The history of 217 Aldershot Road
Paula's family has run businesses at 217 Aldershot Road for over 100 years. Take a fascinating peek into the family and business history.
Keeping it in the family, a history of PK's
The buildings have been in the family since 1918'ish, when Granddad Kent ran a bicycle/ motorcycle shop in 219, the middle unit, Granny Kent ran a hardware store next door in 217, and Uncle George lived in the bungalow which is now 221…we still have his toilet in the backyard!
Over the years, a flat was built on top of 219, this is where my Father was raised. The business grew, and eventually all the buildings were joined together to make one big shop, much like it is now.
My parents continued Dave Kent Motorcycles until, sadly, in 1996, my Father was driven off on his motorcycle and we were forced to close the business.
The building was split back into three units and rented out over the years to various businesses.
In 2007, I had a bright idea, let's open a pet shop. One unit, 217 was empty …it was meant to be! In that moment, PK’s was conceived……in ten days, I pulled it all together, opened the door for the first time and prayed I’d made the right choice!
Eighteen years later, and things are somewhat different. I have managed to occupy all three units, I have to say it’s like stepping back in time some days when I walk in the back door just as I’ve done my whole life. I still expect to see Dad wafting about, tube of grip fill in hand, sticking the buildings back together. Even though Dad is no longer with us, I like to think he would be chuffed to see the buildings back together again, as they were all those years ago.
