A HARDWARE shop in Christchurch has bidden farewell to a long serving member of staff who is now ready to enjoy her retirement.

Barbara Barnard ended her 36-year period working at Castle Home Hardware, on Bargates at the end of December.

A dedicated member of staff, she first joined the business as a secretary back in 1981 and went on to running the office ten years ago.

Owner Roger Mason said it had been quite a change for the store in the new year since Barbara left following years of her keeping both the books and the staff in order.

"She has always been such a lovely, pleasant person to work with, which is so important when you work in a small retail shop like this.

"Barbara was someone who would always answer the phone and as a Christchurch resident for such a long time she knows a lot of people.

Roger said Barbara, who was brought up in Christchurch after moving here with her family from London when she was a child, was organised in her work.

He highlighted her skills with the finances.

"It was so impressive. Barbara could balance the books to the exact penny - something which didn't go unnoticed," Roger said.

"She lives across the road so it was ideal from her point view. It is a real change for the business after all these years.

"We all wish her a long and healthy retirement."

Barbara was presented with flowers from her employers as well as from the staff of HSBC's Christchurch branch.

Roger has been involved with Castles since 1969, after his father started out as an apprentice with the business before the World War Two.

He turned 70 himself last August and is still on the lookout for someone to take over the business, which has been on its current site since 1922.

There has been some interest in running the shop and Roger is very positive about finding the right person to take over the reigns.