Sunderland family newsagents closes its doors after 25 years

A family newsagents has officially closed its doors after more than 25 years of serving a Sunderland community.
(left to right) Audrey Williamson, Michael and Shirley Tyerman with Rueben the dog. Photograph by FRANK REID(left to right) Audrey Williamson, Michael and Shirley Tyerman with Rueben the dog. Photograph by FRANK REID
(left to right) Audrey Williamson, Michael and Shirley Tyerman with Rueben the dog. Photograph by FRANK REID

It was a sad day for residents in Herrington when JM Tyerman family newsagents finally stopped trading on Saturday as its owners went into retirement.

Shirley Tyerman, 70, who ran the shop on Durham Road, East Herrington, with husband Michael, 72, and sister Audrey Williamson, 54, said they are looking forward to their well-earned retirement.

(left to right) Audrey Williamson, Michael and Shirley Tyerman with Rueben the dog. Photograph by FRANK REID(left to right) Audrey Williamson, Michael and Shirley Tyerman with Rueben the dog. Photograph by FRANK REID
(left to right) Audrey Williamson, Michael and Shirley Tyerman with Rueben the dog. Photograph by FRANK REID
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The family will move to Fairfield Close in Hetton-le-Hole at the end of the month.

Shirley said: “We are a small family business that has been here for 25 years.

“Our dog Rueben - a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - has been in the shop with us since he was a puppy and everyone knows him.

“He is part of the business as well.

(left to right) Audrey Williamson, Michael and Shirley Tyerman with Rueben the dog. Photograph by FRANK REID(left to right) Audrey Williamson, Michael and Shirley Tyerman with Rueben the dog. Photograph by FRANK REID
(left to right) Audrey Williamson, Michael and Shirley Tyerman with Rueben the dog. Photograph by FRANK REID

“We have lovely customers, who have filled our house with lots of cards with best wishes and gifts.

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“It has been emotional, with many of our customers leaving the shop crying, but I think we are all ready for retirement.”

Before they opened the business, Shirley worked in supermarkets, while Michael and Audrey worked in the fruit and vegetable industry.

The shop, which has been open 364 days of the year for the last 25 years, has seen the family start the day at 4.30am to sort the papers to give to their 20 paper boys and girls.

(left to right) Audrey Williamson, Michael and Shirley Tyerman with Rueben the dog. Photograph by FRANK REID(left to right) Audrey Williamson, Michael and Shirley Tyerman with Rueben the dog. Photograph by FRANK REID
(left to right) Audrey Williamson, Michael and Shirley Tyerman with Rueben the dog. Photograph by FRANK REID

Michael said he will be sad to go, as his customers have become more like friends.

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He added: “We have got to know our customers so well, as it is a local community business.

“Over the years we have had eight generations of paper boys and girls who have gone on to do great things.

“This sort of job is a very good thing for kids, as it gives them the get-up-and-go to pursue careers as accountants and solicitors. Shirley has written them all references.

“People are saying they don’t want us to go as they know us so well, but they do understand that we have to retire.”