FROM wirelesses to microwaves ovens, gramaphones to iPods, electrical retailer John Beard has seen a lot of change in nearly 50 years, but after almost five decades, one of Chepstow’s last independent retailers is shutting up shop.

John Beard, 68, of electrical retailers SER Beard, bows out next month from his regular place behind the High Street counter, where he has been day in, day out since January 1965.

Mr Beard said: “Technology is moving so fast it’s a job for me to keep up. I have been here nearly 50 years and I think it’s time for me to pack it in. We are very grateful to everyone who has supported us.”

The shop has stood the test of time since it was set up by Mr Beard’s father, Samuel Edgar Ralph in 1928.

He purchased it fromneighbouring Herbert Lewis where it used to be the department store’s china department.

In the old days, Samuel and his team of electricians wired houses in the town and did maintenance at the racecourse.

Ian Beard said over his father’s time as boss there has been some particularly memorable moments: “Twenty years ago, a snake got into a box that had been imported, we thought it was a piece of electrical wire. The RSPCA had to rescue it. And a technician has come back with what he thought was an empty box but which had a customer’s cat in it.”

Five years ago John Beard’s son Ian, 41, gave the shop a £2,300 refit while he was on holiday with wife Sue, 65, the business’ accountant.

Ian, who is carrying on the TV side of the business from his Chepstow home, said it came as a shock for his father.

He said: “He didn’t appreciate it for a couple of months but he got used to it. . We needed modernising.”

The shop is currently holding a retirement sale until the start of August.

Customers old and new can call Ian Beard on 07748653097 or by emailing serbeard@btinternet.com