A former pharmacist in Congleton and a long-standing member of staff have died within days of each other.
Paul Hughes, who was also a former president of the Rotary Club of Congleton, and wife Margaret, ran their chemist on High Street, next to the town hall.
Mr Hughes, of Cranage, died on 6th January, aged 80, just four days before the death of 92-year-old Ann Thorley, of Somerford Booths.
Ms Thorley worked at the chemist from 1949 until her retirement in 2000. She was well-known in town for working well past her retirement – back when women retired at 60.
Mr Hughes was president of the Rotary club in 2011/12.
In a tribute to him, Rtn Douglas Parker, who was handed the chain of office from Mr Hughes, said: “Paul was an excellent role model to follow. He was very straightforward, very kind and a gentleman; he was a very generous man as well.
“He was very much into the Rotary club and I believe was a Rotarian for a long time.”
Mr and Mrs Hughes ran the pharmacy for eight years but as the “Chronicle” reported in 2000, a lack of profit had forced the independent chemist to accept a takeover bid from Superdrug.
The couple claimed they had been let down by an NHS system that had been unsuccessful at paying for services.
The national chain offered the business a new home at 39-41, High Street, and a much better contract.
Mr Hughes said at the time: “The last 18 months have been very difficult for us, with continuing Government pressure to cut costs and be as efficient as possible.
“We try to give as good a service as is humanly possible, but with further demands from the health department, both my wife Margaret and I are currently working over 70 hours a week with ever-diminishing returns.
“For example, we were paid only on 1st May 2000 for the last 12 months’ late rota duties and for the help and advice we give the nursing homes we look after. We receive nothing at all from anyone for deliveries and purchasing.
“We now dispense twice the number of prescriptions that we were dispensing eight years ago, but with the same total government payments. In common with other small pharmacies, our profit margin has dropped to an unsustainable 12% gross, and we have no more opportunities to be more efficient.”
Mr and Mrs Hughes took over the business from their friend David Wroe in 1992. Prior to that, Sefton Collister owned it until 1986.
Before that, a branch of chemists called Stanier’s had the business, along with several shops in the Potteries and in Sandbach.
Mr Hughes had pharmaceutical records dating back to 1795, which he had intended to donate to the-then proposed Congleton Museum.
On becoming the Rotary club president in 2011, by which time he had been a Rotarian for 14 years, he said: “With so much support from my fellow Rotarians, I don’t think there is any project we could be afraid to tackle. We are very conscious, though, of the current difficult economic conditions, and are directing our efforts, mainly towards local good causes.”
Mr Hughes leaves wife Margaret, children Simon, Cath, Jennie and Chris, and four grandchildren.
A service and cremation will take place at the Birches Crematorium at 1pm on Thursday, 5th February.
The funeral of Ms Thorley, who was one of seven siblings, will be held at 1.30pm today (Thursday) at St Michael’s Church, Hulme Walfield.
