Station Street
My grandfather worked in Station Street in Kirkby for most of his working life. According to the 1911 census, the Parkin family were occupying numbers 70, 72, 74 and 76 Station Street. When his diary starts, in 1914, he was working in his father’s shoe workshop there. Later, he became the owner of the shoe business and ran it until he retired in the late 1950s. The Parkin family lived there from when my mum was born in 1934 until 1951 and mum and dad also lived there briefly after they were married in 1956. Both mum’s and grandad’s diaries talk about people and places in Station Street and I have been gradually building up a picture of what it was like over the years.
Initially an Imaginary Walk
I did this initially by taking an imaginary walk up and down Station Street around the time of the second world war and around 2021. However, in August 2023, I visited Kirkby and walked up and down Station Street in real life. I have made other visits subsequently. The modern photos on this page are from one of those trips. I have therefore dropped the “imaginary” from the title.
Sources of Information
I approached the initial imaginary walks armed with a 1939 map, a list of shops on Station Street in 1942, a number of historical photos of Station Street from the Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group and elsewhere and the wonders of Google.
The 1942 list of shops was probably compiled from Kelly’s Directory. I have compiled similar lists for 1928 and 1941 from that source. The 1941 and 1942 lists are almost identical. Although I have an 1899 Kelly’s Directory, I was not able to compile a list like this for that year as it lacks street names for businesses.
Other Lists
When I visited Kirkby in August 2023, I obtained another list of shops in Station Street from the Heritage Centre. This list is said to cover the period circa 1920 to 1940 and was compiled by F Jacques. Here I refer to this as Jacques’ List.
In February 1924, a list of shops in Station Street in 1912 was posted on Annesley OC Heritage Extra Facebook page. The source of this was said to be Kirkby and District conservation society newsletters over time. The list itself, which runs over two pages, is credited to Barbara Parkin. I wonder if this list was derived from Kelly’s directories or similar sources.
Historical Photographs of Station Street
The Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group has a number of posts containing photos of Station Street. There are also photos of Station Street in the books by Frank Ashley, Sylvia Sinfield and Gerald Lee namely “Kirkby & District from Old Photographs” (p64, p68, p71 and p104) and “Kirkby & District: A Second Selection” (p 4). Also, there are more photos in the book “Kirkby-in-Ashfield: Yesterday Remembered” (p18) by Gerald Lee. There are photographs of some postcards of Station Street in the book “Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Annesley on Old Picture Postcards” by David Ottewell (#s 14, 15 and 32).
The book, produced by Kirkby Heritage Centre, entitled “Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Annesley and Kirkby Woodhouse Then and Now Vol 2” compares historic and modern (2017) photos of a number of places including several on Station Street (p14-p19). There are also some photographs of Station Street in the book “Kirkby: A People’s History” (p17, p19, p22, p55 and p68) published by Kirkby Volunteer Centre. The Kirkby and District Conservation Society booklet “A Brief History of Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Portland Park” contains some photos of Four Lane Ends (p14 and p15) and the Midland Station (p43) at respective ends of Station Street.
Similar Walks
Mark Ashfield described a similar walk in his 1989 book “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” in a chapter entitled “A Street for all Seasons” (from p17). However, he started at the Nag’s Head so walked in an opposite direction to how it is described here.
Relatively recently, I came across Edith Searson’s second book(let) entitled “I Also Remember“. Chapter two of that book(let) (p13-p33) described a Whistle Stop Tour of East Kirkby from around 1917 onwards. It started at Coxmoor Lodge, where the Searsons lived, but included the entirety of Station Street walking the same direction as Mark Ashfield.
Even more recently, I came across the My Trail website which features a trail along Station Street. This appears to be a collaboration between Digital Producer and historian David Amos and seems to be a work in progress. The Station Street trail is introduced with a historic map overlaid with modern landmarks. It moves between six numbered points from the Nag’s Head (#1) to the Regent Cinema (#2) through Station Street Shops (#3) to the Festival Hall on Hodgkinson Road (#4) to the Spring Factory (#5) and then to the Midland Station (#6).
Even more recently than that, the Annesley OC Heritage Extra Facebook page featured a cutting from the Free Press where Ken Higham shared his memories of Kirkby including of many memories of businesses on Station Street.
Other Sources
I also have an official guide to Kirkby from 1950, which was kindly given to me by Helen Jay, a programme for the 1953 Kirkby carnival, a 1969 Kirkby directory and a list of shops which took part in a window spotting competition which I think is from the eighties. All these were useful as they contained adverts for many firms, some of which were located in Station Street.
Now, I have access to other maps, from 1914 and around 1900. I also referred to the censuses of 1901, 1911 and 1921, and the 1939 Register as these contain information about people living in Station Street at different times.
I have also posted material from this walk on various Facebook groups, particularly the Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group and the Kirkby-in-Ashfield People Facebook Group. This was part of my process when I was developing more detailed posts for every building on Station Street. I received a lot of comments and additional material during that process which I have incorporated here and in individual building posts. As a result, the material is now focused less on a simple comparison between two time periods and seeks rather to track a more continuous process of change over time. I have produced a summary booklet covering all the buildings on Station Street. A PDF version of that can be downloaded from here and also at the bottom of this page.
Station Road?
Grandad always referred to Station Street. Anyone I have asked about it has responded that it was always called that. However, on a map I have, from around 1900, it is labelled Station Road. In addition, Station Road extended across Four Lane Ends onto what is now Diamond Avenue.
Origin of the Name
Regardless of whether it started off as Station Road, Station Street was named after East Kirkby Railway Station which was also known as the Midland and LMS Station. Indeed, while that station was open, the demarcation between Urban Road and Station Street was the level crossing close to the station.
Station Street Level Crossing.
There are photographs of the Station Street level crossing in the book “Kirkby-in-Ashfield: An Interesting Township” by Bill Clay-Dove (p39) and in the Kirkby and District Conservation Society booklet “A Brief History of Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Portland Park” (p43). There are contrasting photos of what the transition from Urban Road to Station Street was like when the level crossing was in place and now in the Kirkby Heritage Centre book “Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Annesley and Kirkby Woodhouse Then and Now Volume 2“. The level crossing is identified as a favourite place for trainspotters in Jonathan Evans’ book “The Mystery of Ernie Taylor’s Abdomen” (p79).
For the purposes of the m,ore detailed building descriptions, I start with East Kirkby Railway Station and end, back in the same place, with the Station Street level crossing.
Starting the Walk
The walk starts at the corner of Station Street and what is now Portland Street but, according to maps I have from circa 1900, 1914, 1939 and 1969, was previously called Factory Road.
East Kirkby Railway Station
Looking up Portland Street/Factory Road in the sixties or earlier, East Kirkby station would have been to the left but this appears now to be residential accommodation.
Three Railway Stations
At one time, Kirkby in Ashfield had three railway stations – Kirkby Bentinck, Kirkby in Ashfield Central and Kirkby in Ashfield East. They all closed in the 1960s, Kirkby in Ashfield Central in 1962, Kirkby Bentinck in 1963 and Kirkby in Ashfield East in 1964. A new station, at a different location opened in the 1990s and is the current station.
Motor Discount Shop
After the station closed, the buildings were used by Alan Holmes as a base for his motor discount shop.
William Walker Hosiery Factory
Turning and walking along Station Street, prior to the mid sixties, there would have been a hosiery factory, William Walker and Sons. Walkers were listed as hosiery manufacturers in the list of shops in Station Street that I have from 1942. It was then taken over by Kirkby Seating Company who specialised in making sprung upholstered car seats and this explains why locally it was known as the “spring factory“.
There are photographs of this factory in “Kirkby & District from Old Photographs” by Frank Ashley, Sylvia Sinfield and Gerald Lee (p104) and in their other book “Kirkby & District: A Second Selection” (p97). There is a photograph of the factory, and a description of working there, in the Kirkby Volunteer Centre book “Kirkby A People’s History“. The factory is also described by Mark Ashfield in “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (p23). They were also listed in the 1928 and 1941 Kelly’s Directories trading as “Reklaw”. The factory is listed as Walkers Factory Stockings on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940.
Recollecting William Walker and His Factory
Edith Searson, in her book(let) “I Also Remember” recalled both the factory and the owner. Of the factory, she said “it was a dark red-brick building and looked somewhat awesome; it had a large chimney, and on the building the words ‘William Walker and Sons Ltd., Hosiers‘ were painted. She recalled that William Walker lived in Nottingham and he came each day by train arriving at 9.05am. During World War 1, William Walker received an exemption from military service from Kirkby Tribunal.
Spring Factory
At some point, the factory was taken over by Kirkby Seating Company who specialised in making sprung upholstered car seats and this explains why locally it was known as the “Spring Factory“. In about the mid-sixties, the “Spring Factory” closed and re-located to a factory on Queen’s Street off Lindley’s Lane. The factory at this site on Station Street was then demolished.
Kirkby Motor Services/Lindleys
Until at least 2022, this was where Kirkby Motor Services offered MOTs, services, tyres and repairs. It had been there since at least 2008. However, apparently in January 2022, it was taken over by Lindley’s Autocentres. It was re-branded as Lindley’s sometime between 2023 and 2024.
It appears that this business was run by Alan Holmes and that he moved here when the old station buildings were demolished. This business should not be confused with the car sales business that was operated by Chris Spencer on the other side of Station Street.
Swit Swoo
After the garage, “now”, the first shop is Swit Swoo fashion boutique but this appears to be in a fairly modern building, perhaps confirmed by this being numbered as 1B Station Street. It opened in 2019. Prior to that Kirkby Car Spares and Accessories were based here.
A Run of Terraced Houses
There follows a run of terraced houses with shop fronts that go from number 1 to number 19.
1 Station Street
Thomas Booth, Auctioneer and Valuer
The first shop around the time of the second world war would have been Thomas H Booth, auctioneer and valuer at 1 Station Street. According to the 1939 Register, he and his wife Constance lived there. In addition to his work as an auctioneer, he was also a special constable.
Solicitors
In 1928, the solicitors Rorke and Jackson were here although, by 1941, they had moved to number 21. In the 1980s and 1990s respectively, the solicitors J-J Spencer, Haigh and Sweet and Cleaver Thompson were here.
More recently, in 2008 and 2009, the solicitors Broadbents were here and they seem to have acted as agents for The Derbyshire Building Society.
PAWS Charity Shop
Between at least 2011 and 2015, the property was empty. From 2016 until recently, 1 Station Street was home to PAWS Charity Support Shop that supported a number of animal related-charities. However, when I visited in August 2023, the property seemed empty again.
Anemona Sweets
Anemona Sweets opened at 1 Station Street in June 2024. According to the shop’s Facebook page, it sells home-made sweets.
3 Station Street
Thomas Hargeaves, Boot Repairer
Next, at number 3 was Thomas Redvers Hargreaves a boot repairer. He also appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940. I am particularly interested in him given that my grandfather also sold and repaired boots just along the street from here. In her book(let) “I Also Remember“, Edith Searson referred to it as a saddlers and leather shop. She noted that a house stood back from the shop and that this house was occupied by Ben Miller. He worked at Walker’s factory. He and his wife had seven children and, as they left school, they too worked at the factory.
The Millers
I checked into this a little and it seems that this house was in fact 1 Station Street. Benjamin Miller was recorded as living there in the 1901, 1911 and 1921 censuses along with his wife, Lily Ado(i)sha, and children, Clarice (b1900/1), Alice (b1901/2), Alfred (b1903/4), Florence Nel(l)y (b1905), Lily (b1906/7), Benjamin (b1908/9) and Charles Ernest (b1911). Sure enough, according to the 1921 census, the five older children were all working at Walker’s factory.
Thomas Hargreaves
In 1939, Thomas Hargreaves was living at number 3 with his wife Charlotte and their son John who was an apprentice boot repairer.
Wilfred Lilley
According to a 1912 list, Wilfred Lilley, a butcher, occupied 3 Station Streetat that time.
William Chappell
In 1928, a fruiterer by the name of William Chappell was at 3 Station Street.
Holders and the Woolwich Building Society
Later, in the seventies and eighties, Holders were based at 3 Station Street and they served as agents for Woolwich Building Society.
Imageworks
Imageworks Hair and Beauty were at number 3 from when it was established in 2003 until at least March 2022. However, in April 2023, the shop looked empty with a banner for AAE (All Aspects Electrical) over the name board.
Elevated Grace Healthcare
As of July 2024, it appears that 3 Station Street is occupied by Elevated Grace Healthcare. They have a large poster in the window. Companies House has this as their registered address although there is a different registered address, 78 Greenwood Drive, on their website. They appear to provide domiciliary care services.
5 Station Street
Maltby and Griffiths
Next-door to this, at 5 Station Street, at the time of the second world war was Fred Maltby a photographer. In 1939, Fred Maltby was living there, with his wife Dorothy, and it appears that he was also an air raid warden.
At some point thereafter, this business became Maltby and Griffiths. This may have been in 1948 as their advert in the 1969 directory refers to them being 21 at that time. As a local firm of photographers, they were well-known in the area with many people commenting that they took their wedding photographs. They appear to have operated at least into the 1980s as they appear on the notice for the window spotting competition from that era.
At some point, it appears that Fred Maltby stepped down from the business and it was run by Harold Griffiths and Len Scothern. They are noted as the firm’s Directors in the advert for 1953.
Recollecting Maltby and Griffiths
Edith Searson in her book(let) “I Also Remember” notes that there was Maltby and Griffiths photographers here in a small shop in comparison to the large shop housing Mrs Fox’s millinery business next door. However, I think she may be referring to number 9 as described below. She also mentions that Maltby and Griffiths not only took photographs but they also sold cameras and “other articles to help amateur photographers“. She notes that the business was started by Ken Maltby but I wonder if she meant Fred. I did wonder if Ken Maltby might have been Fred’s father but, from the 1911 census, it seems that his father was John and he was a railway stoker.
