New family-run fishing business opens in town centre

Westbury local, Phil Chester, is opening Westbury Tackle, a shop for all your fishing needs, on Maristow Street on Saturday 9th November. 

It will be a family-run business with Phil’s wife, Helen, and sons Jasper and Arthur also lending a hand. 

The shop will specialise in carp equipment and bait, along with predator tackle and sea fishing tackle and a variety of baits. 

Everyone is invited to the open day on Saturday 9th November at 21 Maristow Street, with tea and cake.

Munch Baits and Hobo Armour will also be there with product demonstrations and advice. 

Phil Chester told White Horse News, “I have had a passion for fishing for the last 30 years and have now decided to take the leap and set up my own shop.

“I previously worked at Fairfield Farm College for 11 years, but left in April. I was hoping to start the shop up then, but a few complications and struggling to  find a suitable premises has meant that it isn’t until now that I’m opening up ‘Westbury Tackle.’ 

“It’s pretty much now or never and I know that I would regret it forever if I didn’t give it a try. 

“There is lots of water  around here, six lakes in Westbury, so the demand is good. We are also close to the Kennet and Avon Canal and Shearwater lakes amongst others. 

“I am very excited about the shop, but also very nervous. I had have some great feedback so far about the shop coming to the town. We also have a Facebook page, Instagram page and website that my wife Helen is running, and we are hoping to set up online sales in the near future too. 

“It’s all a bit nostalgic to me as my great-aunty and uncle both had shops along Maristow Street – a ladies’ and gents ‘outfitters, so it’s nice to be on the same street at them. 

“Westbury town centre is starting to come back to life again – it has missed out over the years but now a lot more smaller shops are coming in and it’s picking up.”

Helen Chester added, “We will also have gift vouchers available as presents, so perfect for Christmas. They are great when wives or partners of those who fish don’t know what to get them. 

“We also sell fishing hampers full of a variety of different products. They are great for young starters.

“Phil will also be around for some friendly advice for beginners or for the experienced fisher.”

Westbury Tackle will be open Monday-Saturday from 9-5 with the hope of opening 7 days a week with extended hours over the summer period. 

For more information, visit their Facebook page by searching ‘Westbury Tackle’ or visit www.westburytackle.com.

Picture: Phil Chester with sons Arthur and Jasper.