It was a sad day on the 21st December 2018. It was on this day that after 87 years of trading at 71-73 Caversham Road, Drews the ironmongers finally closed their doors.
From bolts and screws, to handles and hinges Abbeygate locksmiths regularly visited the store. The knowledgeable staff were always happy to help and the range of products unbeatable.
Sadly, almost a year later the 29th December 2019 another Reading institution, Carters snow and outdoor sports, located at 99-113 Caversham Road also closed for good. The family run company was established in 1830. For both companies it was large multinationals and the internet that caused their demise.
It was years earlier in 2011 that Smiths security services on London Street, Reading. Who were Established in 1850 disappeared. The Alarms and electronic security division were sold off to a large multinational and the locksmiths department sold off to a private investor. The locksmiths eventually found themselves in trouble and it was Abbeygate who took over what little was left.
On the 5th December 2019 the decision was made to reinvent and establish Smiths Security service. We brought back and recomposed the untrademarked original logo from the 1970’s and 80’s and the hard work began at our Newbury office. In the coming years we want to forget the troubled ending to the company and bring back its trusted and established reputation.
While we can’t keep Carters or Drews alive, at least one old name can be saved.