Jewellers shut after discovery

A JEWELLERS in Henley has closed down suddenly because it was no longer viable.

David Rodger Sharp in Market Place shut at the end of last month, eight months after the death of its founder of the same name.

Mr Rodger-Sharp, 39, who lived in Peppard with John, his husband of 17 years, was found dead in his shop on October 8.

He had two eponymous jewellery businesses with his business partner Andy Byerley. The second branch was in Oxford.

In a statement, Mr Byerley said there was no other option but to close the business after finding “many irregularities”.

He said: “David Rodger- Sharp died in October 2023. He overcame many challenges in his life but we felt he was at his absolute happiest at DRS Jewellery. He has been described as generous and a pillar of the community. However, regardless of what the outside world saw, David had vulnerabilities and, as the months have passed, we feel we now have a fuller picture of the events that took place leading up to his death, which gives us an understanding, but little comfort.

“In the aftermath of David’s death, it has become apparent that he went to considerable lengths to conceal many irregularities.

“Despite our best efforts, working seven days a week and investigating each case with the aim of resolving the issues, it is clear that David Rodger-Sharp Jewellers continuing as a viable business is no longer an option and, regrettably, we have had to close the doors.

“We have been overwhelmed by the kindness of many of our customers, the local business community, our friends and family over the last seven months and we’d like to take this opportunity to thank them all.

“Arrangements are being made for repairs and other customer items to be returned to them safely and we request patience while this process is implemented.”

Mr Rodger-Sharp, who was known as a keen supporter of community initiatives in Henley, also ran Lawlor’s Bakery with two business partners.

In November, about 300 people attended a celebration of his life at the town hall, including friends and colleagues.

The service was livestreamed for his mother, Maxine, sister Laura, nephews and nieces, and John, who watched from his native Scotland.