Maltby – A Common Kirkby Name
Maltby appears to have been a fairly common Kirkby name and one that appeared fairly frequently in grandad’s diary. According to the 1939 Register, John William and Fanny Maltby lived in Welbeck Street next-door but two to what is now 98 Welbeck Street, a house that was built for my grandmother’s parents by Albert Newcombe in the 1930s. The Maltbys’ son Walter was born in 1898, making him less than a year younger than my grandfather and he is mentioned often in grandad’s diary. For example, grandad noted in 1956 when Walter bought a car, a three-year old Morris Minor, and they also did odd jobs together. Walter worked as a colliery wage clerk. While Walter did have a younger brother called Frederick, this does not appear to be the same Fred Maltby as the photographer.
Harry Dyson Fox
It appears that, at least initially, Fred Maltby rented the premises from Harry Dyson Fox. In 1928, in addition to running a tobacconist at 7 Station Street, Harry Dyson Fox ran a confectioner at number 5.
Regional Driving Services
Since 2008, number 5 has had a range of occupants. From 2008-2011, it housed recruitment firm Regional Driving Services. Their name was still displayed in 2015 but the windows were boarded up.
Ifix4you
In April 2017, the property was for sale and, in September 2017, it was scheduled for auction. In July 2018, a mobile phone repair company called Ifix4you had their name there although the property looked empty and there was a “To Let” sign in the window. Their name was still there in August 2018 and the “To Let” sign had gone.
World Food Store
In March 2019, their name had gone and there appears to have been an unnamed convenience store there. In September 2020, the World Food Store was there. They appeared to offer a range of international foods including from South Africa. Above the shop window were18 flags almost as in a pub quiz round. However, by August 2021, the flags had gone and the shutter was down.
Zee Cosmetics and Fabrics
From March 2022, Zee Cosmetics and Fabrics Ltd have been there.
7-11 Station Street
Three Hairdressers
Let’s now consider the next three properties together. Currently, they comprise three hairdressers/salons, the first, at number 7 is the hairdressers/salons, Millionwaves and this is followed by Kirkby Ashfield Nails and Beauty at number 9 and Andrew’s barber shop at number 11.
Those businesses have been there together since 2017. Millionwaves appeared sometime between 2011 and 2015. Andrew’s barber shop has been at number 11 since 1996.
Christopher Waynes
Before 2011, number 7 was occupied by another hair stylist, Chris’s/Christopher Waynes.
P & K Pet Supplies
From 2011-2015, number 9 was occupied by P & K Pet Supplies.
Location
Before 2011, number 9 was the estate agent Location. Between at least July 2009 and May 2016, the estate agent Location also had a base at 52 Station Street. They continue to operate from office bases in Mansfield and Sutton.
The Foxes
At the time of the second world war, number 7 was said to be the premises for tobacconist Harry Dyson Fox and next to him at number 9 was a ladies’ outfitters run by Mrs M H Fox. Initially, I wondered if one married couple were running two businesses. In 1939, Harry and Maud Fox were living at number 7 so this is possible. Interestingly, they are both described as hairdressers and there is a Fox G/L (gents and ladies?) Hairdressing on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940. In 1928, both the tobacconist and ladies outfitters businesses were in existence but Harry Dyson Fox also had a confectioners at number 5 where Fred Maltby, the photographer, was later based. Mrs M H Fox is listed as a ladies wear retailer on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940.
Dale Cafe
On Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940, between Fox G/L Hairdressing and Fox M H Ladies Wear, there is Dale Cafe. I have not come across mention of this although Gertrude Dale ran a confectioner’s at 15 Station Street.
Recollecting Mrs Fox the Milliner
In her book(let) “I Also Remember“, Edith Searson noted that Mrs Fox’s Millinery business was in quite a large shop. This was because she sold things other than millinery and fancy drapery. Upstairs, Marie and May made hats. Edith Searson notes that Matthew Henry Fox and his brother kept bees and so sold honey. But, she did not name the brother and did not mention Harry Dyson Fox nor the relationship between Matthew Henry and Mrs Fox. However, the fact that she was referred to as Mrs M H Fox could imply she and Matthew Henry were married.
Two Couples
On balance, I don’t think that the milliner Mrs Fox was Harry Dyson Fox’s wife. His wife was Maud Mary Fox and she was variously described as a hairdresser or an assistant in a tobacconist business. They lived at 7 Station Street from at least 1911 to 1939. Matthew Henry Fox was a hosiery worker. His wife, Lucy Ann, was described as a fancy draper and milliner. No-one lived at 9 Station Street. Matthew Henry and Lucy Ann lived at various addresses in Kirkby including Diamond Avenue and Byron Street.
Were Harry Dyson Fox and Matthew Henry Fox Brothers?
Although the couples shared a surname, I have not been able to find a relationship between them. I am fairly confident that Harry Dyson and Matthew Henry were not brothers. Harry Dyson was born on 2 April 1884 in Ackworth in Yorkshire. In 1901, he was working as a hairdresser’s assistant to William George Ward in Spalding. Harry Dyson’s father, William H Fox, was a school teacher who, in 1891, was working in Pontefract. In 1911, he was retired and living with Harry and Maud in Station Street. Matthew Henry was 14 years older having been born in Kirkby in 1872. His father was John Fox, also a hosiery worker.
Harry Dyson Fox the Conscientious Objector
During the first world war, Harry Dyson, as a Christadelphian, was the only conscientious objector that received an exemption from Kirkby Tribunal.
Janine Vardy explained it as follows, “I asked Mum Janette Vardy about the Christadelphian faith. Harry’s grandfather was a Congregational Minister and religion had always been an important part of family life. Mum remembers Harry reading from the Family Bible every morning and night and the family had to listen. Mum thinks it was Harry’s wife Maud, who was a devout Christadelphian and this would be be where the religion came from. Maud fell out with my grandad, Alexander and his brother, Dyson, when they went off to WW2.
My grandad went off to India at the outbreak of war when my mum was only a few months old. She didn’t get to meet him until she was 6. Maud only forgave the brothers when Dyson was blown up at Dunkirk and came home with an eye and a leg missing. He returned to 7 Station Street with his wife Gwen, who was living in London. Mum tells the story of how Gwen was in the bath at their house in London and the side of the house was blown off in an air raid. Both went to 7 Station Street to recover. Mum can’t remember anything more than you have already covered about Harry being a conscientious objector.”
7-11 Station Street in the 1970s
In the photo from the early 1970s, it seems that number 7 was already a hairdressers called John Hair Fashions and number 9 was Thomas Welch and Sons. This firm continued to trade into the 1980s at least as they were included on the window spotting notice from that era. I couldn’t quite make out what was at number 11 but there seems to be a red barber’s pole outside. I am grateful to Lesley Bignell on the Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group for confirming that this shop was the gents’ hairdressers, G W Whetton. She noted that the photo must have been taken after 1970 as previously his shop had been on Lowmoor Road.
Blockbuster
I am grateful to Annabel Darch for noting in the discussion on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group that, at one time, Blockbuster were located between Mr John’s and the barbers, that is at 9 Station Street.
Arthur Smith
In 1942, number 11 was the shop of a draper Arthur Smith. He also appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940. Ethel Searson, in her book(let) “I Also Remember” recalls him although she appears to have misremembered the order of shops. She remembers his kindness to her during the first world war by supplying boxes of food to send to her brother who was serving in the trenches, see Chapter 9. He himself applied to Kirkby Tribunal for an exemption from military service during the war.
A Much Earlier Hairdresser
Based on an advert in the Hucknall Morning Star and Advertiser in 1905 , Haycock;s had opened a hairdressing and shaving salon at 7 Station Street.
13-15 Station Street
Two Takeaways
In the same way that 7-11 Station Street are now occupied by three hairdressers, 13-15 Station Street are occupied by two takeaways. The first, at number 13, is the Sunrise Pizza and Kebab House and after that number 15 houses New Diamond Kebabs. Sunrise has been there since at least 2008. New Diamond Kebabs has been there from at least 2015.
Home Chef
From 2009 to 2011, number 15 housed a Chinese takeaway Home Chef
Laundry Station
Before that, in 2008, Laundry Station was based at number 15.
Butchers at 13 Station Street
At the time of the second world war, number 13 was John Kelsey’s, a butchers and, in 1928, it had been John William Gill, a pork butcher. The latter appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940.
Later, it seems this was occupied by another butcher Jack Walton and this is confirmed by the 1969 Kirkby Directory as their advert there gives their address as 13 Station Street.
Jack Walton
Jack moved to Kirkby from Worcestershire in 1951 when he bought a butchery business. He had been born in Stourbridge. He had worked in the meat industry since he was 11 and had always had the ambition of having his own business. Things did not start well. The day he opened, the meat ration was reduced. Gradually, he built the business up obtaining a contract from Mansfield District Hospitals and expanding to Blidworth and Ravenshead. However, this meant that he did not have a holiday for ten years! He did later make up for this travelling to more than 40 countries including round the world twice. He was a member of Kirkby Rotary Club for more than 20 years. He was an active supporter of Kirkby Riding Club.
Recalling Other Butchers
In her book(let), “I Also Remember“, Edith Searson recalls that the family butcher’s was run by Gervase Gill. Based on the 1921 census, Gervase was John William’s father. Both were butchers. Edith Searson also notes that Jack Walton was the last butcher there and he died suddenly. After being empty for a long time, it reopened as a fish and chip shop.
Confectioners
At the time of the second world war, number 15 was Mrs Gertrude Dale, a confectioners. In 1928, it was also a confectioners but by the name of Jackson Brothers.
Curtain and Covers
In the 1980s, it seems that Curtains and Covers were at number 15 although the number is not very clear on the notice for the window spotting competition.
Midland Café
I am grateful to Margaret Davies for recalling a café very close to Jack Walton’s that was called Midland Café. She noted that she lived on Ellis Street at the time and “you could get a takeaway if you took two plates with you.”
F Hempstock and Co
According to adverts, F Hempstock and Co were based at 13 Station Street from at least 1903 until 1905. In August 1903, they were holding an alteration sale as they were having the whole shop front pulled down and replaced with “Big New Windows“. However, in September 1905, they were holding a dissolution sale. They appear to have sold clothes, bed linen etc. In October 1905, the property appears to have been available to let.
C Vine
In the Mansfield Reporter of January 1920, there was a notice of sale of boot repairing stock-in-trade and household furniture by C Vine of 15 Station Street. The reason given was ill-health. This ties in to some extent with the 1912 list of shops in Station Street which lists Charles Vine as a boot repairer although at number 13.
William Chappell
The 1912 list of shops in Station Street compiled by Barbara Parkin gives William Chappell as a fruiterer at 15 Station Street and as a confectioner at 5 Station Street.
Living at 13 and 15 Station Street
In 1939, Alfred Kelsey and his wife Phoebe were living at number 13 along with Archibald Ponting and David Pullin, who both worked for the Gas Department. Next door lived Reuben E Dale, a civil servant at the Ministry of Labour and his wife, Mary M Gertrude Dale who is recorded as a confectioner. Staying with them was Hilda J Moore, a temporary typist at the Ministry of Labour.
13 and 15 Station Street in the Seventies
In a comment on the photo from the early 1970s, someone has said “not a takeaway in sight” but number 13 appears to be Andy’s Fish and Chips. Presumably, this is the fish and chip shop referred to by Edith Searson. Also, wouldn’t fish and chips be, perhaps, the original kind of takeaway? I can’t make out what was at number 15 in that photo.
Grandad Briefly Owned (or Rented) 15 Station Street
According to grandad’s diary for 1945, he paid a deposit on 15 Station Street but soon after sold it to his brother-in-law Ray Cirket.
17 Station Street
Independent Mortgage Advice
Number 17 now appears to be Independent Mortgage Advice. They appear to have been there since at least April 2021. Prior to that, in September 2020, the property looked empty.
Woolcott Opticians
From 2008 to 2019, number 17 housed Woolcott Opticians.
Various Opticians
At the time of the second world war, number 17 housed Dorothy Littlewood, an Ophthalmic Optician.
Littlewood Opticians appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940.
There also seems to have been an ophthalmic optician there in the sixties, F C Davison. Davison’s feature fairly often in my family’s diaries. For example, in November 1962, grandma knocked a lens out of her glasses while pruning a plum tree. Davison’s fitted it back for her.
In the eighties, there was an optician there called Adams.
A Watchmaker
Earlier than this, in the 1920s, there was a watchmaker based there, William Henry Simmons. He may have also been based at other premises on Station Street at different times, at number 19 in 1911 and number 80 in 1901.
Recollections of a Jewellers
Edith Searson, in her book(let) “I Also Remember” recalls Simmonds Jewellers. I wonder if this is the same William Henry Simmons listed as a watchmaker in the 1928 Kelly’s Directory. She notes that she did not recall much about the business except that they auctioned their stock when they closed at the end of the 1920s. She recalled that it was near to the time of her wedding and someone bought her a cake dish which she still owned in the 1980s.
The Greens
No-one was registered living there in 1939. However, in 1941, according to a newspaper article I have, Harold, Edith, Cliff and Beryl Green were living here.
19 Station Street
Publix Food and Wine
19 Station Street is the final shop in a run of terraced shops. As of July 2024, Publix Food and Wine were based here. This company was incorporated in October 2023.
Kirkby Food and Wine
Previously, the convenience store Kirkby Food and Wine was here. It had been there since at least August 2018.
Food and Wine
Prior to that, it was labelled Food and Wine in September 2017.
Best Food and Wine
From June 2015 to April 2017, it was called Best Food and Wine.
Unlabelled Convenience Store
In April 2011, it appears to have been an unlabelled convenience store.
Lifestyle Express
From 2008-2009, it was called Lifestyle Express.
Standard Gramophone Company
At the time of the second world war, number 19 was the Standard Gramophone Company who were said to be “wireless” dealers.
Mark Ashfield’s First Bike
Mark Ashfield describes this shop in “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (p20). He noted that it sold things other than gramophones and that he bought his first bike there. Of interest perhaps is that grandad also bought mum a bike there in July 1947.
Two Different Locations on Station Street
However, Mark Ashfield describes the Standard Gramophone Company as on the corner of Ellis Street and notes that it later moved further along Station Street. Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940 is of interest in this regard in that it clearly shows Standard Gramophone Company in both locations. The 1935 Hospital Carnival Magazine includes adverts for both branches. The advert for this branch focuses on bikes while the advert for 37 Station Street focuses on radios.
