Liphook Travel is marking its half century in business with a special ‘50 years’ window display and an anniversary cake for staff and customers.
The independent family business was founded in 1971 by Jean Meech in the village of Liphook. It started life in different premises to its current shop, where it has been located for the last 29 years.
It is now run by her son Andrew Meech and daughter Frances Cloude.
We are celebrating our 50th Birthday TOMORROW
As it’s an extra special birthday we’ve dedicated our whole window to it! pic.twitter.com/tmSOcbNChO— Liphook Travel (@LiphookTravel) November 30, 2021
Jean, now 92, was due to visit the agency this afternoon to enjoy some 50th anniversary drinks and cake.
Business partner Andrew, who has worked in the agency since 1982, said: “It’s nice to have something positive to talk about. It’s been a torrid time over the last 20 months but we are still open and all four of us are back at work in the business, which we are very proud of.”
Two of the agency’s current four staff were furloughed during the pandemic, but trading has started to pick up and get busy again in recent weeks.
He added: “Lots of people know us and know the family as we have been here such a long time and even people who have moved away still book with us.
“We’ve seen many changes over the last 50 years and put up pictures on our Facebook page of our old equipment, like the Viewdata green screens.”
The agency cleared all it usual point-of-sale materials to dedicate its window display to the landmark day with a 50th sign and flashing lights.
“We just emptied the window out and dedicated it to our 50th for the week,” said Andrew, adding: “Next week we will put in our Christmas window.”