The aquatics store that 'inspired' a community

The closure of an "inspirational" aquatic store after nearly 70 years in business has led to an outpouring of tributes from local people.

Barry Allday, who owns The Goldfish Bowl in east Oxford, announced last month he was "hanging up his net", citing a combination of reaching retirement age, rising costs and the city's traffic measures.

After taking over the shop, he said he was always happy for families and children to spend hours there, well aware that most would not spend any money.

"We wanted to educate local children because there's no public aquarium round here," he added.

"A lot of people who come don't even keep fish. We just feel it's a fabulous subject."

Allday said he began a part-time job at the shop's nearby first site in 1970, when he was 14 years old, "sweeping floors and making cups of tea".

Among the children who have enjoyed the shop over the years are those supported by Helen and Douglas House children's hospice, located a few doors down.

Polly Windsor, a play specialist at the hospice, presented Allday with one of several thank-you cards that lined the shop's front desk.

"It's a great source of inspiration," she said.

"A lot of our children are non-verbal or in wheelchairs, and the shop is a brilliant, sensory experience for them."

Local parent, teacher Edward Tolputt, has been bringing his two young children to the shop for several years.

He said: "Young children are captivated by the shop and it's now reached adults who were here when they were children."

Over the years, the shop in Magdalen Road has stocked a huge range of cold-water, tropical and marine fish in its sprawling units, including seahorses, piranhas and clownfish.

I lived within walking distance of the shop until I was four years old and can still remember how vast and otherworldly it seemed.

Andy Webber has been a customer for 35 years.

He said: "The shop means a lot to me, if they haven't got something, they'll get it for you.

"It's a real community asset, which will be missed."

The fish will be sold off before the shop closes at the end of July, with those left over being donated to local aquariums.

Allday said working at the shop, and watching so many people coming in-and-out, are memories he will "treasure for life".

Donations to a fundraising page Tolputt began, hoping to buy a small retirement gift for Allday and his wife Ping, have now reached more than £2,500.

He said: "I thought it would only end up being a couple of hundred quid, it turns out I'm not the only one in east Oxford who feels a debt of gratitude."

Despite the store closing, Allday said his passion for aquatic life will not be over: "Remember, fish-keeping is about two things: good water and feeding the fish correctly.

"If you get that right, you're 99% of the way there."

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