Newbury fancy dress shop owners hand over the reins

Party-goers who have trooped along to Cheap Street shop, Pageant Fancy Dress to find a costume can be reassured the business is to carry on, despite the departure of shop owners, Phillip Stickland and his wife, Heather Stickland, after 16 years.
The couple, who live in Hampstead Norreys, are to retire, after starting the business in 1997, following a specific move to Newbury to open the shop.
The business has since flourished, supplying fancy dress, make up, dancewear and balloons to hotels, schools, clubs and individuals, for celebrations, openings and launches.
Several times winner of Newbury Carnival and supporters of countless charities, they have become a landmark in Newbury.
The business is to carry on, taken over by new proprietor, Lionel Zeffertt and the same, experienced staff - with the addition of discos, lighting and marquee hire.
“Here's to the last 16 years and thank you to all our customers, we've loved it;and here's to Lionel and the next 16 years of Pageant in Newbury,” said Mrs Stickland.