Locals gathered on The Avenue in West Ealing last month (14 March 2026) to mark the 50th anniversary of a long-standing family newsagent, West Ealing News Agency, celebrating half a century of service by Madhu and Damji Davdra.
The couple opened the shop in 1976, initially occupying only half the current premises alongside a bakery. After the neighbouring business closed, they expanded, establishing what has since become a familiar fixture on the street.
The anniversary celebration brought together several generations of customers, reflecting the shop’s place in local life over five decades. While The Avenue has changed significantly in that time, with butchers, greengrocers and antique shops gradually disappearing, the newsagent has remained a constant presence.
As well as selling newspapers, stationery and everyday essentials, the shop has long been known for its personal service, with many customers stopping for a chat as well as their shopping.
It has also remained a family business throughout, with Madhu and Damji’s children, Nisha, Deepa, Divesh and Jo, all working in the shop over the years.
The family said: “The street looks very different now than it did in the seventies, but the warmth of our customers hasn’t changed. Having everyone together for the party was the perfect way to celebrate fifty wonderful years.”
 to mark the 50th anniversary of a long-standing family newsagent, West Ealing News Agency, celebrating half a century of service by Madhu and Damji Davdra.){kind=link}