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In July 1975, Henry Broughton Sr. (Harry to his friends) took over premises in North Parade, previously the site of Coles Hardware Store. At the time, Harry’s main business was television rentals. Upon his death in 1996, his son John took the helm, 'took stock' of the situation, and looking forward to the advent of cheaper television sets for purchase, sold the television rental side of the business in 1998 and gave full focus to hardware.
It is amazing how hardware stock is in a continual process of evolvement whilst some of the old favourites stand the test of time. One of Broughtons’ biggest lines is electric light bulbs - they stock over 200 varieties. Whilst low energy bulbs are being encouraged by the government, they still lack the quality of light required for reading.
However, Halogen bulbs give energy savings with excellent quality light and they are gradually replacing the pearl bulb. There are a myriad of different electrical accessories, including plugs, sockets, adaptors, torches and a range of batteries. My ears pricked up at the sound of batteries as I have been looking for some time for an unusual type of battery which powers a remote for some electric gates. I asked John and hey presto!
Another feature is the array of ‘Ecover’ ecological products from dishwasher tablets to car wash solution. In fact, there are a huge number of cleaning products, stain removers and polishes in all shapes and sizes. If you want pots and pans, teapots, kettles, bowls, chopping boards or cooking trays, look no further. There are a selection of electrical appliances, including clocks, radios, irons, toasters and the popular Henry vacuum cleaner. There are also telephone accessories and extension leads for mains use and telephones.
A very popular service is keycutting, which is performed on the premises ensuring an almost ‘while you wait’ service.
One of John Broughton’s main hobbies is photography, and if you visit his excellent website, www.broughtons.org.uk, you will see a number of innovative photos of his products taken against a backdrop of familiar Oxfordshire scenes.
If by some unlikely chance John Broughton hasn’t got what you want he will either get it for you or tell you exactly where you can get it. This really is a DIY Mans Paradise and you wouldn’t find a better, more helpful service for hardware items anywhere. Go and see for yourself.
Reviewed by Colin Rosser |
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