Florists Michelle's Flowers celebrates 45 years of serving Pontefract and beyond
Pontefract Florists, Michelle's Flowers, is inviting customers old and new to drop by for a prosecco and chat this weekend to help them celebrate 45 years in business.
The family-run florists has stood on Baghill Lane for more than 80 years, starting out as a fruit and veg shop, run by current owners Karen Pullin and Michelle Grainger’s grandfather, Boulton Wood.
“Grandad grew fruit and veg at a market garden, farmed land at Wood’s Farm on Bondgate, and grew everything from spring onions to potatoes.” Karen said.
"I started working on the markets aged 13 and used to be up at 5am, lugging big bags of spuds about.
“Our mum and dad – Shirley and George Richardson - then managed the shop, which was a fruit and vegetable retailer and wholesalers.
"I took over running the shop when I left school in 1980, aged 16.”
Karen’s sister, Michelle, joined the business in 1987 and with big plans, the sisters took over the shop - it was then that Karen’s Fruit and Veg was born.
The sisters continued to run the shop for 20 years, which became more and more difficult due to the opening of big supermarkets.
"I can’t believe we’ve been here all this time,” Karen said.
"I’ve never thought ‘I don’t want to got to work’, I enjoy it so much.
"But it is hard work! We work 6am to 6pm six days a week. We have a nice tight team and we’ve built a rapport with our customers.
Michelle’s Flowers are also huge supporters of The Prince of Wales Hospice.
“At the moment we’re getting ready for our wreath making events with the hospice throughout November – then it will be onto preparing for Christmas,” Karen said.
"We’re always busy – from Valentine’s Day to Mother’s Day, birthdays and weddings, there’s always an occasion where flowers are needed."
As part of their 45th anniversary celebrations, people are invited to pop by tomorrow, Saturday, November 8, for a chat, nibbles and glass of prosecco.There will also be a tombola in aid of The Prince of Wales Hospice.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, it’s my life - the same goes for Michelle, our passion and love for our work is mutual.
“We’d just like to say a huge thank you everyone – customers past and present – for their continued support.”
For more information and the source, visit: Florists Michelle's Flowers celebrates 45 years of serving Pontefract and beyond