Memories of the 1950/60s

Remembering the shops

I lived at number 19 Ingram Square from 1954 until 1962, my age was from 10 to 18 years old. My house was one of those which were built around 1920. A close relation moved in to number 1 just after they were built. In the parade of shops there was Unwins, the off licence, Barden’s dairy, Tyson’s, Parfitt’s greengrocer, Saunder’s, chemist, Lewis, confectioner, Kirks, vacuum cleaner sales/repairs, plus a small grocer’s shop on the corner.

Grocery on ‘tick’

Mum used to buy grocery items on ‘tick’ during the week from Parfitt’s and details were written in a small red book. Mum paid up at the end of the week when Dad got paid. If Dad was off work and had not had any wages, they were very kind and understanding towards her, and let her pay when she could. I remember too the Co-op Store on my twice daily journey to and from the Knoll School for Boys.

The fish and chip van

I also remember the green which was enjoyed by all the kids in the area. There was the fish and chip van which used to pop up Thursday evenings, and the winkle man on a Saturday afternoons. It is such a shame that all traces of the Square have gone beneath the redevelopement. At least you can see some outline of Ingram Crescent from the road that still exists. I wonder what happened to that red telephone box that stood in the centre of the south side of the green?