David Dudley is retiring after 32 years of trading in Marlborough. In celebration of his retirement there is 25% discount on all stock in his High Street shop which is the longest established fine jewellery business in Marlborough.
David told Marlborough.news, “It really is time, at 77, for me to retire. I love what I do so it is going to be difficult but I’m looking forward to new ventures and time to spend with friends, family and in particular, grandchildren. I will also miss my wonderful customers who have already sent me lovely messages.”
After an early career in banking and merchant banking in London, David decided, in 1974, to make a career in jewellery. He went to work for Michael Spiers in Cornwall and subsequently opened his own shop in Truro. In 1989 he relocated the business to Marlborough.
David said, “I love Marlborough and I love everything the town has given me. When I first arrived there were a lot of independent shops which were gradually replaced by multiples (chainstores). Multiples contribute nothing to the town – they don’t support local events such as the Christmas Lights and local charities. However, I’m optimistic about the future. The multiples are going and there are more and more independent shops and coffee shops which will make the High Street more social.”
David has been a staunch supporter of local events and charities throughout his time in Marlborough. Marlborough’s Christmas Lights, Open Studios, the Jazz Festival, Prospect Hospice, school events, Hope and Homes for Children have all benefited from his sponsorship. Some of his greatest fund raising highlights include climbing Kilimanjaro, trekking to Base Camp of Everest and over the Andes to Machu Picchu.
His passion for singing lead to roles in many shows in Southampton and finally Plymouth at the Theatre Royal, Truro and the Minack Theatre as well as the Duchy Opera. In Marlborough he has performed, with local musicians, at various charity concerts.
In retirement, as well as spending time with family and friends, David will be pursuing his hobbies of golf, sailing and travel. His love of travel was instilled at an early age. When he was 2 he travelled with his parents by flying boat, a 5 day journey, to Durban where his father opened the terminal for BOAC (now BA). During his childhood David lived in Aden, Cairo, Khartoum and Dar es Salaam but spent most of his formative years in 1950’s Nairobi, finally settling in Rhodesia; now Zimbabwe. “It was all a wonderful adventure!”
A final word from David – “I’m not moving away from the area and will be spending more time in Marlborough’s coffee shops and pubs. And for those fashionistas out there you’ll be pleased to know that my wife, Kim Vine, is not retiring.”
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