A couple who between them have dedicated a century to the jewellery trade are stepping back for a well-earned retirement.

Eastern Daily Press: Angela and Rodney Ellis, who have run Dipples jewellery shops in Norwich and Dereham for more than 50 years are stepping back to pass the business on to their children - making it a fifth generation family business. Pi ctures: BRITTANY WOODMANAngela and Rodney Ellis, who have run Dipples jewellery shops in Norwich and Dereham for more than 50 years are stepping back to pass the business on to their children - making it a fifth generation family business. Pi ctures: BRITTANY WOODMAN (Image: Archant)

Rodney and Angela Ellis have worked at Dipples Family Jewellers, which has shops in Norwich and Dereham, for a combined 110 years, with Mr Ellis joining the business in 1958 and his wife in 1972.

Mrs Ellis still manages the Norwich Road branch in Dereham, while Mr Ellis, despite having recently turned 80, still serves as company chairman.

However, the pair are now planning to take a step away from the business, passing the torch to the fifth generation of the family, son Chris Ellis, who is already managing director of the Norwich branch.

Mrs Ellis said during their time in the business they had seen wholesale change in the industry and the world around them, surviving an armed robbery and making lifelong friends along the way.

Eastern Daily Press: Dipples Jewellers four of the best For : Evening NewsCopy : Jo MaloneCopyright Archant NorfolkDipples Jewellers four of the best For : Evening NewsCopy : Jo MaloneCopyright Archant Norfolk

She said: “In our time we have sold engagement rings to couples who have since returned to buy rubies for their anniversaries. We’ve lived through the decimal system, three-day weeks and are now seeing the coronavirus pandemic, so it’s safe to say, we have seen a lot.

“We had an armed robbery in the 1980s, that nobody really heard about at the time, and have worked with such wonderful people across the years.”

Founded in Essex in 1878 by George Henry Dipple, the brand has been in Norfolk since the 1800s, with the first Norfolk branch opening around 1894 in Swan Lane, where it has remained ever since.

The Dereham branch, which was founded by Mr Ellis, great grandson of George Henry, opened in 1963.

Eastern Daily Press: Rodney Ellis of Dipplesfor EDP Businessf eaturePhoto: Adrian JuddCopy: Steve CoxFor: EDP BusinessEDP pics © 2004(01603) 772434Rodney Ellis of Dipplesfor EDP Businessf eaturePhoto: Adrian JuddCopy: Steve CoxFor: EDP BusinessEDP pics © 2004(01603) 772434 (Image: Archant © 2005)

Mrs Ellis added: “We will miss the customers the most, their loyalty has been greatly appreciated and our colleagues look forward to continuing to welcome them in the future.

“Although we leave with a heavy heart, we look forward to spending more time together, travelling around the beautiful British countryside and indulging in our passion for photography.

“We also owe such thanks to all of our staff over the years, some of whom have been working for us for 30 years themselves.”

Eastern Daily Press: Dipples Jewellers re-opens after a major refurbishment.; PHOTO: ANTONY KELLYDipples Jewellers re-opens after a major refurbishment.; PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2010)