Ashfield Dry Cleaners
At number 52, are Ashfield Dry Cleaners who moved from across the road, on the corner of Station Street and Ellis Street, where they were located from at least June 2015 to September 2017. The two shops may have overlapped for a period as they have been located at 52 Station Street since April 2017 at least.
Location
Before that, from at least July 2009 to May 2016, the estate agent Location, were based here. In October 2008, number 52 looked empty. Prior to 2011, Location also had a branch at 9 Station Street. They continue to operate from an office base in Mansfield. I am grateful to Katherine Swan for the information that the branch they had in Sutton has closed.
Shirl’s Fruit Shop
In the 1980s, Shirl’s fruit shop was located here.
In a comment on Kirkby-in-Ashfield People Facebook Group, Bobby “Moore” Buxton noted that in the seventies, Shirl’s fruit shop had been Barry’s Fruit Shop (BFS). Barry was Barry Calladine, Shirley Calladine’s husband. He also had a pig farm on land near Mutton Hill overlooking the Warren. Bobby notes that Shirley’s “husband and his brother worked on the pig farm at weekends and odd evening they got £1.50 a week plus a bag of fruit.” Apparently, Barry and Shirley lived on Nuncargate Road. When they sold up, they retired to Tenerife.
In a comment on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, Sharon Griffiths identified Shirl as Shirley Wilkinson. Apparently, her father had also been a greengrocer in Kirkby and had had a shop on Lowmoor Road. She confirmed that Shirley had retired to Tenerife.
MG House Clearance
On Facebook, Sharon Griffiths explained, “MG House clearance is my husband Michael Griffiths’ business. He rented number 52 for a short while (previously Shirley Wilkinson greengrocers) before purchasing 54 Station Street from Strands Hairdressers. He moved the sales part of the business to Belper and the Crossing charity shop took over, as their premises in the old precinct was due for demolition to make way for Morrison’s.“
I presume from this that Shirl’s Fruit Shop was owned by Shirley Wilkinson/Calladine,
Clement Chilton
In 1941 and 1942, Clement Chilton, a fruiter and greengrocer, occupied 52 Station Street. Chilton sweet and gen appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940. Clement was married to Ethel Chilton who later established a wool shop at 56 Station Street, At that time, I think Clement was working as a chiropodist,
Edward Parry
In 1928, 52 Station Street was occupied by Edward Parry, a jeweller.
Fred Hutton?
According to the 1921 census, Ethel Mountain was living at 42 Station Street but working as a shop assistant for grocer Fred Hutton at 52 Station Street. However, I wonder if there is an issue with numbering as my understanding is that Fred Hutton operated from 50 Station Street.
Residents of 52 Station Street
The Chiltons
In 1939, Clement and Ethel Chilton were registered as living at number 52. He was recorded as working in the stockroom and packing department, perhaps of a boot maker She was recorded as a confectioner, fruit and grocer. He was also a sergeant in the special constabulary.
The Huttons
In 1921, Fred and Mary Hutton were living at 52 Station Street. He was described as a grocer’s assistant. He was working next door at 50 Station Street.
The Keys
In 1911, Thomas and Sarah Jane Key were living at 52 Station Street with their son, Cecil Joseph (b1890). Thomas was a shop keeper greengrocer and Cecil was working as a railway invoice clerk. The Keys were also there in 1901. Thomas Key was listed as a greengrocer in the 1898 Kelly’s Directory and in a 1912 list of shops in Station Street.