Mr Harris-Barke
In 1928, William Booth Harris-Barke, a furniture dealer, was based here. He also appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940.
Edith Searson recalls Mr Harris-Barke in her book(let) “I Also Remember“. She notes that he ran a music shop with musical instruments, copies of music and records. She described him as the organist at the Baptist Church and that he collapsed and died while playing the organ at a service. I found news articles which showed that he was part of a group involved in passive resistance to the 1902 Education Act which allowed parts of rate payments to finance Anglican schools.
Baxter and Platts
By 1969, the shop was home to the stationers, Baxter and Platts.
Bamfords Newsagents
In a discussion on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, Roberta Knight noted that 19 Station Street was Bamfords newsagents in the 1980s.
Dave’s News and Booze
21 Station Street
Domino’s Pizza
After the run of terraced houses is a detached building. This is now Domino’s pizza and is said to be 21 and 21A Station Street. Domino’s has been here since at least September 2020.
National Westminster Bank
Before this, in March 2019, the property looked empty and, in April 2018, it appeared to have been recently sold. Prior to that, it was home to the National Westminster Bank. It seems to have housed the NatWest for a long period as one of the photos from the 1970s seems to show the bank in that location.
A Modern Building?
The building looks fairly modern but this may just be because the facade differs from the terraced row on both sides of it. The 1939 map is marked Bk which might indicate that there was a bank there at that time.
The Difference Between 21 and 21a
I am grateful to Gill Crisp for explaining in a comment on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, that the right half of the building was originally the bank and that this was 21a. This tallies with how it is shown on the 1939 map above.
Challans Gift Shop
Gill Crisp also explained that “the left hand side was Challans Gifts run by the same family that had a hardware shop a bit further up. Mr Machin in the hardware shop and his daughter Gillian, along with her partner Cyril in the gift shop. In the early 80s the lease ran out for next door, so the bank extended into the space that is now seen as one building.” Because of the link to the hardware shop, this gift shop is considered in more detail in the post on 27 Station Street.
Recollections of 21 Station Street
In her book(let), “I Also Remember“, Edith Searson refers to this building as the Westminster Bank. It was known by this name from 1923 to 1969. The 1941 Kelly’s Directory lists the Westminster Bank as being in Station Street but a list of shops from 1942 gives their address as 10-12 Station Street. Westminster Bank appears at this location on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940. Edith Searson describes 21 Station Street as “a lovely stone building with offices in the upstairs premises“.
The Whites
Edith Searson also notes that a dental mechanic, Mr White, had his repairs room there “up the stairs and looking out onto the street”. She noted that he had been kept busy a number of years.
I have come across the Whites elsewhere on Station Street. In 1939, William White was a living at 14 Station Street. He was described as a dentist although, in the 1921 census, he was listed as an unregistered dental practitioner. His son, Kenneth, also lived there and he was described as a dental mechanic. Edith Searson may be referring to either William or Kenneth White. Perhaps William is more likely as her reference to Mr White, might imply that he was older than her.
Miss Hutchinson
Gill Crisp recalled that, in the seventies, “Miss Hutchinson lived at the rear of the bank down the little alley at the right hand side.” While I have not confirmed this, I wonder if this was one of the Hutchinsons who had the stonemasons next-door at 23 Station Street, possibly Alice or Annie. It is perhaps of interest that the 1912 list, compiled by Barbara Parkin, lists Edward Hutchinson as a stone and marble mason at 21 Station Street.
Tylers Shoes
In 1941 and 1942, 21 Station Street housed H P Tyler Ltd, a boot and shoe dealers. Tylers Shoes appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940.
Rorke and Jackson
In 1941 and 1942, Rorke and Jackson, a firm of solicitors were at 21 Station Street. They had been based at 1 Station Street in 1928.
Another Shorter Terrace
Following this, there is another shorter terrace from number 23 to number 31.
23 Station Street
King Clouds Vape Shop
King Clouds Vape Shop has been at 23 Station Street since at least July 2018.
Harvish Convenience Store
Before that, from at least June 2015, number 23 was Harvish Convenience Store and, in September 2017, the property was available to let.
G I Jane’s
In April 2011, number 23 was G I Jane’s and, in August 2009, it looked as if it was empty.
Kirkby Carpets
In October 2008, number 23 was Kirkby Carpets. I am grateful to Steve Mcgough for posting on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group that he was the owner of Kirkby Carpets.
Gas Showrooms
According to Sue Hardy on Annesley OC Heritage Extra Facebook page, the Vape Shop was once a gas showroom, something also noted by Edith Searson. In a discussion on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, both Chris Spencer and Christine Evans recalled it being the Gas Showrooms.
Hutchinson and Sons
At the time of the second world war, number 23 was occupied by Hutchinson and Sons, stone and marble masons. They appear on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940. There are photographs of this shop in David Ottewell’s book “Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Annesley on Old Picture Postcards” (#15) and in “Kirkby & District from Old Photographs” by Frank Ashley, Sylvia Sinfield and Gerald Lee (p104).
Recollections of Hutchinson’s
In Mark Ashfield’s book “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (pp18-19), he describes how he was scared to go past this shop in the dark as a ten-year-old child.
In her book(let) “I Also Remember“, Edith Searson describes the different emotions that Hutchinson’s evoked for her, “it is a lovely thought, even today, 68 years later. to think of the Stonemason’s premises, Hutchinson’s, as I remember it. It was like an oasis in the desert, on a hot or tiring day. Everything looked cool there were plants growing among the pieces of stone, and it always looked as if rain had just fallen on it, freshening all the plants up. I remember seeing ferns and shamrock, but I can’t remember specifically the other plants , but it all looked so natural.“
She noted that Mr Hutchinson’s two sons helped him in the business but that it changed to E M (East Midlands) Gas Showroom “at least 20 years ago“, that is in the 1960s.
The Hutchinsons
Edward Hutchinson was the Mr Hutchinson in question. The two sons were Albert E and Thomas H Hutchinson. Both applied to Kirkby Tribunal for an exemption to military service during the first world war. They had two sisters, Alice and Annie, who were both teachers. In 1939, Albert, Thomas and Annie were living at 23 Station Street.
25 Station Street
The Tea Room & Much More
As of July 2024, The Tea Room (& Much More) seems to be based at 25 Station Street.
Triple 7 Bar and Kitchen
The Triple 7 Bar and Kitchen, an Eastern European Restaurant, was at 25 Station Street since at least March 2019. However, I understand from Gemma Canlin that Triple 7 closed and that 2020 Vision, who were based at 22 Station Street, operated a community kitchen here. Lina Rudminaite Saluchiene noted that the Triple 7 Bar operated from 17 November 2018 to 24 June 2023.
Georgie Porgie
Before March 2019, from October 2008 to July 2018, number 25 was Georgie Porgie’s tea and coffee shop.
Elizabeth Geeson
At the time of the second world war, at number 25 was Mrs Elizabeth Geeson, a ladies’ hairdresser.
Other Hairdressers
I am grateful to contributors on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, for pointing out that 25 Station Street has been home to a number of hairdressers over the years.
Jackie
Rachel Lester recalled “a lady called Jackie having the hairdressers here , probably late 80s early 90s“.
Jill Redfern
Chris Redfern noted that his wife, Jill, had the salon in the late seventies and early eighties. He noted that “we also started our married life in the flat above the shop in 1976.” Christina Rowe recalled Chris and Jill living above the shop. Chris noted that premises were owned by a Mr Kirk who lived on Southwell Lane. Jane Burchell noted that she had earlier also lived in that flat. She noted, “The property actually belonged to Mr Kirk a bookie in old Kirkby when we married in 1971 we lived in the flat above until 1975 by which time it was Berenice“.
Tony and Janet Pickard
Lynne West noted working here until 1978. At that time, the salon belonged to Tony and Janet Pickard who had another salon in Nottingham. Chris Redfern noted that his wife, Jill, took over the salon from Tony Pickard in the last seventies/early eighties. He noted that Tony was a top tennis coach and lived in Kimberley.
Berenice
Lynne Orrell noted that it was Berenice at the time she worked there in 1972 as a “Saturday shampoo girl“. Lynne West noted that Berenice had previously been on Lowmoor Road before moving here.
Mrs Lester
Lynne West noted that before this property was occupied by Berenice, it was run by Mrs Lester. Jane Burchell noted her as Loris Lester and that she only had the shop for a “short while“.
Hilda Copeland
Lynne West noted that previous to Mrs Lester, it had been run by Hilda Copeland for many years. Jane Burchell recalled working for Hilda Copeland from 1966 until she retired in 1970 and passed away in 1971.
Briggs Millinery
In 1928, milliners (Misses) K & F Briggs were at 25 Station Street. Briggs Millinery appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940.
H Bradder
I am grateful to Trevor Lee for sharing this advert with me which seems to show H Bradder selling overcoats at 25 Station Street. I believe this may refer to Horace Bradder. In the 1928 Kelly’s Directory, he is described as an outfitter at 11 Kingsway. He is not listed in the 1899 or 1942 Kelly’ Directory.
Nelson Orfrey and Claude Henfrey
The 1912 list of shops in Station Street, compiled by Barbara Parkin, listed Nelson Orfrey and Claude Henfrey as painter and photographer at 25 Station Street.
27 Station Street
Challans Hardware
Challans Hardware, at 27 Station Street, is an interesting shop in that it is the only one that was there at the time of the second world war that is still in existence today.
John T Challans
According to the 1928 Kelly’s Directory, John T Challans was an ironmonger at 27 Station Street. This ties in with the 1969 advert which stated that they had been in business for over 40 years. He does not appear in the1898 Kelly’s Directory. Unsurprisingly, Challans Ironmonger appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940. In the 1939 Register, John Challans was living at 27 Station Street with his wife Margaret and their son John D who was a tool draughtsman on aircraft. He was also working as an auxiliary fireman.
A Treasure Trove
Mark Ashfield describes this shop as a treasure trove in “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (p19). He explains, “those were not the days of refined D.I.Y. with laminated board, quick-to-assemble furniture, non-drip paint but the needs of the time were met, and for a bob or two one could emerge into the busy street with a diverse selection of ironmongery.
There was an unhurried calm about the place, and one of its features was shelf upon shelf of wooden pigeon-holes all filled with small cardboard boxes of nails, cup-hooks, brackets and the like. Much was on display, but some things had to be found, and often a long ladder was placed painstakingly against the shelves so that Mr Challans, with an air of resignation could climb laboriously towards the high ceiling to reach a dozen required screws and hand them over for a few old pence. a multiplicity of such transactions was the foundation on which the business prospered.
There was an all-pervading smell of paraffin from the large drum in the corner. A comfort, no doubt, to Mr Challans, who served you in winter wearing a pair of woollen mittens, but who looked far from warm even in summer. The cry was often heard ‘I should try Challans. Ten to one he’ll have it;’ It was true of the shop then, as it is, greatly refurbished, now, and one remembers watching at home the hole in an iron saucepan being repaired with a metal patch (purchased from Challans) that ensured the utensil remained in service“.
Other Memories of Challans
In her book(let) “I Also Remember“, Edith Searson noted that there were two shops with the Challans name. There was a Challans gift shop which had previously been a wallpaper and paint business. She noted that Gillian Lowe owned the business. “Nearby” was a busy ironmongery and hardware store which she noted was founded by a Mr Henfrey before being taken on by Mr and Mrs Challans. Later, she said Arthur and Barbara Machin became the owners.
Charles Reynard, in a comment on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, recalled an incident at Challans, “I had a rather roguish school pal a year older than me and l tagged along with him when he went into Challans hardware shop. He needed a smallish piece of wire netting for a rabbit hutch. The lady in the shop carefully cut a short section from a large roll and announced that it was going to cost him eleven and a half old pennies. My pal then replied he had no money, could she put it aside and he’d call back later? He never did return and that piece of wire netting is probably still gathering dust in the shop! I didn’t dare go in the shop again for years.“
Notts Free Press Article of 18 May 1973
In March 2017, the Kirkby-in-Ashfield People Facebook Group featured an article from the Notts Free Press in May 1973 focused on Challans.
Challans Gift Shop and Gillian Lowe
In a comment on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, Heather Mulholland also noted, like Edith Searson, that Challans Gift Shop had been a wallpaper/decorating shop previously.
I am grateful to Gill Crisp, in a comment on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, for explaining that Challans Gift Shop was in the left hand side of what is now Domino’s at 21 Station Street. She noted that the gift shop was “run by the same family that had a hardware shop a bit further up. Mr Machin in the hardware shop and his daughter Gillian, along with her partner Cyril in the gift shop“. The gift shop was there until the early eighties when the lease ran out and the Nat West extended into the whole building.
The Gift Shop Was Established as an Extension of the Hardware Shop
Based on an article in the Notts Free Press, it is clear that the gift/fancy goods shop was established in May 1973 at 21 Station Street in what had been Tyler’s shoe shop.
The Gift Shop Moved Along Station Street
When Nat West extended into the entirety of 21 and 21a Station Street, Challans Gift Shop moved further along Station Street. Based on a post on Kirkby-in-Ashfield People Facebook Group, it appears that this move was to 31 Station Street. This seems to be confirmed by a comment by Christine Evans which notes that what was once Challans Gift Shop is now a bookmakers. This was also confirmed by others, including Gill Crisp.
Cyril and Gillian Lowe
It turns out that Gillian Lowe had been Gillian Machin. Armed with this information, I found out that Cyril J Lowe and Gillian Machin married in 1982.
In a comment on Kirkby-in-Ashfield People Facebook Group, Ann Hill recalled that she went to school with Gillian Machin and that it had been Gillian’s initiative to turn part of the DIY shop into a gift shop in the seventies and eighties.
I am very grateful to Steve Mcgough for letting us know in a comment on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group that he attended Jill’s funeral about three years ago and that Cyril passed away about three months ago.
The Machins
Arthur Machin married Barbara Walker in Basford in 1944. Their daughter Gillian was born in 1946. They may have had two other children, Jennifer A (b1947) and Grahame (b1950).
