A historic Kenilworth health store is set to change hands and have a rebrand after nearly half a century in the town.

Today (April 8) marks the launch of 'Remedy Kenilworth' as husband and wife team Lydia and Royle Lawrence take over the former Margaret Hills Health and Lifestyle shop at Millar Court.

First launched in 1982 by nurse Margaret Hills as a nutritional clinic to treat arthritis, the town centre business has offered a range of products as well as advice to treating various health conditions.

The shop had been owned by Margaret Hills' daughter and then latterly her granddaughter, but is set to be taken over by Lydia - who has managed the store for a decade - and Royle who has worked there for three years.

And the latest chapter in its history carries even more of a personal connection for the new owners.

"I have managed the store for 10 years," Lydia told Nub News.

"[My connection] started in my early 20s with a lady called Grace Bagworth - she introduced me to Margaret Hills.

"I was very poorly with an autoimmune condition from a young age. 

"I was serving her coffee every morning in Leamington and she kept telling me I needed to come to Margaret Hills to get this sorted, they can help you. 

"A year later I went and they changed my life, they got me off all medication and got me well. 

"A few years later I had another flare up and I came back, I then saw an advert on the door of the shop for someone to do a few days a week and they gave me a management role. 

"Julia Davies - Margaret Hills' granddaughter - helped guide me back to full health again and has been a constant support ever since. Now a decade on I am truly honoured that she has chosen us to continue the legacy."

New signs went up at the shop last week as Lydia and Royle got the keys for the first time on Wednesday 1 April.

But the couple were eager to reassure customers that while there will be some changes, the same products and the same trusted advice will still be available.

"It took a while to get the name, we thought of lots of ideas," Lydia continued. 

"It stuck [Remedy Kenilworth] and it reflects that it is a continuation of how they have helped and been the remedy for me for so many years. It is now our mission to help others find their remedy."

She continued: "It is still the same team and we are doing the same products. It is continuing things but also we want to make things a bit fresher, a bit funkier. 

"There will be lots of new talks, new events, new workshops. 

"Lots of well known local practitioners of Kenilworth have approached us to come and do in store talks; including acupuncturists, kinesiologists, nutritionists, they all want to be a part of our new venture and help create a space where we can all learn how to keep well. 

"We do a free drop in session every week with qualified nutritional therapists linked to Julia's business, which will continue every Wednesday 9.30am - 11.30am."

Owning the shop is also the realisation of a lifelong dream for qualified holistic therapist Lydia.

She explained: "I always had a dream of having a holistic health shop as a little girl.

"In some ways it was meant to be.

"Last year we got married and it was a bit of a tricky year, but things kept falling into place to get us onto the track to do it."

The couple were also quick to thank Julia Davies for their help and support in the transition of the business.

This as well as customers who have already been supportive of the rebrand.

Royle said: "It has been manic with the preparation of the new store''

"But it is completely worth it because there is a real need for us to remain''

"We are working hard to give it a new lease of life.

"It is the same staff, the same trusted advice but a new funky store with the same great products alongside new talks and events."

Lydia added: "It is an independent store and the support from the community is essential. 

"We have always had that, and we have had a great response from customers telling them what the plans are. 

"It is so important in these times we live in to have independent health stores that offer more than just products on a shelf, we offer care, guidance and just a friendly ear. The Remedy mission is to make sure that continues."

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