Popular Armagh businessman, Ernie Hawthorne, is celebrating his 90th birthday today (September 20) – and the whole city has come together to wish him all the best!
Ernie and his wife, Joy, ran The Garden Stores on Scotch Street for half a century, with the business only closing in 2014 so he could retire.
Owned by the Hawthorne family, the Garden Stores Armagh was a mainstay at the heart of the city’s commercial life since it opened in March 1964.
The shop was originally a fruit and veg shop, but when Ernie’s son, Peter, took over the running 30 years ago, it turned to a garden and Christmas shop.
Its closure in 2014 wasn’t an easy decision, but a necessary one.
Peter subsequently started Armagh Trailers, where even to this day, Ernie still visits the yard to meet customers and ‘have the craic’.
Born in 1934, Ernie was one of 14 children, with the Hawthorne name carrying great weight in the world of business in Armagh City.
A Redrock man, Ernie was educated at the local school before leaving at 14, embarking on his first job, an apprenticeship with W.R. Johnstons, a seed firm based in the Shambles.
Ernie stayed there until his 20s, when he left to move on to other things.
He worked as a bread man for an old Scotch Street bakery – English’s – for a time, and also drove a van selling paraffin oils and candles.
In 1964, he bought The Garden Stores shop, alongside his wife Joy.
“They lived above it for many years,” son Peter said. “They had a good successful business there for years. Me and my brothers all came up through it.”
Peter says his dad is still upbeat: “He’s still very active even today, very fit and able. His mind is sharp and he’s a very witty man and he still likes a bit of craic and a joke.
“Dad is a very keen gardener, he loves feeding the birds and he loves playing indoor and outdoor bowls.
“He was always fond of travelling. They had a caravan up at Cranfield and used to spend the summers at the caravan.”
Ernie, the oldest living amongst his family, had four children, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
He’s also a J.P. A Justice of the Peace.
“Me and my brothers are just very thankful to have our parents still with us with everything they’ve taught us through the years. We’ve came up in a good Christian family,” Peter added.
“Me and my brothers came through the business. We worked in the shop for years with mum and dad and he’s pretty well-known in the town.”
Like many of his generation, faith is a huge part of Ernie’s life. He’s currently an elder at Redrock Presbyterian Church, where he has been a member all his life.
“He’s a good man of faith,” his son explained. “He believes in God and would’ve sang in choirs all this life. He grew up in that church, so he’s there 90 years now.”
He also sang alongside Cliff Richard at the Dick Saunders Mission Crusades, where he sang at the Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem.
“Dad has been a hard-worker all his life, and a very generous man. He’s humble and has gained a lot of respect.
“Dad is one of the kindest gentlemen you will ever meet, he always has time for everyone, and just loves a bit of craic. He’s a very knowledgeable, caring man who has helped so many people through the years.
“He’s not only my father but my friend and partner in business for so many years. Dad has taught me so much, in fact, he’s my role model.”
I’m sure we speak for all of Armagh when we say ‘Happy Birthday, Ernie!’
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