JOIN the party at J Edgar & Son as they prepare to celebrate a very prestigious anniversary.

The family firm is preparing to celebrate a centenary in business, and customers old and new can join in the celebrations.

It was 100 years – and four generations – ago that Joseph Edgar opened his agricultural engineering business in his hometown of Rowrah.

Wind the clock forward and the popular Cumbrian motor dealer is inviting customers to celebrate the momentous birthday.

The celebrations will take place on Wednesday, August 7, between 4pm and 8pm, at both the Dunmail Park and Rowrah dealerships, with an ‘all welcome’ barbecue.

The story began in 1919, when 23-year-old Joseph returned from the war and used the skills he had developed in the Engineering Corps to set up his business, repairing farm equipment.

Such was his dedication and talent, that if he discovered a tool he needed wasn’t available, he just designed and made one himself!

In later years, he was joined by his son, Iredale, and scandalised by his daughter-in-law when she suggested that they send their customers bills for the work they carried out.

Joseph and Iredale expanded the business with modern, new premises at Station Works at Rowrah, which housed a pit area in the centre with a parts store underneath, and separate work doors for each bay.

Iredale had great ambitions for the business, and set about acquiring a motor franchise by building a car showroom beside his home. In 1955, Daleside Garage became the proud owners of an Austin Morris franchise.

As it grew with the Rover franchise, J Edgar & Son developed more modern premises, with Joseph’s grandson, Terry, managing and developing the site to become the number one Rover dealer in the country.

In 1994, a second site at Dunmail Park, Workington, was opened, in order to retain the Rover franchise.

Terry’s two sons were also now part of the family business, with Jason managing the Rowrah site, and Justin looking after Dunmail Park. With the impending demise of Rover, Edgars had negotiated Hyundai and Suzuki franchises at Dunmail, and a Nissan franchise at Rowrah.

Terry is still MD at the business, as they carry on the tradition of providing the excellent service for which they have become known both locally, and further afield.

Terry says: “The name above the door hasn’t changed in a hundred years – and we take some pride in that fact. The company is still owned and managed by our family who have all come through the business from the ground floor to Director level.

“We operate a ‘hands on’ policy, so customers can be assured that, whether they are looked after by a family member or a highly-trained member of staff, they will receive the same courteous and helpful attention that we positively insist on.

“Employees at J Edgar & Son are encouraged to improve existing skills, and develop the same pride in their work, that Joseph Edgar himself insisted on.”

The family and staff are looking forward to welcoming their many loyal customers – and potential future customers - to their birthday barbecue at their Rowrah and Dunmail Park sites on Wednesday, August 7, between 4pm and 8pm.

www.edgars.co.uk

ROWRAH – Nissan; Daleside Garage, Rowrah Road, Rowrah, Frizington, Cumbria CA26 3XJ

Telephone: 01946 861607

Email: rowrah@jedgar.co.uk

DUNMAIL PARK - Hyundai & Suzuki; Siddick Road, Dunmail Park, Workington, Cumbria CA14 1NQ

Telephone: 01900 604393

Email: dunmail@jedgar.co.uk