Key date for Wisbech locksmiths

Wisbech-based firm, Anglia Locksmiths, has celebrated a milestone anniversary.

The company has reached its 50th anniversary and, to mark the occasion, it handed out free promotional gifts to customers over the Christmas period.

The business, founded in 1964 by the late Ray Ward, was formerly known as Ray Ward and Sons and was originally a painting and decorating shop.

It was only when an America holidaymaker enquired about cutting keys and lock repairs that Ray learned the art of locksmithing and made the business what it is today.

The first shop was in Walsoken. It then moved to Norwich Road during the 1970s, to Hill Street in the 80s and then finally to its present site in Church Terrace, Wisbech.

Ray’s wife Wendy carried on the business following his death in 1995, and their son Mark became sole owner when she died in 2013.

Today, Anglia Locksmiths offers a range of services including domestic, commercial and automobile locksmithing, and an emergency 24-hour lock-out service. The shop, which was refurbished last year, also offers an engraving and sharpening service, and sells a range of DIY and trade tools, polishes, coal fire products, wicks and general ironmongery and architectural products.

Helping Mark are full-time members of staff Sara Ward, David Ridgway, Mariusz Sitek and Rosemarie Cartwright, and part-time staff Aimee Ward and Casey Ward.