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Refugee to Retailer: 41 Years Serving Higham Ferrers
2 Jun
Summary
- Newsagent arrived in the UK as a refugee from Uganda in 1972.
- He has served the community of Higham Ferrers since 1985.
- Newspaper prices have dramatically increased over his career.
Vijay Patel, who arrived in England from Uganda as a refugee in 1972, is retiring after 41 years as a newsagent in Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire. He took over the shop in 1985, having come to the country with a desire to work. His journey included learning English by reading newspapers, an industry that has seen substantial transformation during his tenure.
The price of a Saturday newspaper, which was 30p when he started, has risen to £4.50, reflecting broader changes in public habits. Mr. Patel, who is turning 70, expressed deep gratitude for the community's acceptance and the love shown to him and his wife, Bina. The mayor praised him as a "real asset" who has seen significant societal shifts.
