Business remains in good hands after 75 years.
A woman who runs a saddlery shop that’s been in her family for 75 years has won a lifetime achievement award.
Sandra Howitt, of M E Howitt of Alton in Hampshire, was presented with the accolade at the Society of Master Saddlers’ (SMS) Annual Competition.
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The saddlery retailer and leather repairs business was founded by Sandra’s late father-in-law Maurice Howitt in 1947. He set it up after serving as a saddler in the Household Cavalry.
Maurice went on to become one of the original ten who formed the SMS in 1966. He was elected as the society’s president in 1968/69.
Sandra was married to Maurice’s son, also named Maurice, who took over the business after his father’s death in 1972.
She later kept M E Howitt going after her husband Maurice’s untimely death in 2008 – and has continued ever since.
On receiving her award from SMS president Chris Taylor, Sandra said, “My father-in-law would have been so proud to see that the business is still going and an integral part of the local community.”