Alcester trader shuts up shop after 44 years in the angling business
A FAMILIAR name to anglers is to close his doors after 44 years of trading in Alcester.
Alcester Sports and Tackle, owned by Alan Stephens shut its doors for the final time on Friday, 29th September.
The business, which specialised in fishing tackle, air guns and accessories, gardening and sporting knives had traded from the Arden Forest Industrial Estate since 2008, after a rent hike forced him out of his original shop premises at the top of High Street, which opened in 1979.
At the time he was 65 and going to retire when there was the offer of a unit at the industrial estate. Alan thought he’d only stay on another couple of years but continued for “the love of the job”. He said: “I don’t know where these 15 years have gone.”
Originally a supplier of all kinds of sports equipment, Alcester Sports and Tackle survived challenges brought by the rise of e-commerce by narrowing its range of stock to specialise in angling and shooting supplies.
Alan, now 79 told the Herald he had mixed feelings about retiring. “I will miss the customers I’ve known for 44 years.” However, Alan said the angling trade had changed dramatically in the last ten years and he was glad to be getting out.
“The angling trade is not a growth sport any more, there are less people going fishing now, and kids don’t seem to be coming into it any more. They are more into gaming rather than outdoor hobbies.”
He also puts that down to parents being more protective of their children and don’t want them down on a river bank on their own.
Alan a lifelong angler was self-taught from age 9 because his dad was too busy working to teach him. Over the years he has enjoyed great success with match fishing, winning several championships and £5,000 in prize money one year. “Fishing is a bit of a drug and become a way of life. You meet like-minded people on a regular basis.” His biggest catch was a barbel weighing 5.4kg (12lb).
He added that there is more to it meet the eye. “There are a lot of elements like concentration and anticipation – not just the catching the fish. It’s a good way of life. You can fish whether you are eight or 80.”
Originally from Redditch, Alan fondly recalls his time spent at his former shop – now Café des Fleurs - on High Street. “I saw lots of people on the high street. I got to know Alcester, and Alcester got to know me.”
After locking the doors for the last time, Alan is looking forward to being able to go walking, get away for weekend breaks, continuing his love of angling and most importantly, not working on Saturdays.
