Toy shop owner wins award after 55 years

Clive Brown has owned The Toy Shop in Melksham for 55 years

The owner of a toy shop has won a prestigious award.

Clive Brown has owned The Toy Shop in Melksham for 55 years.

He has now won a Golden Teddy Award for his commitment to service within the toy industry.

"It is a tremendous prestige for me personally," Mr Brown told BBC Radio Wiltshire.

"It's a surprise to me when they said they wanted to award it to me.

The Golden Teddy Awards were created in 2001 by the British Toy and Hobby Association, to reward candidates who have served the industry for more than 15 years.

'Very chuffed'

"I didn't have an inkling," Mr Brown said. "I know other people who won them in the past. I was very chuffed."

He added that his shop was always aimed at the children first.

"We've got to give them time and comfort walking around the shop and engaging in things," he explained.

"You expect people to come and take their time. Hopefully, we never chase anyone out of the shop."

He added that a lot of things have changed in the time he has been running the shop, toys have come in and out of fashion.

"One of the ones that stick in my head are Pelham Puppets, we sold them in abundance, all the characters.

"That was back in 1968/69. There's been a lot of change since.

"If it gets too trendy we pull away from it. It's value for money, that's what we try to give people."

The award is now displayed by the entrance to the shop.

Mr Brown added it was thanks to the customers that he was able to win it.

"I always say: when I see people twice a year, birthdays and Christmas, they are regular customers."

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