A local couple called Madhu and Jyoti Patel shut their local newsagent, Pedler’s in Edgware for the very last time after almost 43 years in service.
The couple, originally from Nairobi, Kenya have been running the local newsagent paper shop in Edgware for over 40 years. They were a much loved and admired couple who were a vital part of the local community. To say thank you and farewell, local residents organised a farewell party for the special couple.
Scores of local residents gathered to pay tribute, each with their own story and memory to tell. One resident even said that Mr Patel would always go out of his way to ensure she had her paper – delivering it personally during the lockdown.
An emotional Madhu Patel said he was humbled by the number of people who attended the farewell party, “I will miss everyone very much. It has been an honour to serve the community.”
When asked what they would do in the retirement, Jyoti Patel replied, “I will not know what to do with my time! I look forward to spending more time with my family – but I might be tempted to find another job!”
Madhu and Jyoti Patel’s children and grandchildren also attend to pay tribute to their parents who had worked so hard over the year. They said they had wonderful memories of growing up in the shop and look forward to seeing their parents finally relax.
Mr and Mrs Patel have seen the area changed greatly over the last 40 years, but they have moved with the times. During the recent pandemic, they continued to go above and beyond.
Local Ward Councillor Ameet Jogia was present to pay tribute to the couple, “Mr and Mrs Patel are an integral part of the local community. The number of residents here present is proof of just how much they are loved in the area. Whilst we will be very sorry to see Pedler’s Newsagent go, we are all delighted that Mr and Mrs Patel will finally have some time together to send on themselves! They deserve a happy and healthy retirement.”
Also present to pay tribute to Madhu and Jyoti was the Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Ghazanfar Ali who said, “Mr and Mrs Patel have given an incredible service to the local community and we wish them all the best.”
Local residents raised over £1,500 for the Madhu and Jyoti to enjoy their retirement.