News Articles
Based on an article in the Notts Free Press in May 1973, it seems that Arthur Machin started working for Mr and Mrs Challans on 31 January 1948 when he was 31 years old. He later became owner of the premises and business. Mr Challans sold the business to Arthur Machin prior to his own death in 1961. The article also noted that Arthur was the fifth of eight children born to Mr and Mrs Charlie Machin of Low Moor Road. Arthur’s father was a haulage contractor.
In an interview with CHAD, published on 9 October 1975, Arthur Machin explained that they had two shops on Station Street and they were satisfied with the amount of business they were doing. He explained that they had modernised a few years ago at a cost of £1,900. He thought similar work would cost seven or eight times that in 1975.
Memories of the Machins
In a comment on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, Frank Ball recalled four Machin brothers. In addition to Arthur, Vin had an off licence at 22 Station Street, Charlie had coal delivery on Low Moor Road while another helped with coal delivery and furniture removal. Jane Burchell also recalled that it was Vin who had the “beer off” and she noted that it was George and Charlie who worked together. She also noted that Neil Machin had been in her class at infant school. Dot Clarke recalled that she used to play badminton with Neil Machin.
Family Information
Based on this information, I found the family in the 1939 Register, at 120 Low Moor Road. Charles E and Hannah Machin were listed with five children – Charles N (b1909), George A (b1914), Kitty (b1919), Vincent E (b1922) and Colin (b.1925). The transcription has Charles E as a casting contactor but the original appears to read carting. He was also a funeral and carriage proprietor. Charles N and George A had the same occupation. Kitty was a ledger clerk, Vincent E was an assistant baker, bread and confectionery and Colin was a junior clerk in the Gas Department of KUDC. I am assuming that George A was in fact Arthur Machin.
The Henfreys
According to Edith Searson, the ironmongery and hardware store at 27 Station Street was founded by a Mr Henfrey. We have already encountered Nelson Orson Henfrey at 25 Station Street. He and his family were recorded as living there in the 1901 and 1911 censuses. However, by 1921, they were living at 27 Station Street and I wonder if the properties were renumbered between 1911 and 1921. He was described as a painter and decorator but I wonder if he may also have run an ironmongery and hardware shop.
29-31 Station Street
William Hill
William Hill have been located at 29-31 Station Street since at least 2008. In August 2023, there was a sold sign on this property and this is also visible on Google dated April 2023. It is not clear if this applies to the whole building or just the upstairs flat.
Globe Tea Company
At the time of the second world war, at number 29, was Globe Tea Co (Jas Duckworth) who, unsurprisingly, were tea suppliers! Mark Ashfield mentions them in his book “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (p22). They appear on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940.
Wallace’s
In 1928, Wallace’s Ltd, a grocers, was at number 29 with Arthur Titterton as manager. He applied to Kirkby Tribunal for an exemption to military service during the first world war.
Banks & Sons
In the 1941 Kelly’s Directory, there does not seem to be an entry for number 31, so perhaps the tea company occupied both 29 and 31 as William Hill do currently. But, in 1928, there was a clothiers Banks & Sons there. Thomas Banks is mentioned by Mark Ashfield in his book “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (pp20-21). Banks’ Gents Outfitters appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940.
Memories of Thomas Banks
Like Mark Ashfield, Edith Searson describes Thomas Banks in some detail although she notes his shop further along Station Street, next-door to Newcombes. Apparently, he was known as Tommy and was a councillor and a Justice of the Peace. She described him as a Methodist “lay” preacher. This is odd as my mother drilled it into me that while the Anglicans had/have lay preachers, the Methodists had/have local preachers, see Chapter 82.
Edith Searson also noted that Tommy Banks’ assistant was Edgar Coates, who went on to run businesses in his own right. She also noted a little later that Tommy Banks lived at “The Gables” on Forest Hill/Victoria Road. This house is significant in that it is close to where family members lived and gave me an indication that the numbering in that part of Diamond Avenue changed at some point, see Chapter 24.
Where Are 33-35 Station Street?
Understanding the Geography of this Part of Station Street
Initially, I thought that the building on the corner of Station Street and Ellis Street was 33-35 Station Street. This houses The Posh Meze Grill and Bar. However, their address is given as 1 Ellis Street. So, this building is discussed in the post on Ellis Street.
A Gap Between 31 and 37 Station Street
This means there is a gap between 31 Station Street, currently William Hill, and 37 Station Street, now Hungrilla and formerly Lloyds Bank.
So What Happened to 33-35 Station Street?
I an grateful to Jean Harvey for first raising this issue with me in a discussion on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group. She initially mentioned that she was interested in finding out more about “the shop which either fell down or was demolished“. She explained, “there was a house or shop where the cut through from Station Street to the [Ellis Street] car park is now. It must have happened after 1921 as I left Kirkby around 1947 but visited when older to shop there sometimes, when I saw the rubble but didn’t take much notice, so probably 1955/56 I guess.” The reference to 1921 is because I had asked if this might explain possible re-numbering of properties on Station Street between 1911 and 1921.
In the 1970s This Area Was Fenced Off
On the Kirkby-in-Ashfield People Facebook Group, there is a photo of this area which shows Challans Gift Shop and Wilbourn’s Garden Centre in September 1979. Between them, is a wooden fence with possibly a gate. Jean Harvey commented on this photo saying, “where the fence is between the buildings is where the building was“.
Was This Gap Always There?
In a discussion about this on Kirkby-in-Ashfield People Facebook Group, Selina Brown commented that there had long been a gap here and that she had always assumed that there had been a building there. Richard Lake commented, based on the 1898 Ordnance Survey map, that there had always been “a gap of sorts here“.
Pre-1900 Map
However, on a map I have, which is dated 1900 but which possibly reflects earlier survey work, there is no such gap.
1939 Map
Nevertheless, the gap was there later on a 1939 map that I have. The layout of this part of Station Street is basically identical to that shown on the 1898 map. However, it is also clear that the gap is similar in size to the gap/alley at the side of 21 Station Street, what was National Westminster Bank. This is no longer the case. The gap in this location is much wider than the one between 21 and 23 Station Street.
I have annotated the 1939 map with building numbers. When this is done, it seems fairly clear that 33-35 are no longer there and this explains the gap.
Memories and Recollections
I am grateful to Peter Anthony Cain for noting that “where the fence is [in the 1979 photo], there was a fruit and veg shop“. This reminded me that Edith Searson, in her book(let) “I Also Remember” noted that “the shop stood where the garden centre’s planst and shrubs have, until last year, been exhibited.” She identifies this shop as Kirkby’s greengrocers and it is clear from her description that this shop was gone well before the 1980s. Heather Mulholland also commented, on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, that “Mr Kirby’s fruit and veg shop was in the gap”. David Herberts noted that “the gap used to be a greengrocer“,
Confirmed by Photos
I am grateful to Frank Ball for pointing out that a photo of this part of Station Street that I had posted shows “no gap“. In going through this photo with him, he explained that the building on 1 Ellis Street had then, as now, a roof line level with the properties forming 25 to 31 Station Street. This is clearly seen on the photo. Between them is a building with a lower roof line. This was 33-35 Station Street and when this was demolished, it left the gap we have now.
I am also grateful to Alwyn Bowskill for making similar observations on a photo of Station Street looking in the opposite direction from Newcombes.
Reflections on the Gap
In a discussion on Kirkby-in-Ashfield People Facebook Group concerning this gap, Janet Pratt noted that the discussion was fascinating. She noted that she had “walked through the gap so many times and never even wondered about it“.
Kirby’s Greengrocers
In 1941 and 1942, Jas Kirby, a fruiterer, was based at 33-35 Station Street. The business is listed as a greengrocer on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940. In 1939, James, Maria and Herbert Kirby were living here. James was described as a florist and fruiterer and Herbert was described as an assistant in a fruiterer’s shop. I think Mark Ashfield describes this family in “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (pages 21-22) but he spells the surname Kirkby and says both father and son were called Herbert. He notes that the senior man “was a character; perhaps, you might say, close to eccentricity. He was a fruiterer and greengrocer, a slight, rather sad-faced figure, invariably clad in brown smock and flat cap – on weekdays. But come Sunday (certainly in the Sunday Schools’ Anniversary season) smock and cap were exchanged for black suit, wing collar and bowler. He may have bought the bowler from his neighbour [Thomas Banks], but that is of little importance. What is worth recording is that he travelled the locality in search of Sunday School Anniversaries; and he walked to them“.
Memories of James (Jimmy) Kirby
Edith Searson recalls him in her book(let) “I Also Remember“. She described him as one of the best-known shopkeepers in the town, next door to the doctor. She recalls that, on Friday afternoons, he had direct deliveries of baskets of strawberries, “a lorry load of 2lb ‘chips’, direct from the fields, would arrive and be sold direct to the public from the lorry. Nothing like this had happened before, what I remember, strawberries were weighed out, loose, from a container, as many as the customer required, and could possibly be a bit mushy; who remembers as I do the thrill of the arrival of the lorry, people like me waiting in anticipation. People came from all directions for their basket of strawberries. I suppose it started a new are! (age? era?). She concluded that the strawberry trade would never be the same again.
Memories of Herbert Kirby
Charles Reynard, a contributor on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, was born in 1952. He commented, “I recall Herbert Kirby’s greengrocers. To say it was basic would be an understatement. Herbert always wore a dingy brown coat, everything left the shop in a brown paper bag and in deepest winter it was warmer out in the street than in the shop. He had a lovely lady, Mrs Burton, working alongside him at some point.”
J Holroyd & Co and Frederick Herbert Rickett
In 1912, J Holroyd & Co were listed as dyers at 33 Station Street with Frederick Herbert Rickett listed as a greengrocer at 35 Station Street.
J Holroyd and Co appears to have been established as a company in Huddesfield in 1857. They opened multiple branches and traded into at least the 1940s.
Ellis Street
1939 Map
In 1939, Ellis Street ran from Station Street to Pond Street. Now, the configuration has changed and Ellis Street ends at a roundabout. Pond Street is to the left with a short continuation of Pond Street ahead leading to Lowmoor Road. To the right is an exit from Morrison’s car park.
1 Ellis Street
Initially, I thought that the building on the corner of Station Street and Ellis Street was 33-35 Station Street. This houses The Posh Meze Grill and Bar. However, their address is given as 1 Ellis Street.
The Posh Meze Grill and Bar
The Posh Meze Grill and Bar has been on the corner of Station Street and Ellis Street since at least August 2021. However, in September 2020, the building looked empty. In March 2019, there was a sign up saying that the Posh Bar and Grill was “coming soon” but presumably it was delayed by COVID. In July 2018, there was a sign saying Wilbourn’s but I think this may have been an old sign showing through.
Ashfield Dry Cleaners
From June 2015 to September 2017, the building on the corner of Station Street and Ellis Street housed Ashfield Dry Cleaners although they appear to have moved over the road to number 52.
Wilbourn’s Garden Centre
From at least October 2008 to April 2011, Wilbourn’s Garden Centre was in the building on the corner of Station Street and Ellis Street. It must have been there for some time. Edith Searson, writing in the 1980s, referred to a garden centre there. She said, “the shop [Kirby’s] stood where the garden centre’s plants and shrubs have, until last year, been exhibited. I have been told, and I think it could be true, that this piece of land is eventually, and before too long, going to be the road leading to the new market, now in the process of being built. Anyway, we shall see in due course“.
Also a Pet Shop
In addition to being a garden centre, this branch of Wilbourn’s also operated as a pet shop. This is confirmed from adverts and also people’s memories. Wilbourn’s also had a grocery shop and off-licence at at 60 Station Street.
Dr Waller’s House and Surgery
Dr Waller’s house and surgery occupied 1 Ellis Street. Heather Mulholland, on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, thought that Dr Waller’s extended to 3 Ellis Street and that this was later owned by Wilbourn’s. She noted that her parents rented 3 Ellis Street in 1959 when they opened their electrical business. Frank Ball also recalled that the premises on Ellis Street were used by an electrician, Mr Kalynycz.
C Kalynycz
I am grateful to Heather Mulholland, on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, for explaining that this electrical and lighting business belonged to her parents. She noted, “my parents’ electrical and lighting business was actually in my mother’s name C (Clarice) Kalynycz, the reason for this being when my father arrived in the UK in 1947 as a displaced person from the Ukraine the rules within the UK stated that as a foreign alien my father could not have a bank account or own a business, hence the business was in my mother’s name. My father became a naturalised British Citizen in 1961, but the business remained as C Kalynycz until they retired in 1997, the business was then at 42 Station Street.“
She further explained that her parents started the business at 3 Ellis Street and then, when Wilbourn’s wanted to extend into number 3, they moved across the road to number 2 Ellis Street which they rented from the TSB. Then, when the TSB wanted to modernise their premises which meant extending into number 2 Ellis Street, “my parents bought the old Co-operative Chemist at 42 Station Street“.
Memories of Dr Waller
Mark Ashfield noted that Dr Waller’s surgery was on the corner of Ellis Street opposite the TSB. However, he imagined that he saw him out and about walking as, apparently, this was not an uncommon sight. He would go to the Summit end of Kirkby and way down Lindley’s Lane on the same morning. He was a heavy smoker and was known for drinking multiple cups of tea when making his house calls. Mark Ashfield summarised that “the three ‘T’s of tobacco, tannin and trudging formed an integral part of his daily round“.
Edith Searson also recalled seeing Dr Waller walking places. She noted that what she particularly remembered “was he invariably walked in the road, to be precise, in the gutter. I suppose the reason for this would be, he could get along quicker, than keep passing people on the pavement.” She noted that the Wallers had two children Joan and Peter. Joan later married Dr Durance who became Dr Waller’s partner.
The first mention of Dr Waller in grandad’s diaries is in February 1934 when he examined grandma when she was expecting mum. Dr Waller continued to treat the family until 1955, when he must have been 78. So, he had been one of the family’s doctors for more than 20 years. Mrs Waller was active in the community. For example, Mrs A B Waller won the fruit cake category of the cake-making competition at the Kirkby Carnival in 1935.
