Generation game marks a new era for Kirkbymoorside landmark (From Gazette & Herald)

Generation game marks a new era for Kirkbymoorside landmark

WHAT is thought to be one of North Yorkshire's oldest chemist shops is to start a new era.

Towler's chemists, in the Market Place at Kirkbymoorside, has been run by Robin and Pat Towler for some 25 years but they are now stepping aside for their son, Rory, and his wife, Jo, to take over the business, which dates back to 1870.

The shop is one of the focal points of Kirkbymoorside's rich history, having been a pub in the 19th century - The Green Dragon Inn and later the Tontine Inn.

But its most interesting feature, says Mrs Towler senior, is the fact that when the house was rebuilt in 1823, the remains of 12 human bodies dating back to pre-Roman times, were discovered.

Now the property is a listed building with its Georgian architectural features.

In the past, it was well-known as a place where farmers could drink on market day - a tradition which in theory still exists because Ryedale magistrates have allowed it to retain its licence as part of Kirkbymoorside's heritage, said Mrs Towler. She said: "We fought for it to be kept because it was a piece of the town's history which was under threat."

It was also a centre for the sale of seed to farmers in the area.

Since graduating as pharmacists, Rory, who earned his qualification at Bradford University, and Jo, who studied at Nottingham University, have both been working in the NHS at various hospitals in the Leeds area.

The couple met during their post-graduate training at Leeds General Infirmary and married in 1999 and now have a two-year-old son, Daniel.

Rory has worked at LGI for the last six years where he has cared for patients on the gastro-enterology wards, while Jo has also been working within the Leeds Hospital Trust based at Seacroft hospital where she has worked with elderly patients.

They have also worked part-time for local universities, Rory teaching post-graduate pharmacists and Jo at Bradford, teaching under-graduate pharmacy students.

"We are looking forward to our new challenge and being part of the Kirkbymoorside community which is where I grew up," said Rory.

Mr and Mrs Towler senior, who plan to convert a building at the rear of the shop into their new home, aim to pursue their hobbies of gardening, fishing, walking and painting.

Updated: 14:47 Wednesday, April 09, 2003