and Asia. He said: “I’ve really enjoyed my work and trade is good, but I’ve spent most of the year thinking about it, and I’m definitely ready. I think 52 years is more than a lot of people do.”
George Banks first opened the business in 1935 at 31 Lune Street and while he would relocate to 26 Lune Street for a brief time, the late 60s saw him back in 31 Lune Street for the next three decades. In the late 90s, the family expanded the business by opening locations at in Bowness-on-Windermere and also Fishergate in. They also opened a Pandora shop in Preston’s St George’s Centre as well as Bowness, and had a Swarovski outlet.
John said: “It’s been a privilege to sell special pieces for significant occasions, such as for anniversaries, engagements and weddings. People tend to have a family jeweller and I have served the children and grandchildren of the customers I had when I first started. Probably our most famous repeat customers was Sir Tom Finnety, who was a good friend of my dad’s. He would be in the shop most weeks, not always buying, but having repairs done or he’d just come in for a chat.
George Banks Jewellers on Lune Street, Preston is closing down due to retirement. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard