautiful words Ernie
Gutted, where is a non plumber like me going for advice now.? Have.a great retirement and thanks for your help and advice over several projects
Had a great time working with Steve Cook and Dave, wish Mark and Marnie the new owners all the best
End of an era,
So sad to see another local business go but best of luck you have definitely done your best for Ramsgate and other areas.