Dr Waller died, on 1 September 1959, aged 82. Both mum and grandad recorded this in their diaries. According to mum, he died at West Bridgford Nursing Home and, according to grandad, at Newstead Nursing Home. I found a news article concerning Dr Waller’s death from the Nottingham Evening News of 3 September 1959. This confirmed that he had been a doctor in Kirkby for 46 years. Dr Waller was born and trained in London. He met his wife at Ryde Hospital where she was a senior sister. Then, he worked in Ilkeston for three years before moving to Kirkby. He was associated with the British Red Cross Society and was a member of St Thomas’s Church. Also, he was a founder member of the Kirkby Lodge of Freemasons. He was buried in Kingsway New Cemetery.
37 Station Street
Hungrilla Gourmet Grill
As of July 2024, 37 Station Street was occupied by Hungrilla Gourmet Grill. This was reported in an article on NottinghamshireLive in May 2023. According to their Instagram account, Hungrilla now have branches in Nottingham, Mansfield and Kirkby-in-Ashfield. I am grateful to a number of local people for confirming that Hungrilla opened at the end of 2023.
The Building Had Been Empty for a While
From March 2022 to April 2023, 37 Station Street looked empty and a “To Let” sign was in place.
Lloyds Bank
From June 2015 to June 2021, 37 Station Street housed Lloyds Bank. Before that, it was Lloyds TSB and before that TSB.
Leonard Morris
At the time of the second world war, Leonard Morris, a picture frame worker, was at 37 Station Street, although the current building has a modern look to it.
Standard Gramophone
Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940 gives these premises as the location of Standard Gramophone Company before they moved further along Station Street, to number 19.
W H Wightman
In 1928, W H Wightman had a jewellers at 37 Station Street. Wightman Jewellers are listed on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940. That list gives these premises as the location of Standard Gramophone Company before they moved further along Station Street.
Edith Searson, in her book(let) “I Also Remember“, remembered Wightman’s on the corner of Ellis Street. She noted that it later became the Trustee Bank, presumably prior to becoming Lloyds TSB and then Lloyds. In the 1899 Kelly’s Directory, William Wightman is listed as a watchmaker and running the Post Office. W H Wightman was a jeweller who applied to Kirkby Tribunal for an exemption to military service. When he was asked if his work was of national importance, he replied that people needed to be able to tell the time!
Photographs of Wightman’s
The Wightmans
I have come across two William Henry Wightmans. William Henry Wightman (senior) was born in 1857. I assume he is the one referred to in the 1899 Kelly’s Directory. One of his sons (b1880) was also William Henry. I assume he was the one who applied to Kirkby Tribunal for an exemption to military service in the first world war. The senior William Henry’s other children included Annie (b1882), Kate (b1884), Alma (b1896) and Emma (b1889). I think he married twice. These children were with his first wife, Emma Wharmsby, who he married in 1877. She appears to have died in 1891. He remarried, to Elizabeth Bailey, in 1893. He appears to have died in 1915.
39-41 Station Street
Absorbed into 37?
I can’t see 39 or 41 and it may be that these were absorbed into 37 when and if a new building was constructed. But, no shops are listed for 39 or 41 in 1942 either and no-one was recorded as living there in 1939. In 1928, W H Wightman was listed as a motorcycle agent at number 41. There are also multiple adverts, e.g. in 1921, which indicate that Wightman’s occupied 37-41 Station Street.
Gilbert Brothers
In a list of 1912 shops in Station Street, developed by Barbara Parkin, Gilbert Brothers were listed as tailors at 41 Station Street.
Other Shops
Of interest, Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940 lists Musson Fish and Chips and Morris Fretwork as located between Wightman’s Jewellers and Smith’s Tobacconists. I have not come across either of these businesses before.
Musson Fish and Chips
I have struggled to find any details of this business. I did find entries for a Frederick Musson, described as a fried fish dealer in both Marlborough Road and Hodgkinson Road in the 1941 Kelly’s Directory but nothing related to Station Street.
Morris Fretwork
Similarly, I have struggled to find any details of this business. However, according to the 1941 Kelly’s Directory, Leonard Morris was a picture frame maker at 37 Station Street. Could that conceivably have been described as fretwork? If so, it should really have been in the same slot as Wightman Jewellers. But, it is possible.
Bailey’s Pet Shop
I found an advert on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group which shows that H C Bailey had a pet shop at 41 Station Street. I am not sure if H C Bailey was related to James Toon Bailey.
Memories of Bailey’s Pet Shop
Charles Reynard, in commenting on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, recalled that Baileys had a pet shop, “As young lads my brother and l bred mice and hamsters. We sold the youngsters to a number of pet shops locally. One such shop was Baileys which stood next to the Trustees Savings Bank. Later the bank bought the pet shop and thus extended their modernised premises. The Baileys already had a second pet shop in Hucknall and continued their business from there. The loss of the pet shop meant we were no longer able to pinch a dog biscuit from the sacks outside the shop. Chewing a dog biscuit made the wait for either the number 61 or 84 bus decidedly more acceptable.”
Another Terrace and a Modern Building
There follows another terrace which appears to consist of three older shops and after that a more modern building.
43 Station Street
Crazie Maisie’s Models
As of July 2024, Crazie Maisie’s Models were based at 43 Station Street having moved here from Sutton in June 2024. They had an official opening in August 2024.
Vacant Property
In August 2023, the building appeared to be vacant. There was a “To Let” sign up. Based on Google, it may have been empty in April 2023 although there was a list of airports in the window, perhaps implying that the premises were occupied, at some point, by a taxi company.
Taxi Companies
Indeed, a number of different taxi companies have been based at 43 Station Street. These include A2B Cars from August 2009 to August 2018, Arrow Cars in March 2019, Oasis 750 Taxis in August 2021 and DG Taxis in March 2022. In both September 2020 and October 2008, the premises looked empty.
Smiths Tobacconist
At the time of the second world war, number 43 was occupied by Thomas Smith, a tobacconist. He was also there in 1928. Smiths tobac/sweets appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940. In 1939, John and Kathleen Smith were living at number 43. He was described as a colliery electrician and she was described as a tobacconist and confectioner.
Jolly’s Tobacconist
In her book(let) “I Also Remember“, Edith Searson refers to this shop as Jolly’s Tobacconist. She notes that it was a well-established business that was later taken on by Tom Smith, assisted by his wife. Their son Jack and his wife Kay kept it on until they retired. I assume that Jack and Kay were the John and Kathleen living at number 43 in 1939, It then became a jewellery business under the Smiths of Sutton. At the time she was writing, the premises were occupied by Mr Morris as a pet shop.
William Frederick Jolly
William Frederick Jolly was a tobacconist between at least 1891 and 1921. He lived in Mansfield. He was born in 1862 and he died on 2 March 1924. I am not entirely sure when he had his business in Station Street. But, based on electoral registers, it may have been around 1923. However, that register does not record the house number but the entry appears to relate to 45 Station Street. Prior to this, he appears to have had a number of businesses in Mansfield.
Smiths Jewellers
In a discussion on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, a number of contributors recalled this jeweller, including David Meredith. Roberta Knight remembered buying many pairs of earrings, necklaces and watches from there. She also got her eternity ring there. Helen Potter noted buying several items from them including an amethyst and diamond pendant which she still wears. Christine Evans did not recall buying jewellery there but she noted that, “I went in often to browse as I had a crush on the owner’s son who worked there!”
Bet-Bet Phillips recalled that there had been a jeweller there but she did not recall the name as she did not use it. She knew Smith’s jewellers in Sutton. She recalled that Phillip Smith played football for Bentinck Methodists before doing his national service in 1950.
John Hodgkinson Wilson
It appears that John Hodgkinson Wilson had the tobacconist at 43 Station Street before William Jolly. He was listed in the 1898 Kelly’s Directory. He appears in the censuses from 1891 to 1911 in Station Street. The 1891 census lists him as a tobacconist. But, the census in 1901 lists him as a colliery banksman and, in 1911, as a colliery bank contractor above ground with his wife Betsy H listed as the tobacconist. He does not appear to have been at 43 Station Street in 1921 or afterwards. He was born in 1860 and died in 1938.
45 Station Street
Gentz Cut
Now, at number 45 is Gentz Cut, another barbers. It has been Gentz Cut since at least April 2017. However, from June 2015 to May 2016, the property appears to have been empty and there was a “Shop To Let” sign on it.
Ian Osborne’s Newsagents
From October 2008 to April 2011, it was a newsagent called Ian Osborne. Apparently, Ian Osborne ran the shop for 30 years until his sudden death in 2014.
Smith’s Newsagent
At the time of the second world war, number 45 was occupied by Mrs Edith Smith, a newsagent. According to the 1939 Register, John C, Edith and John G Smith were living at number 45. John C was described as a civil servant in the Ministry of Labour and Edith was described as a stationer and newsagent. Living with them was Joseph Godfrey who was described as an incapacitated coal miner.
Fred Wood
In 1928, the newsagent at number 45 was Fred Wood. Wood Newsagent also appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940. In her book(let) “I Also Remember“, Edith Searson refers to this as Mr Wood’s Newsagents shop. She noted that it was busy and that his daughter helped him in the shop when required. She noted that it was then taken over by Albert and Esther Bradley.
The Bradleys
I am grateful to Lynne West for commenting on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group that her uncle and aunt, Albert and Esther Bradley ran the newsagents on Station Street next door to Edgar Coates men’s outfitters. She noted that they were in business from the thirties through to the fifties. She recalls that, “my brother and I remember visiting them at the back of the shop, my brother remembers them having a television before we did!” She also noted that, when they retired, Roy Purdy took over the business.
Purdy’s
By 1969, Purdy’s were selling greeting cards at number 45. Edith Searson refers to them as Roy and Maureen Purdy. It appears that they operated a number of shops. When they retired, the business was taken on by Ian and Jean Osborne who are referred to above.
Mrs Esther Lane
In 1912, according to a list of Station Street shops compiled by Barbara Parkin, Mrs Esther Lane was a milliner at 45 Station Street. Initially, I wondered if this was the same person as Miss C E B Lane who was listed as a milliner at 47 Station Street in 1928. However. on balance, I think it was her mother, Jane Esther Lane.
47 Station Street
Headway
In August 2023, the charity shop Headway was at 47 Station Street. The charity works to improve life after brain injury. This charity shop had been there since at least August 2009.
However, in November 2023, contributors on Kirkby-in-Ashfield People and Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Groups noted that it had recently closed. Tracey Parry Iliffe was one of these contributors. She had been the manager of the Headway shop. Pauline Chambers asked about this on Kirkby-in-Ashfield People Facebook Group on 7 November 2023. A number of contributors confirmed that it had closed. Tracey Parry Iliffe explained that “too much work needs doing to the actual building“.
In an earlier post, Jane Symonds, a volunteer at the shop expressed concern that the shop might close. She explained that Headway is a charity close to her heart as “it is for head injuries and I lost my dear brother with such an injury“. She noted that the shop provided a place for people to come for a chat and it also provided volunteers with valuable retail experience. In comments on this post, contributors appreciated the welcoming environment, convenient opening times, the low prices and the retail experience offered to volunteers, including students. They also commented on the good cause the shop supported.
Buywise
In October 2008, Buywise was at 47 Station Street but the building was said to be “under offer“. I haven’t found out anything about this company and the shutter is down on the Google Streetview photo.
Klick Photography
I am grateful to Jane Phillips for pointing out, through a comment on Kirkby-in-Ashfield Facebook Group, that she worked for Klick Photography at 47 Station Street until March 2004 when she was made redundant. The shop closed later that year. Jane was unsure how long the shop had been there but she noted “we didn’t have access to upstairs even though no one lived there it was a rental cost decision“.
Edgar Coates
In 1941, Edgar Coates, an outfitters, was located at number 47. He had been assistant to Tommy Banks previously. At that time, it seems he also had a confectionery shop at 62a Station Street. I have assumed this later became his showroom at 64 Station Street. In adverts from both both 1953 and 1969, Edgar Coates had a shop at number 47 and a showroom over the road at number 64. In 1950 and 1953, he also had a shop in Mansfield Road Blidworth. It appears he opened the shop at 47 Station Street in 1933 and handed it over to Mike Abbott in 1976.
CHAD Article
In October 1975, CHAD published an article about Station Street which featured a number of interviews including with men’s outfitter Edgar Coates. This contained some key facts about him including that he started working for T E Banks & Sons in October 1920. He set up his own business in October 1933. At the time of the interview, he was the oldest trader in Station Street. He was also known for promoting boxing and wrestling with his brothers Joe and Charlie Coates. He often acted as master of ceremonies at major tournaments.
Memories of 47 Station Street
In her book(let) “I Also Remember“, Edith Searson implies that this shop was next door to Newcombes and, for some time, Tommy Banks operated from here. Although, in 1928, he had a shop at 31 Station Street, he could well have operated from here at some point, perhaps with his assistant, Edgar Coates, later taking the business on.
Miss C E B Lane
In 1928, Miss C E B Lane was a milliner at number 47. Her first names were Cassandra Emily Beatrice. Both Lane Millinery and Coates Gents Outfitters appear on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940.
Mike Abbott
In more recent times, Mike Abbott had a clothes shop at 47 Station Street. He took over the business from Edgar Coates in 1976 and was based there until he retired in 1998. Apparently, he was also a cricket historian and was involved in a book about Harold Larwood by Duncan Hamilton. He also volunteered at Kirkby Heritage Centre. Chris Kidger noted, in a comment on Kirkby-in-Ashfield People Facebook Group, that the Heritage Centre still uses the till from Mike Abbott’s shop.
A Modern Building?
49-51 Station Street are located in what looks like a modern building which houses three shops/businesses. However, I am grateful to Christine Evans for explaining, in a comment on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, that her understanding was that a new frontage was added when the shop was converted from one into three but that the original building still stands.
Kim Nails
The first shop in the modern building is Kim Nails and their address is 49 Station Street. They have been there since at least September 2017.
Bellton’s Bakery
However, in April 2017, the sign read Bellton’s Bakery & Sandwich Bar. The shutters were down and there was a “To Let” sign on the property. They had been in operation since at least October 2008.
