A Northern Ireland sweet shop is celebrating its 60th birthday with cake, diamonds and all things yummy!
On February 13 1964 local lady, Sheila Conway, aged just 25, opened the doors of the iconic shop for the first time on Portstewart Promenade.
Selling sweets from the jar and the usual traditional seaside treats like honeycomb, yellowman, dulse and rock, Sheila’s Portstewart hasn’t changed much in 60 years.
Boasting everything for all weathers including buckets and spades, sledges and kites as well as the famous sweets, the tiny shop, originally named S Conway’s, has welcomed locals, visitors and students over the years becoming an unforgettable childhood memory for the thousands.
“I’ve loved every second,” explained Sheila, now aged 85. “Everyone has a story and I’ve loved sharing a tale or two myself. I have watched the town’s children grow up and now they bring their children in, or even their grandchildren. It has been an honour and I want to thank every customer over the 60 years.”
Working seven days a week, Sheila herself also became a famous face and a walk down the street always took a little longer when you’re known as the ‘sweet shop lady’.
“Everyone knew me and the shop and still do,” laughed Sheila. "Chatting with all, making friends with most, that’s just what we did. Many students who came in the 1980s and 90s still call in today to say hello and thank me for the change for the phone box or the slice of bread when they couldn’t afford a loaf!”
On February 13 1964 local lady, Sheila Conway, aged just 25, opened the doors of the iconic shop for the first time on Portstewart Promenade.
Selling sweets from the jar and the usual traditional seaside treats like honeycomb, yellowman, dulse and rock, Sheila’s Portstewart hasn’t changed much in 60 years.
Boasting everything for all weathers including buckets and spades, sledges and kites as well as the famous sweets, the tiny shop, originally named S Conway’s, has welcomed locals, visitors and students over the years becoming an unforgettable childhood memory for the thousands.
“I’ve loved every second,” explained Sheila, now aged 85. “Everyone has a story and I’ve loved sharing a tale or two myself. I have watched the town’s children grow up and now they bring their children in, or even their grandchildren. It has been an honour and I want to thank every customer over the 60 years.”
Working seven days a week, Sheila herself also became a famous face and a walk down the street always took a little longer when you’re known as the ‘sweet shop lady’.
“Everyone knew me and the shop and still do,” laughed Sheila. "Chatting with all, making friends with most, that’s just what we did. Many students who came in the 1980s and 90s still call in today to say hello and thank me for the change for the phone box or the slice of bread when they couldn’t afford a loaf!”
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