A CREWKERNE stalwart is retiring from running a town antiques business – with the site now up for sale.

Well-known trader Anthony Bucke is shutting the Antiques Bizarre, at The Old Textile Mill, in South Street, for a “well-deserved retirement”.

Announcing the move, 72-year-old Anthony said: “With mixed feelings, but very happy memories, I have decided that after 50 years trading in Crewkerne, it is time for me to attempt to retire.

“The last 14 years at Antiques Bazaar have been amazing. We have such a friendly, professional bunch of traders, who have sourced some amazing stock to keep our customers flocking in.

“And we could not have operated without the dedicated team of four cashiers who have kept the place running so professionally, seven days a week, come rain or shine.”

The Antiques Bazaar in Crewkerne is closing at the end of March. Picture: GTH

He said customers had spanned generations of families from in and around Crewkerne and across Somerset.

“Only this week, I delivered a large oak court cupboard to a young man who represented the third generation of his family, all of whom have been my customers over the past 50 years,” Anthony went on.

“That is so very heart-warming and gratifying. And certainly not the only such example.

“The Original Factory Shop will be leaving by the end of March 2026, and Antiques Bazaar will close on Tuesday, March 31.”

READ MORE: Former Crewkerne department store could become three shops

He added: “So a big ‘thank you’ to my staff, my friends, customers, neighbours, suppliers and contractors, fellow business owners – all of you who have been around during the past 50 years.

“There will be even more bargains to be had over the coming weeks, so please pop in, you never know what you’ll find.”

The site is now being sold, with Greenslade Taylor Hunt (GTH) marketing the premises.

“Anthony has traded in the town for 50 years and been a valued member of the business community for many decades, but he has decided that the time is right to embark on the next chapter of his life,” a spokesperson said.

“His Antiques Bazaar business will close at the end of March providing an exciting opportunity for a new retailer to take on the site.”

The site, including land and buildings, stretches to around 0.875 acres on a corner plot.

It comprises two individual Class E units suitable for a range of uses and with on-site parking. The units provide a combined total of 18,334 sq ft.

The site is on the market with a guide price of £750,000.

For more information and to arrange a viewing, contact Joseph Hughes or Zack Dennington on 01823 334455 or 01935 423475, or email joseph.hughes@gth.net or zack.dennington@gth.net.

READ MORE: South Somerset news from your Leveller