By Lisa Ramsden
The end of an era beckons, with a well-known Newcastle business closing its doors on the final day of this month. RE Hill and Co is one of the town’s longest-running independent traders. Its owner, Michael Hill, whose late father Bertie founded the business, said the decision is a sad one, but the time is right for retirement for him and his wife, Carol, who have been in charge since the 1990s.
Established in 1970 by the late Mr Hill and his wife, Nelly, the shop has been a firm favourite with locals since opening. Michael says their customers’ loyalty over the years has been exceptional. Since confirming his plans to retire just last month, customers have flocked to his shop for all their electrical needs as well as to take a trip down memory lane, looking back on all the decades the family-owned firm has been in business.
RE Hill and Co initially operated along Central Promenade before relocating to its existing premises, a former bank building, in 1995. Looking back on the early years, Michael explained that his dad qualified as a radio engineer, or ‘wireless mechanic’ as it was known in those days, in 1946. Having left the RAF, he served his time with Joe Melia at his shop in Downpatrick, where he carried out a range of repairs. His time with Mr Melia planted a seed and, when the time was right, he launched his own shop.
The roll-out of commercial television in the 1950s saw Mr Hill senior’s skillset broaden. Soon they were selling and even renting out TVs, including those with money boxes on the back, which could be ‘topped up’ with coins to continue enjoying viewing. Michael and his brothers have many childhood memories of their parents working away.
In addition to specialising in repairing televisions, radios, and other domestic and electrical appliances, the business also expanded its horizons over the years. Michael said his parents were “sticklers” when it came to courtesy and offering their patrons a helpful and friendly service, and this is something he and Carol have continued down through the years.
In the full article Michael goes on to explain what he thinks the shop has meant to the town of Newcastle.
To read the digital edition, download the Mourne Observer app – for apple click here – for android click here
