Tributes to Northumberland newsagent renowned for his selection of sweets

Tributes have been paid to former Morpeth newsagent Gordon Carr, who has died, aged 85, after a long illness.
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Gordon was a well-known businessman in the town having moved to Morpeth in 1972.

He retired and sold his shop in New Market 20 years ago, but the business retained his name and still trades there.

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Gordon was born in Sunderland where he was a pupil at the Bede Grammar School.

Gordon Carr.Gordon Carr.
Gordon Carr.

He worked for Barclays Bank in Sunderland, Berwick and Newcastle before setting up his own business in Morpeth.

His first shop, a general convenience shop and news agent, was in Howard Terrace where he and his first wife Pat built the business up from just a few newspaper deliveries to many rounds, both morning and evening, all over Morpeth.

Sadly Pat died in 1974 but he continued the business and became a familiar figure in the town, delivering groceries and papers to customers; his penny sweet selection was much loved by the local school children.

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In 1987, Gordon and his second wife Joan decided to move the business to a busier location and took over the former Maynard’s sweet shop in New Market.

He was a founding member of the Morpeth Pantomime Society and wrote and produced many of the shows including The Lambton Worm, Jack and the Beanstalk and Puss in Boots.

He was delighted to have been presented with a 40 year long service medal from NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) just a few weeks before his death.

He was also a member of the Sunderland Amateur Operatic Society and was a keen athlete in his youth.

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A regular golfer until just a few months before his death, Gordon was a member of Morpeth Golf Club and inspired his sons and grandsons to take up the sport. They are now attempting to match his achievement of hitting two holes-in-one on the course!

Due to the current coronavirus arrangements there will be a private cremation, but Gordon’s family intend to hold a thanksgiving service to celebrate his life once restrictions are lifted. They have been very touched by the many warm tributes made to him on social media.

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