In September 1969 the IOW County Press reported:

PRESENTATION AT BROOK

A presentation on their retirement from Hanover Stores and Tea Garden was made to Mrs W J Stone and Mrs H F Morris by the people of the village on Sunday evening.

The ceremony was held in the garden of the Rectory at Mottistone and the large gathering was entertained to tea by Mrs R Bowyer. The presentation was made by Mr Lance Barnes, an old friend of the family and one of the few remaining residents of Brook who was born in the village. He gave each a card with the names of all subscribers on it.

Welcoming the guests, the Rector said that it was doubtful whether Mrs Stone and Mrs Morris had really sat down during those long years of their service to the village and so the choice of a garden seat was especially appropriate. He remembered hearing of the famous little shop when he was in the Midlands before he had even seen Brook and he recalled an occasion when he had been unable to buy some article he wanted at another village store in Knightsbridge, called Harrods, but had obtained them on his return at Hanover Stores.

In thanking Mrs Stone and Mrs Morris for their life’s work the Rector welcomed the new owners of the stores and tea gardens, Mr and Mrs Hedley.

Courtesy of Isle of Wight County Press.