A special celebration was held recently to say goodbye to two shopkeepers who have served the community of Penyrheol for the last 28 years.
Premji Bhoja and Dhanji Halai are stepping down as owners of the Londis in Troed Y Bryn, and threw a charity party at Penyrheol Community Centre on January 6.
The Bollywood and British themed bash gave people the chance to meet the new owners Ramesh Rupaliya and Ramesh Gorasiya.
Premji and Dhanji were not the only ones saying goodbye either.
Worker Yvonne Farruggi was presented with a retirement plaque for her 25 years of dedicated service in the shop.
Former local councillor Peter Slake gave Premji and Dhanji a presentation box as a thank you for all they had done for the community.
Over the years the shop has helped raise thousands of pounds for charity and this final celebration was no different with the event, attended by more than 150 people, raising £2,045 for Caerphilly Children’s Centre in Energlyn.
The evening was compèred by Londis Retail Development Manager Pauline Price and featured dance troupe Dance Unity, Bollywood dancers (including a special appearance by Premji and family), and singers Annalise and Paul Mason.
Making an appearance fresh from London’s West End was 11-year-old Eshan Gopal – star of Michael Jackson musical Thriller.
On the stage, Eshan played the young singer and wowed guests at the Penyrheol party with his impressive dance moves.
Dhanji gave a speech thanking the community and staff for all the support over the past 28 years, and introduced the new owners on stage and urged the community to give them the same support.
I wish them all the very best in retirement. My parents, both now gone, loved ‘Danny’s’ shop. A hard act to follow indeed for the new owners.