A COUPLE from Tavistock will be putting their feet up next Thursday, after almost 30 years of dedicated work at a shop in Milton Abbot. Bob and Jan Coley, who have successfully run Robert Coley's Butcher's and Grocer's, decided to sell the popular village store four years ago and enjoy their retirement. Now their plan is coming to fruition. Before the pair took it on 26 years ago Bob, 65, worked there as a butcher for four years. Jan, 61, who grew up in Throwleigh, lived in Milton Abbot with Bob, who grew up in Hatherleigh, before they moved to Tavistock 30 years ago. Jan said: 'Bob is 65 which is long enough to be working, as the shop is a terrific tie, and it will be nice to have some time off to do what we want. 'We will put our feet up for a while and then his brother will come over from Australia for a few months and then in the new year we will go out there for a few months. 'My sister also lives out there — she moved in 1991 so I haven't seen her since then. 'There is so much we would like to do as it was always difficult to go on holiday. 'It was 15 years before we had a holiday and up to two years ago we worked seven days a week. 'We have enjoyed working here. It's not like coming to work, it's a way of life — it's a big family.' Villager Pete Atkinson said: 'I've lived here for 15 years and it has been the mainstay for the village — it's a community place. 'I have a son and daughter who use the shop every day, and the school bus also stops there and children pop in for their sweets. The shop itself is full of history.'
