Discount retailer Lathams of Potter Heigham, is celebrating its 60th year of trading on the Norfolk Broads with an action-packed weekend for customers on 23rd – 24th September.
Lathams is a Norfolk institution, famous for its fishing tackle and supplies, as well as discounted homewares, furniture, food, clothing, DIY and pet departments. Lathams was first opened by Ken Latham in 1963 as a ‘piscatorial paradise’, a homage to his love for fishing on The Broads, and the store quickly became popular with local people and holidaymakers alike. When Ken retired in February 1989, Lathams joined the family-run Norfolk discount group QD, who has since expanded the premises and built a dedicated Lathams Fishing Tackle shop opposite the main store.
Taking place on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th September, Lathams will mark its 60th anniversary with a host of activities at the store, including free goody bags for the first 100 customers on each day, free vintage open top bus tours, competitions and giveaways, food stalls – including Woodforde’s Brewery who will be doing tastings with Lathams’ bespoke celebration aleBrew of the Broads, face painting, a toy tombola and music.
On Sunday, Lathams will be hosting a charity auction featuring various lots including a kayak, a full day’s boat hire and a range of Lathams products including furniture and homewares. The proceeds will be donated to the Museum of the Broads and used to complete the restoration one of Ken Latham’s boats, Esox Lucius II (Latin for Northern Pike) which he used for pike fishing on the River Thurne. The boat will be given pride of place on display at the Museum once it is fully restored.
Nick Rubins, CEO of the QD Group, said: “Lathams has been a linchpin in Potter Heigham for 60 years and we are delighted to have played our part in keeping this Norfolk institution running successfully during this time. The store is very dear to us and, even today, we have strong connections to its founder – Ann Sharman, our head of supply chain at QD, is actually the daughter of Norman Sharman who sold Ken the land on which Lathams is built. Ken even gave Ann’s mum a lift to hospital when she was in labour with her!
“We remain very proud of the store that Ken built and the investment we have made since taking over. This anniversary weekend will be an opportunity to look back fondly at the past 60 years but also to look ahead positively to the next 60!”
John Goldie, store manager at Lathams, added: “We’re very much looking forward to hosting this 60th birthday event which will give Lathams customers, new and old, the opportunity to celebrate with us and enjoy the history behind this jewel of the Norfolk Broads. It looks set to be an action-packed weekend with something for everyone to enjoy – do come along and join the fun!”
Lathams of Potter Heigham is located at Bridge Road, Potter Heigham NR29 5JE.