Best Wishes
Next door to Kim Nails is a card and gift shop called Best Wishes. Their address appears to be 51B Station Street. They have been there since at least April 2011.
Occasions
From October 2008 to July 2009, the shop currently occupied by Best Wishes belonged to a similar looking shop called Occasions.
Ashfield Therapy Centre
Next to Best Wishes is the Ashfield Therapy Centre whose address is said to be 49-51 Station Street. This is the base for foot health clinic Your Feet First. Ashfield Therapy Centre has been there from at least March 2022 but the Your Feet First sign only appeared later from April 2023. Previously, Your Feet First appears to have been at 68 Station Street.
Body Grooves School of Dancing
Next door, or possibly upstairs is Body Grooves School of Dancing whose address is said to be 55 Station Street. I am not sure if this school of dancing is still operational. The sign for Body Grooves School of Dancing has been there since at least August 2009. Prior to that, in October 2008, there was no sign on that door.
Farmfoods
From September 2020 to August 2021, the property currently occupied by Ashfield Therapy Centre was empty. In September 2020, there was a “To Let” sign but, by August 2021, this had gone. From at least October 2008 to March 2019, the frozen food specialists Farmfoods were based here but they are now based on Lowmoor Road.
Krackers
Krackers discount store were previously located where Best Wishes are now. They had earlier been located at other places on Station Street including number 58 and possibly number 38. but more likely number 36.
Sherwoods
In 1976, there was a shop called Sherwood Stores here.
Newcombes
In 1941, Mary J Newcombe had a drapers shop from 49-51 Station Street and they were the last odd numbers recorded. Newcombes Drapers, Clothiers and Carpets appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940. The Newcombes were a well-known Kirkby family with many people remembering fondly their shop on Station Street. There is a photograph of Station Street showing Newcombe’s in 1916 in “Kirkby & District from Old Photographs” by Frank Ashley, Sylvia Sinfield and Gerald Lee (p68).
Memories of Newcombes
Newcombes is described in some detail by Mark Ashfield in “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (p19). He described it as “the flourishing local emporium, the nearest thing Kirkby had to a departmental store“. Things he recalled being sold there included curtains, clothes, household linens, shoes and carpets. “The place had a reputation, and one recalls the slight figure of a female cousin seeming to shoot up six inches on the day after she left school. ‘She’s got on at Newcombe’s,’ her mother announced; and suddenly the young lady had taken a long stride towards maturity, and would know all about buttons, yardsticks, being able to tear calico in that enviable professional way. Schooldays gone for ever, she would have her hour for lunch in between serving the Kirkby shoppers; the doorway to retailing and its attendant gossip had magically been opened“.
Edith Searson, in her book(let), “I Also Remember“, also described Newcombes in some detail. She recalled it as a big shop with words painted on the brickwork on the upper part of the building. The shop was known as Newcombe’s General Drapery owned by Philip Newcombe. She noted that there were different things in different windows – boots and shoes, household drapery, women’s wear and men’s wear. She noted that Mr Newcombe’s son, also called Philip, took over the business later. One specific memory was “in later years, when bobbed hair came in vogue, a room upstairs was fitted up for the different branches of hairdressing. I remember going for a trim on several occasions. a member of the family, Evelyn Newcombe, had this hairdressing business, which developed and grew as time went on.“
In November 2023, Alwyn Bowskill posted a number of photos of Newcombes. He noted, “that everything was kept in deep dark wood drawers. I also remember that in the sixties they didn’t have tills. Your money and receipt was sent to a central cashiers office where the receipt was franked and returned with your change to the shop in a tube-like container. A similar system operated by compressed air was also used in Sutton Co Op when it occupied the site of the recently closed Wilcos store!” Daphne Cantrill recalled this system saying, “Oh the joy of seeing money tubes sending the change down as if by magic! And the smell!“.
Philip Newcombe
As early as 1901, Philip Newcombe, a draper, was living at 49 Station Street with his first wife Martha and their sons, George Ernest, Albert, Philip Henry, Frank and William Arthur. However, Martha died in 1902 and Philip married Elizabeth Wharmby in 1903. Evelyn and Lilian were her daughters and George Wharmby was her younger brother.
William Arthur Newcombe
William Arthur Newcombe served as a Bombardier in the Royal Field Artillery during World War I, see Chapter 9. He was killed on 9 October 1916 and his name is remembered in the war memorial that was originally in Bourne Methodist Church and is now displayed outside Trinity Methodist Church.
Len Teece
Len Teece’s name is also on that memorial. He was a friend of grandad’s and in his diary entry for 8 September 1915, grandad noted that Len was missing. Len had lived in Milton Street with his parents, Philip and Annie, and two brothers, James William and Frank. He enlisted with the sixth battalion Lincolnshire Regiment. He died at Gallipoli on 9 August 1915 aged 19, see Chapter 9. As well as being remembered in Kirkby, he is commemorated on the Helles Memorial in Turkey along with 20,770 other names.
The Newcombes in Grandad’s Diaries
Grandad mentioned the Newcombes frequently in his diary right from when the diaries started in 1914.
Albert Newcombe
Albert was a bricklayer/builder and, in April 1932, grandma’s father, Charles Cirket, gave him the contract to build the houses which are now 96 and 98 Welbeck Street. Work started on these on 30 May 1932. Albert did other work for grandad including, in February 1940, fixing a fireplace.
Frank Newcombe
Frank Newcombe was a joiner and, in 1933, he put up a flight of stairs in grandad’s shop, at a cost of £2 12 6, see Chapter 13.
Phil Newcombe
Grandad noted when Phil Newcombe died in 1939 and he noted in October 1962 that grandma and her friend, Florrie Booth, went to the funeral of Mary (Mrs Phil) Newcombe at Trinity Methodist Church.
Motorist Discount Centre and Motoring World
Based on a list of shops participating in a Window Spotting competition, in the 1980s, it appears that Motoring World occupied 49-51 Station Street. However, in a comment on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, Dean Nixon pointed out that Motorist Discount Centre were there until 1985. I confirmed this from the 1982 telephone directory. I then found an advert for Motoring World at 49-51 Station Street in the Recorder Free Press in December 1986. So, it seems that Motoring World occupied the premises after Motorist Discount Centre.
55 Station Street
Lighthouse Estate Agents and Lettings
At the end of the building housing 49-51 Station Street is a low building that houses Lighthouse Estate Agents and Lettings. They have been at this location since at least April 2017. Before that, in May 2016, the building was empty but it looked as if it had been recently refurbished. Prior to this, it was a toilet block for the Nag’s Head. On Kirkby-in-Ashfield People Facebook Group, Jane Wilson commented “when I drive past Lighthouse Estate Agents, I always wonder which toilet cubicle each member of staff would be sat in!!” Samantha Youd commented, “I swear that building is the toilets! The two windows either side were where the toilets were“. It certainly looks from photographs as if the current shop was based on the toilet block.
Oddly, Lighthouse’s address is given as 55 Station Street while the Nag’s Head which follows is number 53. Several contributors on Facebook pointed out that the earlier toilet block did not have a number. So, when the block was converted to a shop, the number 55 was allocated rather than 51A/B or 53A or renumbering the Nag’s Head.
When Was This Toilet Block Built?
There is an intriguing photograph on the My Trail website which appears to show the toilet block under construction. It was taken from an upper floor of the Regent and is dated as 1986.
An Earlier Toilet Block?
Some people’s memories of the “Nag’s lavs” appear to pre-date the building of the toilet block. It seems likely that there was an earlier toilet block in the same location. This is supported by comments on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group in which Frank Ball noted that the earlier toilets, that had been set further back from the road, were taken down. Photos of this earlier toilet block show that it had a distinctive wall.
Nag’s Head
We have reached the Nag’s Head which is a long-standing feature at the corner of Station Street and Lowmoor Road. The Nag’s Head appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940.
History of the Nag’s Head
The Story Behind Kirkby Folly
Originally, the East Kirkby part of Kirkby was known as Kirkby Folly. The reason given for this was that someone started building an inn at what is now Four Lane Ends when there were few other buildings in the vicinity, see Chapter 73. Various names are given in connection to this person. The 1950 official guide refers to him as Simon. The Nottinghamshire History website names him as Brown and the date as 1803. While it might seem logical to conclude that he was Simon Brown, Bill Clay-Dove, in his book “Kirkby-in-Ashfield: An Interesting Township” identifies him as John Tomlinson as does the My Trail website.
Was the Pub in Question the Nag’s Head?
While it is possible that this inn is the current Nag’s Head, there are reports that that original inn was not finished, e.g. the Nottinghamshire History website. In some cases, this failure to finish the building is cited as part of the reason for the name Kirkby Folly, for example, Bill Clay-Dove, in his book “Kirkby-in-Ashfield: An Interesting Township” (p41). However he also notes that the inn was later completed. Christine Evans confirms that the Nag’s Head is indeed the pub in question.
John Tomlinson
John Tomlinson was certainly listed as a publican at Kirkby Folly in both the 1841 and 1851 censuses. In 1851, he was living in Folly House with his wife Mary, their son Thomas and his wife, also Mary. John was born around 1805 and may have died in 1882. According to the Nottinghamshire Guardian of 13 September 1860, John Tomlinson was one of several publicans granted an alehouse license on 5 September 1860. The name of his pub was the Nag’s Head. There are references to John Tomlinson and the Nag’s Head in the 1850s including in relation to inquests. In September 1859, John Tomlinson was charged with the house being illegally open but the case was dismissed.
Landlords and Landladies
Subsequent to John Tomlinson, other landlords/landladies have been Betsy Martin, Arthur J Martin, Arthur and Hannah Stirland, Alfred Smith, Jacob Hibbert, Sam Collidge, William (Bill) Penny, Allan Hubbard and Muriel Edith Leeson, Doris Moore, Fred and Vi Walker, Penny Reeves and David Oldfield.
Memories of the Nag’s Head
Interestingly, Edith Searson, in her book(let) “I Also Remember” does not mention the Nag’s Head at all. At one level, this is odd as her walk takes her from Lowmoor Road into Station Street which involves going right past the Nag’s Head. However, at another level, it is perhaps not surprising as she was doing it from memory and, as a staunch Methodist, she would be unlikely to have memories of a pub. Also, I suspect she might have been somewhat disapproving of pubs, as my grandparents were. But, that did not stop my grandad from referring to the Nag’s Head as a well-known geographical landmark.
Mark Ashfield, in his book “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey“, starts his walk in the same place as Edith Searson. But, he refers to the Nag’s Head specifically. Not that he is interested in the pub itself. Rather, he recalls itinerant traders who operated from a pitch outside the Nag’s Head. He remembered one, in particular, who was selling a particular elixir with tales of the “direst peril” if you did not take it.
Grandad noted that property auctions were held at the Nag’s Head in the 1940s. For example, when grandad’s brother-in-law, Ray Cirket, moved to Bedford in October 1945, his house was offered for sale by auction there. However, it was withdrawn with the bidding at £975. He sold it the next month for £1,000. Also, in September 1947, grandad bought three houses in Victoria Road for £630, through G Wyles at auction at the Nag’s Head. In June 1955, grandad’s diary noted alterations being made to the Nag’s Head.
Three-sided Clock
Perhaps one of the most distinctive features of this area now is the three-sided clock outside the pub.
Although the clock is there now, it was not there at the time of the second world war. Grandad noted in his diary that the clock was first unveiled in April 1960. According to him, the Nag’s Head gave the piece of land, Kirkby Urban and District Council supplied the plinth and Kirkby in Ashfield Chamber of Trade bought the clock, see Chapter 86. The clock was absent from 2013 to 2018. It was replaced following a petition from the heritage centre having been cleaned, painted and given a new movement.
Four Lane Ends
We are at Four Lane Ends which grandad referred to as Four Roads End, for example, when an accident occurred there in 1952 and when traffic lights were installed there in 1959. I have come across one other use of the similar term, four-road ends in an article about the end of the first world war. However, the term Four Lane Ends seems more common although, as far as I can see, grandad never used this term in his diaries.
Referring to Four Lane Ends
At the time of the second world war, this was where Station Street joined Diamond Avenue with Lowmoor Road to the left and Kingsway to the right. In his book “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (p26), Mark Ashfield calls it “four-lane ends“. In her book(let) “I Also Remember“, Edith Searson does not use the term but refers to going “round the Bank corner” to get from Station Street into Kingsway.
Photographs of Four Lane Ends
A Brief History of Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Portland Park
There are two photographs of Four Lane Ends in “A Brief History of Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Portland Park” (pages 14-15) published by Kirkby and District Conservation Society.
Kirkby-in-Ashfield: Yesterday Remembered
In his book “Kirkby-in-Ashfield: Yesterday Remembered”, Gerald Lee includes a photograph of The Four Lane Ends (p17) which is looking down Low Moor Road from Kingsway with the Nag’s Head on the left. The photograph above that on p17 is also in the same area, looking down Low Moor Road with the Regent cinema in the distance. That photograph must be after 1959 as it shows the traffic lights in place.
Kirkby & District in Old Photographs
In their book “Kirkby & District in Old Photographs”, Frank Ashley, Sylvia Sinfield and Gerald Lee have one photograph (p72) of Low Moor Road looking towards the Four Lane Ends and another (p90) which centres on the Nag’s Head and which they date as 1928 and which also appears in Bill Clay-Dove’s book “Kirkby-in-Ashfield: An Interesting Township” (p42).
Kirkby & District: A Second Selection
In their other book “Kirkby & District: A Second Selection”, Frank Ashley, Sylvia Sinfield and Gerald Lee have a photograph of the Four Lane Ends (p102) from the 1940s. This features the Regent cinema to the left and is looking down Kingsway. They note that this photograph precedes the installation of traffic lights at the junction. It is the same photo as the one I have from an official guide from 1950.
Kirkby Street Names
In addition to Station Street, three other roads join at Four Lane Ends namely, Lowmoor (or Low Moor) Road, Diamond Avenue and Kingsway. Details of these Kirkby street names and their history are covered here.
