News

3rd July 2014

Our red spotted handkerchiefs at the World Championships!

Our red spotted hankies or scarves recently made their annual appearance at the World Pilot Gig Championships in the Scilly Isles, courtesy of our friends at the Clevedon Pilot Gig Club, near Bristol. The red spotted handkerchiefs are part of the uniform for the crews. As the photo shows, they can be used variously as neckerchiefs, scarves, and bandanas!

We were delighted to receive an update from Richard James, Secretary of the Clevedon Pilot Gig Club (below), and wish the club continued success as they increase their membership and crews. It's great to be associated with such a thriving club, and we look forward to welcoming club members to our shop in Brecon whenever they're in our area and feel like popping in to say "Hello"!

"As in previous years I am attaching a photo of Clevedon Pilot Gig Club's latest expedition to the World Pilot Gig Championships in the Scilly Isles in May.  Once again we took nearly 80 rowers and supporters with 13 teams, Mens and Ladies, competing in the racing heats over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend.  We are gradually climbing the Championship table, with our Mens A team now 42nd (from 138). The Team Photo shows the members resplendent in their red Somerset Wurzel scarves courtesy of Aidan Sweeney and the group of youngsters sat in front of the gig will be our rowers of the future."

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27th June 2014

Made to measure meeting in Hong Kong

We recently had a report of two of our customers meeting in Hong Kong - with one complimenting the Aidan Sweeney made to measure jacket worn by the other!

The two gentlemen did not previously know each other, but met by chance. One (from Guernsey) was wearing an Aidan Sweeney made to measure jacket, and the other (from Brecon) made an admiring comment about it. "It's from Aidan Sweeney," said the owner. "Aidan Sweeney in the Market Arcade in Brecon?" asked the other. And indeed it was - with both men astonished at the coincidence.

I hope to make further visits to Guernsey to see made to measure customers, so do get in touch with me on 01874 623613 if you live in the Channel Islands and would like to discuss made to measure possibilities.

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9th June 2014

Gifts for Fathers Day on 15th June

We have gifts to suit all pockets for Fathers Day. How about a smart spotty handkerchief, some practical socks, or - as a real treat - a genuine silk tie?

For a smart look, how about some stunning red braces? Top of the range are the Albert Thurston wool boxcloth braces, which come with clip fittings or with leather ends to attach to buttons on the trouser waistband. As well as red, they come in gold, green, and burgundy (wine). We also have a range of other braces, in both clip and leather ends.

Handkerchiefs are always a popular gift, especially when they're in a gift box.You can't beat pure Irish linen handkerchiefs, and ours come in a stylish green presentation box.We also have Pyramid 100% cotton handkerchiefs in boxed sets of three, in white, in shades of blue, and in shades of burgundy (wine).

Browse our online shop for quality menswear, and order in our secure online shop, or give us a call in our shop in Brecon on 01874 623613. We'll be pleased to help - and we're sure your Fathers Day gift will be appreciated!

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15th May 2014

Wolsey/Morley Grip Tops - more stock has arrived

We're pleased to say that Grip Top socks are now back in stock. It's been worth the wait for the delivery from Wolsey/Morley, as these socks remain very popular with our customers. We have emailed people we know were waiting for Grip Tops.

Charcoal, navy blue, rustic brown, and lovat green Grip Tops are available in UK shoe sizes 6-8, 9-10, and 11-12. The only size not available at the moment is charcoal in 9-10.

You can order Grip Top socks, and all our other socks, in our online shop, or by giving us a call in the shop in Brecon on 01874 623613. We look forward to hearing from you.

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17th March 2014

Dispatch to Republic of Ireland

We have many customers in the Republic of Ireland, and are happy to dispatch goods there. 

Our online ordering system asks for a postcode for the billing address and the delivery address. As Irish addresses do not currently have a postcode, please enter 0000 as your postcode - otherwise the ordering system declines an order from the Republic. If you are in the Republic and have any problems ordering online, just give us a call on +44 1874 623613 and we'll be happy to help.

When Irish postcodes are introduced in 2015, customers in Ireland will be able to enter their postcode on the online ordering system.

Happy St Patrick's Day!

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19th February 2014

Silver armbands worn by Peter Jones on Dragons' Den and by David Beckham

Our silver armbands are in demand since David Beckham wore similar ones recently, and now entrepreneur Peter Jones is wearing these vintage-style sleeve garters on BBC's Dragons' Den.

We have stocked gentlemen's armbands for many years, and it's good to see them being popularised by figures in the media. Armbands or sleeve garters are functional and stylish, making sure your shirt sleeves stay at the right length.

