Wantage business marks 50 years trading with new premises

Wantage Motorist Centre, founded in 1973, has relocated from its premises in Hans Avenue to the old ‘Badgers’ shop off the Market Square, which dates back to the 16th century.

The move was prompted by Martin Gillott who recently took over the shop following the retirement of its owner Chris Dykes.

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Mr Gillott has worked at the Wantage Motorist Centre since he left school aged 16.

Wantage MP David Johnston, who officially opened the motorist centre on 1 April, described it as ‘a great asset to the town’.

“I am so pleased to support an independent business, like Martin’s, as it reopens in its new location in Wantage,” he said.

“This is a much-loved business run by someone who is very passionate about their work, and I hope it will be even more successful in its new premises.”

Wantage Mayor Jim Sibbald said he was delighted that another retail business, especially providing variety, is opening in such an historic building.

“The commercial importance to the town of independent traders is well known and I encourage all to support and buy local,” he added. 

Father-of-two Mr Gillott said he was excited to have taken over a business he has literally been involved in as man and boy.

“I have been a car enthusiast all my life, so having my own shop selling everything you need to put into your vehicle – and in such a beautiful and historic building - is a dream come true,” he said.

“It is great to be at the centre of everything and the local traders have already made me feel very welcome.”

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Since it was listed on maps in the 16th century, 21 Market Place has been used as premises for a variety of businesses.

The building’s second-floor window, which faces into an alleyway, was from an architectural point of view, a particular favourite of the former poet laureate Sir John Betjeman, when he lived in the town.

In 1875, local man Daniel Howse ran it as a saddlery and by the turn of the century, it had been taken over by Alice Dixon, who used it as a milliner’s.

During the Second World War, George Penney ran it as a menswear shop, to complement the draper’s business his brother Stanley ran in the former Barclays Bank, formerly owned by their father Lewis until his death in 1939.

The Penney family regularly entered a float in the Hospital Carnival procession from the 1930s to the early 1950s, and George, who was known as a bit of a live wire, started wearing a Pearly King outfit to the amusement of locals and to raise money for good causes.

After George retired in 1969, the shop was eventually taken over by Badgers in the 1990s. It was later renamed Dapper Street.