​The ribbon was cut on the new Maple Leaf Express, situated on the junction of Panniers Lane and the A465 in Bromyard, on Saturday (February 7). The opening was attended by the town’s mayor, Mark Franklin, who said the garage, which had been opened as a petrol station in 1966, had been imprinted in the memories of many residents. Three generations of garage owners gathered for the opening. (Image: Maple Leaf Garage) New owner, Ronit Jangra, said the opening was a “proud moment” for the company, the Rondel Group, not just as a new business, but as “new members of a community with a rich story and a strong identity”. Crowds turned out for the opening, with one lucky customer, Ray Whittaker, receiving a free tank of fuel after being the first through the doors. Inside the revamped shop there is a large selection of wines, ciders, beers in the ‘beer cave’ as well as general groceries, frozen and chilled goods and coffee. Youngsters will be pleased to know the business has slushie machines, while on site, there is also an MOT testing centre and garage. Read more: Mr Jangra said Jim Spelman originally opened the site as a petrol station, building the business with both dedication and care. Over the years, the Spelman family extended the site to include a filling station and workshop, creating a business that served the town for decades. In March 2000, the station was purchased by Nigel Davis and Richard Mason, who continued to develop and modernise it. The first customer Ray Whittaker gets a free tank of fuel from the Maple Leaf garage (Image: Charlotte Moreau) Their work carried the site forward until Rondel Trading acquired it in May 2025, “with a commitment to preserve its legacy while preparing it for the future.” Stay updated with all the latest Herefordshire news that matters to you! Read the local news and stay informed with our advert-free app, read the paper before anyone else via: The Digital Edition, gain unlimited access to Hereford Times website, and much more. Mr Jangra said the opening “marks the next chapter in that journey”, and they are proud to have employed 17 residents within the business. He said the company’s role is not “limited to fuel”, but they also invested in the town, including the sponsorship of local cricket and rugby teams. He added: “On behalf of the Rondel Group, thank you for welcoming us. We’re excited to grow with Bromyard, to serve you, and to play our part in the future of this town.”