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Sadly, Sham Grimshaw, who worked at both the Old and the New Covent Garden Markets, passed away recently. He was 75.
He was born in Westminster and raised in Pimlico, where from a young age he would carry cases at Victoria Station before starting work on a fruit stand in Pimlico.
Sham was well known in the market during a career here that stretched back many years. He started at Mack & Edwards, followed by Pankhurst’s before setting up his own business - D.D.P. - in the 80’s with son Kevin, who also sadly passed away, in 2019.
As well as supplying The House of Lords for 20 years, Sham achieved 2 Royal Warrants whilst in charge at D.D.P. – The Queen Mother and Her Majesty The Queen – the latter of which still remains today, unbroken after over 20 years of supplying The Royal Households. Sham was immensely proud of this and knew the importance of having reliable staff and suppliers around him. This has not changed and even since retiring, he still spoke to suppliers and constantly reminded his other son, Paul, of the importance of working with good people.
Paul said: “I can’t get anywhere near what he achieved over the years. Even though he retired from the business over 2 years ago, he still knew what was going on and we spoke virtually every day. I will miss his sense of humour every day and being a solid sounding board for business and life in general.”
He was a true market man and loved the cut and thrust of the early morning trade and the obstacles it presented, and still presents, every day. He worked very hard all of his life and was not one for lavish holidays, but enjoyed the peace and quiet of living in the country with wife, Carole.
With apologies to those who we may have missed out below - he enjoyed talking to many faces on Buyers’ Walk, including Eddie (HG Walkers), Ian (French Garden), Bruce (Bruce White), Nick and Terry (London Fresh), Bart (Supreme), Robert Reid, Barry Damian (Gilgrove), Simon (Greenhills), Barry Grant, Roger Garber and last but not least, Gary (Bevingtons), who he grew very fond of, not only because of his support on a daily basis, but also the unenviable job of being Chairman of the Covent Garden Tenants’ Association. Sham was keen to support Gary with regard to the proposed redevelopment and was a member of the CGTA Management Committee for over 10 years. He was well and truly in support of all the ‘Phase One’ Tenants sticking together. Gary Marshall, Chairman of CGTA commented on the bad news: “Sham was a great supporter of the Market, especially the CGTA and me as Chairman. His unbiased advice, wisdom and staunch support was priceless. He was a Man of his word and a Gentleman. He will be sadly missed”
So that all his staff and many of the market community can attend, the funeral has been arranged on a Saturday – 19th March at Chilterns Crematorium in Amersham (11.30am) and the family would welcome anyone from the market.
