“It’s been a laugh”, says local florist as he retires after 20 years

“Shop life has been good, with so many laughs”, says Jonathan Bird from local florist Ikebana.

Jonathan retires today from a business he has been running on the high street in Overton for 20 years.

Today, the business has new owners, mother and daughter team Kara and Stefanie who will continue the store as a creative florist.

Talking on Overton Radio this morning, Jonathan said, “The past twenty years have been great.  I feel like I’ve done my stretch. It’s been great, people in Overton are really lovely. 

“The village is changing, it’s getting bigger and bigger now, but the people are still nice.  It’s got that strong village feel, it’s lovely and a nice place to live.

“Now it’s time for slippers, a woolly hat, a pipe and a bottle of brandy.

“Ikebana has been taken over by Kara and her daughter Stefanie.

“They’ll be running the business as a florist and will be slowly injecting their own personality” adds the popular local businessman.

After sharing many photos of his venture on the Ikebana Facebook page, Jonathan wrote, “I have worked with the most amazing talented people over the years – I wish that I had a photo of you all to share! I really appreciate all that my brilliant team did to support the shop.

“Often I’ve gone home from work and I just couldn’t stop laughing from all the jokes and banter shared during the day. And you customers always provided some very good laughs too.”

We wish Jonathan all the best for his retirement, his fun and happy personality will be missed in the village.  Equally we welcome Kara and Stefanie and wish them all the best with their new venture.