Lowmoor or Low Moor Road
I have seen this road written as both Lowmoor and Low Moor Road. Both seem to be used interchangeably although one word seems more common now. On the 1939 and 1969 maps I have, it is recorded as Low Moor Road. Also, on Google, the part of the road which still exists, north of Sherwood Street is written as two words. I thought initially that Low Moor Road might have been the original form and it has become one word with usage. However, there are early examples of it being spelled as one word. In general, I have used one word except where specifically quoting places that use two words. For more discussion of the extent of Lowmoor Road, see Kirkby Street Names blog.
A Much-Changed Area
This area of Kirkby is perhaps one of those that has changed the most between the second world war and now. The bottom end of Lowmoor Road has been pedestrianised and the streets that were to the north west of this – Byron Street, Prospect Street, Unity Street – were lost when the precinct, which presumably gave us Precinct Road, was built sometime prior to 1969, before it itself was demolished in 2011.
Mourning the Changes
In her book(let) “I Also Remember“, Edith Searson comments, “Now we come to a sad ending. Not only are we at the crossroads [Four Lane Ends] and the end of the shops on Low Moor Road, but sad to say, all the shops from Pond Street, the first being Briggs and Hagues, right along to Bown’s have all gone, demolished after being empty and deserted for several years, and now there is a store, which when finished, will fill the space made by the demolition of the fourteen shops and several houses. It was sad to see such a big change, and to lose the old familiar places but we accept it ‘in the name of progress’“.
Born in a Car Park?
My father, Royle Drew, was born in Prospect Street and I have recollections of visiting Kirkby as a child, standing with him in a car park, and him telling me this was where he was born although I think I was old enough to understand that he had not been born in a car park!
Bourne Primitive Methodist Chapel
It was on the corner of Prospect Street and Lowmoor Road that Bourne Primitive Methodist Chapel stood, which my family attended until it closed in the early sixties following merger with what had been the Wesleyan chapel on Diamond Avenue to form what is now Trinity Methodist Church. Edith Searson also attended this chapel. The building was used as a factory by Meridian before being demolished. Bourne chapel was named after Hugh Bourne one of the founders of Primitive Methodism. For more details of the chapel, see Chapters 17, 31, 38, 54 and 69.
Kirkby Colliery
If we proceeded up Lowmoor Road, we would come to Kirkby Colliery, see Chapter 5, and the housing around it. My father grew up in one of those colliery rows, at 29 Alexandra Street. I recall visiting my grandmother there after we had moved away.
Summit
Kirkby Colliery was known locally as Summit because it was at the highest point on the railway between Pinxton and Mansfield. The colliery was sunk by the Butterley Company in 1888 to 1890 with a third shaft, to the Blackshale seam, being sunk in 1912. It was controversially closed in July 1968. At the time of closure, it employed 2,258 men.
Most Families Had Some Connections to Mining
Given the number of people employed in mining, most families had some connections to mining and mine was no exception.
John Smith
Grandad’s brother-in-law, John Smith worked at Summit. According to the 1911 census, he was a below ground onsetter, that is he was responsible for the loading and unloading of cages. The role was not without dangers. On one occasion, he was crushed between tubs and on another, in July 1914, grandad noted that “John had a narrow escape from the chair killing him”.
Charlie Drew
My paternal grandfather, Charles Drew, also worked as a miner and I assume he worked at Summit because he lived in Alexandra Street. In the 1921 census, he was listed as a colliery hewer and, in 1939, he was listed as a colliery yard labourer which implies that, at least at that time, he worked above ground.
A Dangerous Occupation
I always had known that mining was a dangerous occupation but I guess my attention was taken by the long-term respiratory conditions suffered by many miners, including my grandfather, and the major disasters that occurred. For example, in June 1915, grandad recorded that the cages had got caught at neighbouring Bentinck colliery and ten miners had been killed.
What I had not realised was that accidents causing death happened fairly frequently in the mines aside from major incidents. For example, from 1924 to 1965, 66 miners died at Summit colliery alone. Mr Martin’s death, mentioned in grandad’s diary, is not recorded in this list as he died before the date of the first record on that website. However, I recently came across another list on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group which notes a further 47 deaths between 1895 and 1922. This list does include William James Martin, aged 36, who died on 20 November 1914 as a result of a roof fall and kidney disease.
In September 1951, grandad noted that he was called as a juror to an inquest for a young man, aged 19, who had been killed at Summit colliery. It appears that his name was Terence Ellis and he died when the roof fell in, see Chapter 59.
Diamond Avenue
However, this walk is not going up Lowmoor Road from Four Lane Ends. If we continued ahead, crossing what was Lowmoor Road, we would be in Diamond Avenue. Apparently, the name originates from Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897.
Trinity Methodist Church
If we went along Diamond Avenue, we would quickly reach what is now Trinity Methodist Church. This is visible from Four Lane Ends. Originally, this was a Wesleyan chapel.
41 Diamond Avenue
A bit further along from Trinity Methodist Church is where I was born, number 41 Diamond Avenue, opposite the turning to Crocus Street.
Forest Hill
Locally, Diamond Avenue was often referred to as Forest Hill. In his 1929 diary, grandad recorded his address as Hilly Mount, Forest Hill. It seems that he and his family lived at what are now 160-164 Diamond Avenue.
Regent
However, we are not going along Diamond Avenue either. Rather, we are crossing Station Street to retrace our steps. Ahead of us, on the corner of Diamond Avenue and Kingsway is The Regent, a pub. Until 2024, it was part of the Wetherspoon group. Previously, it was the Regent cinema, see Chapter 21.
Cinema in Kirkby
Both mum and grandad went to the cinema a lot and these trips and the films they saw feature prominently in their diaries, see index of films seen. The Regent opened as a cinema in October 1930 and, with the Star and Kings, see Chapter 4, brought the number of cinemas in Kirkby to three. The opening of the Regent coincided with the introduction of talking movies and grandad noted that the first film he saw (and heard!) at the Regent was “Gold Diggers of Broadway”.
The Star
According to the Cinema Treasures website, the Star cinema was at 40 Kingsway. It seems that, prior to this, in 1912 and 1913, a building of wood with a canvas roof operated there as the New Pavilion Cinema. The Star opened in 1914 presenting cine-variety. In 1930, it was equipped to show “talkies“. It closed in 1957. In 1961, it was taken over by Essoldo along with the Regent. However, the Star was used for storage and later became a garage. It was on the site of what is now McColl’s garage. In a Facebook comment, David Herberts recalled that, at some point, the Star was taken over by the Lace Web Company that had the Spring Factory on Queen’s Street. Considerably more detail of this cinema is available in Brian Horsey’s book “Ninety Years of Cinema in Ashfields” which Trevor Lee kindly loaned to me.
Kings
According to the Cinema Treasures website, Kings Palace was located at 1-4 Urban Road. It opened in 1912 and closed in 1961. Then, it was converted into a bingo club which operated until 1965 when it was also taken over by Essoldo. It was then converted into a garage, Alwright Autos and was later used by Synshield Fabrications to make doors and double-glazed windows. From 2009, the building was empty and it was demolished by 2016. The land on which it stood is now part of Aldi car park. There is an excellent photo of Kings from 1960 on the Kirkby in Ashfield People, Places & Events Facebook page. Considerably more detail of this cinema is available in Brian Horsey’s book “Ninety Years of Cinema in Ashfields” which Trevor Lee kindly loaned to me.
Film Adverts
The My Trail website features adverts for the Regent from the 1930s and adverts for all Kirkby’s three cinemas from the 1950s. I am also grateful to Trevor Lee for sharing a couple of film adverts with me from 1933.
Kirkby Electric Picturedrome
Although it is commonly stated that Kirkby had three cinemas, it appears that there was a fourth, the Kirkby Electic Picturedrome on Unity Street. A 1914 map of the area clearly shows a cinema on Unity Street. I am grateful to Ivan Braddow for posting that this was the first cinema in Kirkby and that it was known as Kirkby Electric Picturedrome. This post was based on notes from Trevor Lee and I am grateful to Trevor for supplying more information largely from articles in the Notts Free Press. This cinema is mentioned by Brian Horsey in his book “Ninety Years of Cinema in Ashfields” which Trevor Lee kindly loaned to me.
Recollections of Movies in Kirkby
There are many accounts of seeing movies in Kirkby. Gerald Lee’s book “Kirkby-in-Ashfield: Yesterday Remembered” has a chapter (15) dedicated to “When the Pictures started Talking” from p70. In that, he says that “talkies” arrived in October 1930 with the opening of the Regent. However, according to grandad, he saw (and heard!) his first talkie a month earlier at the Star.
Edith Searson, in her book(let) “I Remember” (p62), noted that the Regent was built in 1932 (although other sources suggest 1930). She highlighted that they offered talking movies. In her second book(let) “I Also Remember (p11), she noted that, when her family moved to Kirkby in 1917, there were two Picture Houses or Picture Palaces. Although she did not go to the cinema often, she thought the pictures were “just marvellous“. She recalled the experience of going to the cinema, noting that there were two houses or sessions with the second a repeat of the first. There was an accompanying pianist. She also noted that both cinemas had “continuous performances“. Grandad noted that the Star introduced this first with Kings introducing this in 1915, see Chapter 4.
Mark Ashfield also has a chapter focused on the Regent entitled “When the Talkies Came to Town” in his book “Horses, Herbs and a Cockatoo” (from p13). This includes an advert for the cinema from the Free Press in 1938 on p13 and a photograph of the manager and staff on p16.
James Wightman
Before the Regent was built, the butcher James Wightman had his business on this corner. Edith Searson, in her booklet “I Also Remember“, recalled that this business started in 1870. He was assisted by his son Thomas and his wife, Jane. Later, their son Thomas and his wife, Leah, took over the business. At the time Edith Searson was writing, in the 1980s, she noted that their two sons Tom and Paul continued the business. This presumably means that the business did not close when the Regent was built.
James Wightman is listed in the 1898 Kelly’s Directory. In both 1928 and 1941, Thomas Wightman is listed as a butcher in Kingsway. I found a 1904 photo of the butcher’s shop on the Our Nottinghamshire website. The name of the business there is M Wightman, which appears to refer to James’ widow, Mary. However, when I tried to access this site in February 2025, it seemed to be inaccessible.
After the Cinema
I am grateful to Alwyn Bowskill for his comment on this post concerning what happened to the building when the Regent Cinema closed. He noted that the upstairs became the Cineplex while the bottom floor was converted into Henry’s bar which later became Fagin’s Nightclub. At some point, the building was used by Silver Line for bingo.
Kingsway
Our return journey starts at the corner of Station Street and Kingsway. According to a post by Richard Evans on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, Kingsway was named after a visit to Kirkby made by King Edward VII and, prior to that, had been called Cemetery Road. However, June Barbara Brown commented that, according to her mother-in-law, the visit by the King was planned but did not happen as he was unwell.
It does appear that a visit to the area by King Edward VII, originally scheduled for 1903, did have to be delayed because of poor health. However, it does not seem that the road was re-named as a result of that visit as the name Cemetery Road was in use until 1914. Based on an article in the Mansfield Reporter in December 1914, it seems that the road was re-named that year following the June visit of King George V, see Chapter 7. For more details, see here.
Heritage Centre
Kirkby Heritage Centre is located at 13 Kingsway. It is a small heritage museum that is open Monday to Saturdays 10am to 12 noon. It has a huge amount of historic material and the volunteers who run it, led by Chris Kidger, have been extremely helpful to me personally.
Cemeteries
There are two cemeteries on Kingsway, one is called Kingsway Old and the other Kingsway New. I have family members buried in each.
88-90 Station Street
Daily
The building on the corner is 88-90 Station Street and now is the location of a convenience store Daily. It has been there since at least August 2021.
Empty and Available To Let
From August 2018 to March 2019, the property looked as if it had been refurbished and it was available “To Let“. Up until at least April 2017, the property housed Barclays Bank.
Byard Enterprises?
When I first looked into this matter, I thought I found evidence on Google that a company called Byard Enterprises had been based in the corner premises from 2016. However, when I look now, I can find no evidence of this. In addition, in 2016, Barclays still occupied the premises. Nevertheless, Byard Enterprises were once based at 88-90 Station Street although they have since been liquidated. Perhaps they were based in part of the premises while Barclays were still there and/or perhaps they occupied the premises in the period between when Barclays closed and when Daily opened.
Department Store One
There is a photo of this building showing the logo of Department Store One on Annesley OC Heritage Extra Facebook page. However, there is a note there saying that it never opened as this.
Linking Byard Enterprises and Department Store One
Based on an advert posted on Kirkby-in-Ashfield People Facebook Group in 2019, It appears that Byard Enterprises were the parent company for Department Store One.
Barclays Bank
Barclays Bank occupied 90 Station Street from at least 1928. They were also based there in both 1941 and 1942. Barclays appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940.
United (Counties) Bank
The 1912 list of shops in Station Street, compiled by Barbara Parkin, identified a United Bank in Station Street without giving a number. Initially, I struggled to identify this bank. I then found a notice from 1914 of the United Counties Bank moving to “more commodious premises” at 90-92 Station Street. I am not aware of a 92 Station Street so wonder if this was referring to this corner property. Then, I found out that the United Counties Bank only existed for nine years between 1907 and 1916. It was formed, in 1907, by the merger of the Birmingham District and Counties Banking Company and the Bradford Old Bank Limited. It was acquired by Barclays in 1916. This ties in with Barclays later being at this location.
Photographs of Barclays
There is an excellent photograph of a postcard of this in David Ottewell’s book “Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Annesley on Old Picture Postcards” (#14). Part of this same photo appears in “Kirkby A People’s History” by Kirkby Volunteer Centre. This photo also appears on the Kirkby-in-Ashfield People Facebook Group.
Memories of Barclays Bank
Barclays is also mentioned by Mark Ashfield in “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (p26). Edith Searson, in her book(let) “I Also Remember“, does not specifically mention Barclays although she does mention “Bank corner” as she passes from Station Street into Kingsway.
River Plate Fresh Meat Co
In a 1912 list of shops in Station Street, compiled by Barbara Parkin, River Plate Fresh Meat Co was listed as a butcher at 88 Station Street.