You can buy silver armbands in our secure online shop, in our shop in Brecon's Market Arcade, or give us a call on 01874 623613 and we can pop them in the post to you. We'll be pleased to help.

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10th February 2014

Made to measure suits for a 21st birthday and a 90th birthday

My made to measure customers range in age from teenagers to men in their 90s - but they all appreciate the value and style of made to measure suits.

Recent made to measure customers have included a young man whose two-piece suit was a 21st birthday present from his parents, and a gentleman who was treating himself to a three-piece suit for his 90th birthday.

University student William and his parents visited my shop in Brecon from their home in Herefordshire. William needed a suit for university functions, and for job interviews. A smart, businesslike look was required. After discussing all the options, he decided on a traditional grey pinstrip two-piece suit in wool. The family were all delighted with the suit, and William kindly allowed us to take photos of him when he returned to the shop for his fitting. The suit was a splendid 21st birthday present.

Mr Smith of Newport (South Wales) had set his heart on having a made to measure 3-piece suit for his 90th birthday. His niece contacted me and asked whether I could help, as Mr Smith would not be able to travel to Brecon. It was a pleasure to visit Mr Smith and his niece in Newport to show him the possibilities and take his measurements. I took a range of pattern bunches and sample suits to his home. Together we looked at various fabrics and options, so Mr Smith could see the colours and feel the weights of the different cloths. Mr Smith enjoyed discussing what he would like, and looked forward to his suit arriving. I delivered the suit to him at home and checked the fit, and was so pleased that Mr Smith was happy with his 90th birthday treat.

You can read more about my made to measure service on this website. I provide a wide range of options and travel extensively to see customers in their homes or workplaces. Do telephone me (shop 01874 623613, mobile 07731 926 832) for a chat if you have any questions or would like to find out more. I'll be pleased to help.

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5th February 2014

David Beckham wearing vintage sleeve garters/armbands

Sleeve garters or armbands have been popular in our shop for years, and now David Beckham has put them in the news. He wore a pair in Miami this week, catching the eye of fashion followers and feature editors around the world.

As the Mail Online says: "He's one of the most stylish men in the world, and David Beckham looks set to bring back an old fashion trend after stepping out with sleeve garters on Tuesday". OK Online adds: "David Beckham is the fashion go-to for men across the nation, so when he sets a trend, the world follows."

One of our customers in the United States, who bought a pair of our sleeve garters recently, emailed us to say they were "thrilled to see David Beckham wearing similar ones!".

We have vintage-style sleeve garters (armbands) in stock in silver, just like the ones David was wearing. Order securely online, or phone us in our shop in Brecon on 01874 623613. We'll be pleased to help.

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2nd February 2014

Antimacassars (chair backs) and armcaps proving popular online!

Antimacassars (chair backs) and arm caps are already proving a popular buy in our online shop. Customers comment that these are hard to track down, so are glad to find ours easily available online in both tapestry and linen.

Chair back and arm caps have been regular items in our shop in Brecon for nearly 30 years, so we know plenty of people locally who like them. We added them our online shop last month, and we're delighted that customers further afield are now buying them online.

The linen antimacassars and arm caps suit any style of upholstery, and the tapestry chair backs and arm caps go well with plainer fabrics.

Each item is available to buy separately, so you can buy individual items or select several antimacassars and arm caps to make a complete set. If you have any questions, or would like to order by phone, do not hesitate to phone us in the shop on 01874 623613.

 

 

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28th January 2014

Wolsey Grip Top socks: most sizes and colours available

We have Wolsey Grip Top knee length socks (now rebranded Morley) in stock in most sizes and colours. Wolsey/Morley have had a manufacturing delay, which means a few size options are currently unavailable, but we now have an update on availability.

We have these Grip Tops in stock:

• mid grey Grip Tops in all sizes: UK 6-8 (European 40-42), UK 9-10 (European 43-45), and UK 11-12 (European 46-47)
• lovat green Grip Tops in all sizes: UK 6-8 (European 40-42), UK 9-10 (European 43-45), and UK 11-12 (European 46-47)
• rustic brown Grip Tops in all sizes: UK 6-8 (European 40-42), UK 9-10 (European 43-45), and UK 11-12 (European 46-47)
• navy blue Grip Tops in UK size 9-10 (European 43-45)
• charcoal Grip Tops in UK size 9-10 (European 43-45)

Charcoal in UK 6-8 and UK 11-12, and navy blue in UK 6-8 and UK 11-12, have been out of stock for some time due to the Wolsey/Morley manufacturing delay. They have now promised delivery on 5th April, so we look forward to having all sizes in stock then.

Do give us a call in the shop on 01874 623613 if you have any questions, or if you would like to place your order by telephone. We'll be glad to help.

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