Bohemia Village Voice

Clifford & Sue Pearce set up in Upper South Road

Clifford and Sue Pearce took over the former Bohemia Motors garage in Upper Park Road on 4th August. The couple have decided to make a clean sweep by giving the business a new name, “Clifford’s Automobiles”. Immediately they got the keys, they set about redecorating and getting staff. They already have a mechanic, and are now getting one or two apprentice mechanics.
Initially they had intended to spend a week or two getting everything prepared, but, said Sue, speaking three days after they took over, “It’s all taking off already. We wanted to get it all set for the opening, but people who have just walked past have asked if we can do things” As she spoke, a customer was having his MOT done on his vehicle and several other cars were awaiting attention. She said that a lot of passers-by had made encouraging comments when they saw new developments going on, and “the people from Hillcrest Garage have come down and wished us well.”
At present, Clifford is continuing to commute to his present job as a baker at the family business in Bookham, Surrey. He is planning to give that up and run the garage when business has built up.
“I’ve been in business since I was twenty-four, and I’m now sixty-six, so business isn’t new to me,” he said. “I used to sell cars in North Road, but I closed down because the Council wouldn’t give me planning permission. I wanted to buy a garage, so I looked in the Friday Ad and found this. I just fancied doing it, I’m just interested in cars.”
Bohemia Motors, formerly owned by James Clarke, ceased trading on 1st July this year.