The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A Pinchbeck coal merchant whose family has been in the business for 86 years has retired and sold the firm.
Alan Hansard retired on June 1 after selling his business to Long Sutton-based Newton & Sims.
Alan’s granddad, Charles Hansard, started the business in 1929, followed by his dad, Jack, who did it for 50 years, before Alan took over in 1980.
Alan’s son Darren has been looking after the yard for the last few years, and his daughter Debby helps out in the winter months.
Alan added: “All the wives have done their stint in the office over this period as well.
“A big thank you goes out to all our loyal customers over the years, and I hope you will carry on supporting Newton & Sims in the future.”
Newton & Sims, which is also a family-run firm with 60 years in the coal industry, will work from Alan’s yard in Knight Street, Pinchbeck, meaning local deliveries and collections will not be affected.
