A well-known member of the local community – Wellington Boots’ owner Anne Brummit – has announced her retirement.
Anne (74) has owned Wellington Boots in Lancer Court for 31 years. She first opened her shoe shop in No 4 Lancer Court which was then a newsagents and took over her current premises – formerly a TV shop – two years later when the owner left. Anne and her daughter Samantha already owned a shoe shop in Tiverton and Anne’s previous experience in various retail businesses persuaded her to expand in Wellington. She said, “I just love meeting people and I love shoes so this was perfect for me.”
Anne’s contribution to the town goes far beyond ownership of one of the most well-loved retail outlets. She was the first Chairman of Wellington in Bloom and a member of the Chamber of Trade. The town’s landscaping and its colourful display of flowers, plants and trees on verges, on the Chelston roundabout and in hanging baskets and planters are due in part to her initiative. She said, “There were just five hanging baskets in the town when I took over as Chairman of Wellington in Bloom and I made it my aim to have baskets outside every single shop.”
She said that the recent coronavirus lockdown has had no effect on her decision to retire which was mainly due to the loss of her husband in January this year after a long illness. While those who know her and have appreciated her friendly, warm presence when they have visited Wellington Boots will understand her reasons for retiring, she will still be missed. It is hoped that her two assistants, Caroline Bryant and Jacqui Mumford – both of whom have worked in the shop for 16 years – will continue to be a welcoming presence in Wellington Boots in Lancer Court under new ownership.