All change at Birchgrove Garden Centre in Pinchbeck as father and son retire and new owner is revealed

A father and son are heading off into retirement together after almost 35 years running a popular garden and pet centre.

George and Simon Slinger will leave Birchgrove Garden Centre in Pinchbeck on July 10 - signalling the end of an era and the start of a new one.

While the pair are looking forward to spending more time with family, Birchgrove, which incorporates Megapets and Bettertack, will be taken over by another local business owner, Gary Slator.

Gary (44), who lives in Whaplode, is relocating his Mower Centre business, which sells, repairs and services lawnmowers and garden machinery, to Birchgrove from Baytree Nurseries, Weston.

He is looking forward to an exciting future at Birchgrove - where he has big plans to add to the current business.

One change already announced is the reopening of the cafe area by Something Special, which is relocating from Knight Street, Pinchbeck, and will open its doors for the first time on Wednesday, July 13.

Gary said: “I am really looking forward to getting stuck in and making Birchgrove, including the Mower Centre and pet and equestrian departments, even more successful in the future

“We already have exciting plans to hold more outdoor events such as car meets and craft fairs outside the front of the premises, as well as introducing new concessions inside. I have spent the past few weeks getting to know the business and, of course, the fantastic staff and we are all ready to move forward with a renewed energy to make something amazing happen.”

George, who lives in Spalding with wife Christine, bought Birchgrove with his son Simon in 1990 from previous owner PA Moerman, who opened the garden centre in 1973.

Despite being in his 80s, George has remained a familiar face behind the counter and on the shop floor of the garden centre five days a week and knows many of the regular customers by name.

George said: “It really is the end of an era but the time has come and I would like to say thankyou to all my customers who we have served for so many years. I wish Gary well in this adventure and hope everyone will support him as well as they have me.”

Simon, who lives in Spalding with wife Helen and daughter Zoe, has spent much of his time - when not behind the scenes - on the shop floor in Megapets and Bettertack, sharing his extensive knowledge of pet care and nutrition with customers.

He said: “Over the years many of the customers who have come into Birchgrove have become friends and George and I have both said that is probably one of the things we will miss most about being here.

“We’d both like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us, including our wonderful staff past and present and customers.

“I look forward to seeing where Gary takes the business next and wish him every success.”

Customers will still be able to see Simon at Megapets for a few weeks as he will be popping in regularly to ensure a smooth handover.

Birchgrove, including the garden centre, Megapets and Bettertack, will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, July 11 and 12 for the handover to take place.

Simon will continue to attend on a regular basis for a few weeks to ensure a smooth transition.