A trip down memory lane with Easy Weigh’s owner

The IW Observer’s Chris Cornford spent a while chatting with Graham Sutcliffe, the owner of Newport shop, Easy Weigh, recently, when he enjoyed hearing reminisces of Newport’s bygone days.

Graham, and his wife, Brenda, have run the unique shop for 39 years, and Graham told Chris how he decided against staying in the Navy in 1985, which pushed him into opening a Ryde branch of Easy Weigh on June 20, 1986, out of ‘necessity’; this was later followed by a Newport branch. The Newport shop started off in Lugley Street, then moved to Pyle Street after five years. He discussed well-known premises such as the Fyffes Banana Warehouse and Dabells, as well as the history and changes made to his current shop, including how he turned the two upper floors into flats.

At that time, the store had three Morris Minor vans for deliveries, one of which ended up with a film company, appearing in a 1950s film, repainted but sporting its original PDL 200H number-plate.

Chris was shocked then amused as Graham recounted the time a car drove into the front of the shop, although thankfully nobody was injured. Sharp-witted Graham made light of the situation, quickly installing a sign outside the store-front reading “Please know, this is not a drive-thru”!

Spilling the beans on French prunes, Graham explained they were Easy Weigh’s bestselling product until four years ago – and they “kept the Island going” – until Chinese curry powder took its place. However, the product that holds a really special place in Graham’s heart is his home-brew kits; he claims “It’s impossible to fail on beer!”

The couple now hope that somebody “will come along with a new vision”, as he announced that he and Brenda, now in their 70s, are looking to retire from the much-loved shop.

If you fancy taking a trip down memory lane with Graham, you can watch part one of the conversation at iw.observer/easy-weigh-1 and part two at: iw.observer/easy-weigh-2.

And if you would like to take on one of the most interesting shops in Newport, with herbs and spices sold loose, weigh-it-yourself dried goods, a wide range of ethnic and speciality ingredients – and, of course, those all-important home-brew kits: call Scotchers on 822288.