Bolton: Rigby’s Chippy closes after 41 years in business

Rigby’s Chippy has become much more than a traditional fish and chip shop to the community on Deane Church Lane, and surrounding roads.

Veteran frier Margaret Rigby made the tough decision to initially sell the shop following a mini stroke affecting her balance.

But she says she does not know if it will ever be a chippy again after no final offers were made.

She said: “It’s a sad farewell and I will really miss everybody, but through ill health there was no other way.

“My daughters Andrea and Diane have been really good.”

Over the years Margaret has seen people come and go and really got to know her customers – who were like family to her.

People would travel from all over to go to Rigby’s, and some had been going since they were children.

Margaret said: “There are so many memories and we have had some fun times.

“There were so many old people that came in who have been coming in since it opened. They wouldn’t go anywhere else.

“I am going to miss the people the most. We all became friends really.”

Although she has too many memories that will always stay with her, she recalled the time when Bolton legend Paddy McGuinness came to see her whilst he was doing a competition for Top Gear.

She said: “I’m friends with Paddy.

“And he was doing this competition for Top Gear with another presenter.

“They had to be in their car for 24 hours and they turned up for their dinners.

“I was there with my walking stick, and they shouted what they wanted.”

She also says that Bolton comedy legend Peter Kay became a fan of the chippy and would often come in.

During Christmas, Margaret would make Christmas dinners for regulars on the street who didn’t have anyone to spend the day with.

The dinners were complete with a glass of wine and some cake.

Margaret said: “I would sit down once everyone had their dinners.

“But over the years less people came as people passed away.

“I know I couldn’t do it anymore and there was no better time.”

Margaret has since moved to a retirement home, which she says is very nice.

She is now looking forward to spending more time with her family and friends.

The chippy even gained national attention after appearing on the BBC.

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Source – INDIA TV