Popular former Claret and 'Padiham Predator' Andy Payton officially re-opens shop for fan who named her daughter after him

Burnley fan and businesswoman Catherine Eastham McCarthy was thrilled to welcome her favourite Claret to perform the honours and officially re-launch her shop after lockdown.
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Andy Payton was the VIP guest when the shop, The Alchemist's Cottage, in Hawes, North Yorkshire, opened for the first time in April, 2019.

And he made a welcome return to the village last week to cut the ribbon to celebrate a new start for the business after lockdown.

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Catherine (42) runs the shop with her business partner, Lee Phillips, who she met while studying at Nelson and Colne College. A student at the former Barden High School in Burnley Lee travels for work.

Former Burnley player Andy Payton at the official opening of The Alchemist's Cottage in Hawes with (left) Catherine Eastham McCarthy and her partern Dom McLoughlin and (right) Catherine's daughter Payton


Catherine Eastham McCarthy, her partner Dom McLoughlin,  Rachel Elli and Neil Alderson, who both work in the shop and Catherine's daughter, Payton EasthamFormer Burnley player Andy Payton at the official opening of The Alchemist's Cottage in Hawes with (left) Catherine Eastham McCarthy and her partern Dom McLoughlin and (right) Catherine's daughter Payton


Catherine Eastham McCarthy, her partner Dom McLoughlin,  Rachel Elli and Neil Alderson, who both work in the shop and Catherine's daughter, Payton Eastham
Former Burnley player Andy Payton at the official opening of The Alchemist's Cottage in Hawes with (left) Catherine Eastham McCarthy and her partern Dom McLoughlin and (right) Catherine's daughter Payton Catherine Eastham McCarthy, her partner Dom McLoughlin, Rachel Elli and Neil Alderson, who both work in the shop and Catherine's daughter, Payton Eastham

Catherine added: "After spending the majority of the past year in lockdown, and moving premises to take over a gift shop as well as incorporating our already popular tea, coffee and eco friendly products, Andy came back to officially re-open our shop at its brand new location at Town Foot.

"As I am originally from Burnley I am very proud to have the support and friendship of Andy and wish him all the best with his coaching career and AP10 foundation."

Catherine, who attended Fisher Moore High School, Colne, worked at Asda in Colne and later in newspaper sales at the Burnley Express.

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She then went to live in Ireland with her partner Dom McLoughlin, who is 46 and also from Burnley and a fellow Clarets' fan. They moved to Hawes five years ago.

A full time tiler, Dom helps out in the shop along with Catherine's chef daughter Payton (23) who is named after her mum's favourite player.

The opening ceremony was attended by local vicar the Rev Dave Clark and Coun. Jill McMullon.

Andy also performed the official opening at new businesses Funky Pheasant Boutique and Feather and Fern Florist in the village.

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