Frank Kilner
In a 1912 list of shops in Station Street, compiled by Barbara Parkin, Frank Kilner was listed as a newsagent and tobacconist at 92 Station Street.
Another Terrace
Beyond Bank House, there is a long terraced row of shops that is continuous until reaching Morley Street.
84-86 Station Street
Dog House
The first property in this row after Bank House is now the Dog House which describes itself as a pub and which occupies 84-86 Station Street. They have been based here since at least September 2017. In April 2017, the property looked empty but it also looked as if it was being prepared to open as the Dog House.
The Fruit Bowl
From at least October 2008 to May 2016, a business called The Fruit Bowl was based here. Apparently, they sold flowers, plants and gifts.
Bill Makinson
The owner of the Fruit Bowl was Bill Makinson. During the second world war, he had been a fireman. In December 1940, he was one of seven firemen who went to Manchester to help fight fires. Five of them were killed. Bill Makinson was one of the two who survived.
He also owned the Stocking Shop on Kingsway. Bill Makinson’s daughter Jane took over the running of the Stocking Shop. His son, William also known as Bill, ran the Fruit Bowl for some time and became a well-known local artist.
Other Owners
Other owners of the Fruit Bowl after Bill Makinson were Brian and Jean Barnett (or Bennet) and Trish and Paul Curran.
Home and Colonial Stores
At the time of the second world war, number 86 hosted Home and Colonial Stores Ltd, a provision merchants. Home and Colonial grocer appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940.
Frank Wakefield
At the time of the second world war, number 84 was occupied by a general stores run by Frank Wakefield . It was Frank Wakefield who set up and ran Wakefields Army Stores at 82 Station Street.
John Robert Parker
In 1928, number 84 was occupied by a baker, John Robert Parker. He may have also sold cooked meats as Parker Baker Cooked Meats appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940.
Walter Beaumont
In a 1912 list of shops in Station Street, compiled by Barbara Parkin, Walter Beaumont is listed as a baker at 84 Station Street.
Shepherds Limited
In a 1912 list of shops in Station Street, compiled by Barbara Parkin, Shepherds Limited are listed as provision dealers at 86 Station Street.
Memories of 84-86 Station Street
In her book(let) “I Also Remember“, Edith Searson does not give property numbers. So, sometimes it takes a bit of detective work to figure out which property she is referring to. In this case, she notes that George and Bertha Wilmot ran a bakery and confectionery business here for a number of years only retiring in the second world war. It then changed the nature of the business when George Stafford opened a greengrocers. In 1950, Edith Searson and her husband Ben took on this business although she very much mentions this in passing without any kind of song and dance. Later, it was taken on by Mr Makinson who traded as The Fruit Bowl.
Henry and Maria Goadby
In the 1911 census, Henry and Maria Goadby were living at 84 Station Street. I recognised the name because he had a dispute with my great grandfather Henry Parkin which, in 1910, ended up in court, see Chapter 47. At the time of the dispute, Henry Goadby was renting a shop in Lowmoor Road from Henry Parkin.
82 Station Street
Your Move
Currently, Your Move are at number 82. They have been there since at least April 2011.
Halifax
However, before then, from at least October 2008 to July 2009, the Halifax was there.
Haberdashers
There was no listing for this property in 1942 but, in 1928, Herbert Thompson Smith was a haberdasher at number 82. Robinson-Smith appears as a haberdasher on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940. I assume this is the same person and wonder if Thompson has been mis-transcribed as Robinson or vice versa.
In her book(let) “I Also Remember“, Edith Searson recalls H J Smith’s drapery and Gent’s Wear shop. I suspect this is referring to 82 Station Street despite the discrepancy in the middle initial. She notes that Mr Smith’s wife helped him in the business. She recalled that Mr Smith was a leading churchman and she thought he belonged to St Wilfrid’s church.
Mr and Mrs H T Smith sent flowers when my great grandmother, Sarah Parkin, died in 1930, see Chapter 15. They also gave my grandparents a tablecloth as a wedding present later that year, see Chapter 16. I suspect this refers to Herbert Thompson Smith and his wife.
Leisurefield
In the 1980s, the camping and leisure store, Leisurefield was at number 82.
Wakefields Army Stores
I came across an advert for Wakefields Army Stores in the 1969 Kirkby Directory. This indicated a branch on Station Street and I wondered if this might have been linked to the earlier Frank Wakefield shop at 84 Station Street? In a Facebook comment, Keith Stevens commented that the army stores were there until 1983 “when Wakefields sold out“. There is a great photo of the Wakefields Army Stores in Chesterfield on the Old Chesterfield Pics Facebook Group.
Memories of Wakefield Army Stores
Many contributors recalled shopping at Wakefields. Funniest story of shopping there has to be from Trevor Ord. He says, “I’ve still got a pair of army trousers my mum said I would grow into. And they are still too big. (Cheap though).” Many people recalled getting bags from Wakefields to use as school satchels.
Many people recalled Frank Wakefield and that he drove a Rolls Royce. John Harrison noted that Frank Wakefield provided one of their lorries to transport the Scouts to camp the last two years John ran it in 1965 and 1966.
78-80 Station Street
Kirkby Sales and Exchange
Kirkby Sales and Exchange are at 80 Station Street currently. Although their address is given as 80 Station Street, they appear to occupy what was 78 Station Street as well. They have been there since November 2015 at least. However, in June 2015, the property appears to have been vacant.
What Services do Kirkby Sales and Exchange Provide?
According to Christine Evans, in a feature on Facebook, “they provide multiple services including the buying and selling of electrical, gaming based, jewellery and pop culture based goods as well as their buyback service in which customers can leave an item as collateral for a short term loan with low interest fees to help see them through to next pay day. They are also a hub of the community where someone can just pop in for a chat whether it be about a new game or a tv show over a cup of tea or even have a few rounds on the free play arcades in the back room.
During the holidays they run competitions mainly aiming at the youngsters such as hiding rocks at Easter for them to find for a chance to win a chocolate egg to hiding something in store for them to find with a chance to win an instore voucher or there’s arcade game competitions in the back room aimed at everyone. The store has been in its current location since 2017 and prior to that was around the corner on Kingsway from 2010. They have plans in the pipeline to extend upstairs too in the coming months. Over the years they have built themselves a loyal and constant customer base and it’s easy to see why.“
Fidler and Pepper
From at least October 2008 to April 2011, the premises, both 78 and 80, housed solicitors Fidler and Pepper. They appear to still be operating with offices in Mansfield and Sutton.
Built in 1886?
Of interest perhaps, is that there seems to be an inscription of the date 1886 on the front wall of number 80. I presume this was the date this property was built.
Passageway to Snooker Hall
Frank Ball identified that there was a passageway to the snooker hall that was on Kingsley Street, which had previously been a hosiery factory. Initially, he thought this was between numbers 80 and 82. However, on seeing older photos, he recalled that it was between 78 and 80.
Kirkby Radio Service
In the 1940s, based on an advert in the Notts Free Press, Kirkby Radio Service were based at 80 Station street. Despite the name, they seemed to have focused on electric light and power installation. They also sold various electrical appliances and accessories.
Tuttle’s Greengrocer
There was no listing for this property in 1942 but, in 1928, James Tuttle was a greengrocer at number 80. Tuttles Greengrocer appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940. According to the 1921 census, he was living there with his wife, Matilda, and their two children, Dorothy A and Milford James. He applied to Kirkby Tribunal for an exemption to military service during the first world war.
Shepherd’s Dairies
Based on information in the 1921 census regarding James Tuttle’s daughter Dorothy, it seems that Shepherd’s Dairies may have been operating from 80 Station Street at that time. Based on a notice in the Nottingham Evening Post, in October 1920, it appears that there may have been a link between Shepherd’s Dairies and Home and Colonial Stores. It is of interest that, during the second world war, Home and Colonial Stores were based at 86 Station Street.
Reg Edwards
In 1942, number 78 was occupied by Reginald (“Reg”) Edwards who provided a “Leisure Hour” Library.
W Heath & Sons
In 1928, the tobacconist W Heath & Sons had been based at 78 Station Street. It is of interest to note that they also ran billiard rooms in Kingsley Street. I am grateful to Frank Ball for pointing out that there was a passageway to these billiard rooms through the Station Street shops. Initially, he thought this had been through the door between 80 and 82 Station Street. But, he later remembered that it had in fact been between 78 and 80 Station Street.
Reginald Edwards in Grandad’s Diaries
Reginald Edwards, as grandad’s neighbour, appears fairly frequently in grandad’s diary.
Hardware Dealer?
My initial impression was that he was some kind of hardware or do-it-yourself dealer as grandad got all kinds of building-type supplies from him including bricks, fluorescent lights, an electric motor, a lawn mower, paraffin stoves and an oil heater.
General Dealer?
But, I wonder if he was more of a general dealer as grandad also got other things from him, including a baby’s crib, high chair and pushchair, a child’s scooter and a Hohner Melodica.
Bookseller?
The 1941 Kelly’s Directory entry refers to Reginald Edwards as having a library. It does seem that Reg may have sold books as, in December 1960, grandma bought grandad the book “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” from him, see Chapter 86. I found it surprising that grandma bought this book given her staunch Methodist background but, according to his diary, grandad was interested in the book because of the court case there had been over whether it was fit for publication. This book caused quite a stir and a chapter (#5) of Jonathan Evans book “The Mystery of Ernie Taylor’s Abdomen” is devoted to it.
Friends
It appears that Reg and grandad were friends. Reg visited grandad at home and grandad visited Reg in hospital when he was unwell. Grandad noted making a garden seat for Reg in 1957. Reg provided the wood and grandad did the work. In 1958, grandad got a step ladder from Reg for a ladder that Cliff Green had made for grandad when he was still living at Station Street and, in 1958, Reg offered grandad a piano that presumably he no longer wanted.
Three years later, in 1961, Reg was interested in grandad’s slide projector so he came to see it and then came again a few months later with his son, Robin. In September 1963, Reg and Robin visited grandad as the ten-year old Robin had a new cine camera he wanted to show grandad. It seems that Reg may have acted for grandad, after the latter had moved to Norfolk, in relation to houses he owned and was renting out in Victoria Road.
Memories of 78 Station Street
In her book(let) “I Also Remember“, Edith Searson recalls a tobacconist’s which she referred to as the Heath family business. She noted that, at one time, the business was managed by the eldest son Reg. It is odd that this first name is the same as Reg Edwards but, given the different surnames, I don’t see how they could be connected.
Joy Dean’s Father
It seems that Reg Edwards’ shop was quite well-known for selling toys. A contributor on Facebook, Joy Dean, confirmed this explaining that her father had taken over a shop from Reg Edwards and that it had been a newsagent and toy shop. She was 15 at the time and recalled that the shop was double-fronted. Also, she remembered living on the premises for a period of around two years. She also thought that the building was now Kirkby Sales and Exchange.
Jean Bolter’s Clothes Shop
In a comment on the Kirkby-in-Ashfield People Facebook Group, Daryl Lees noted that his aunty Jean used to have her own fashion design wear shop in this part of Station Street. He identified her as Jean Bolter and that this shop was there in the early seventies. He thought it might have been where the wedding shop is now “but it has changed so much on the front, it wasn’t like that then…” Daryl notes that she stocked all kinds of haberdashery including baby clothes, wools of all kinds, knitting patterns, children’s dresses, wedding and bridesmaids’ attire, laces and fabrics.
70-76 Station Street
My Grandfather’s Shoe Shop
The buildings that follow, 70-76 Station Street, were where my grandfather, Gordon Parkin, had his shoe shop.
Started by Henry Parkin
The business was started by my grandfather’s father, my great grandfather, Henry Parkin, sometime after he moved to Kirkby with his family in 1897, see Chapter 1. Henry Parkin was listed as a bootmaker in the 1898 Kelly’s Directory. According to a news article at the time of his death in 1957, see Chapter 65, Henry Parkin “moved to Kirkby in 1897 from Hucknall, and commenced a boot and shoe repairing business in a wooden hut at the junction of Portland Street and Low Moor Road. Subsequently, he moved to premises in Station Street, which still bear the Parkin name, and in addition to repairing, also established a boot and shoe retail business“.
Grandad Worked in His Father’s Business
In 1912, the business was listed in the name of Henry Parkin & Sons and was located at 74-76 Station Street. From the time his diaries start, in 1914, when he was 16, grandad was working in his father’s business, see Chapter 2. Grandad worked mostly in the workshop and his brother, Cyril, worked mostly in the shop. They gradually took over the business from their father. The 1928 Kelly’s Directory lists the business as Parkin Brothers, bootmakers, located at 70-76 Station Street. In 1933, Cyril left the business, see Chapter 13. From then, grandad ran it on his own. According to the details from 1942, Charles G Parkin was a bootmaker and was occupying 72-76 Station Street. The same entry appears in the 1941 Kelly’s Directory. Parkin Shoes appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940.
Photos of Grandad’s Shop
I do not have many photos of the front of grandad’s shop. The ones I do have seem to have been taken during a carnival around 1939 or when he paid Armstrongs £1 to deliver a piano through the first-floor window above the shop in 1937. There are also some photos of the back yard including of the aviary grandad built around 1939 and the hammock mum had up in the yard in around 1948.
Memories of Grandad’s Shop
In her book(let) “I Also Remember“, Edith Searson notes “as we leave these smaller shops, we are at the door of Henry Parkin’s Boot and Shoe shop. This is a family business, and includes a repairs service. After trading several years, this business was taken over by Fred and Sadie Flint. They too were in the business several years, and finally, Gordon and Gwen Sugg took over this Boot and Shoe business which is the oldest established business of it’s kind in the town. Gordon and Gwen are still busy.”
Selling the Business
In her diaries, mum noted that, in the early 1950s, she sometimes helped in grandad’s shop, see Chapter 55, as she had done since she was quite young. At this point, she was working for Kirkby Cooperative Manufacturing (KCM). In May 1955, she switched to part-time work at KCM, see Chapter 61, so that she could help more in the shop at a time when grandad was ill, see Chapter 65. In November 1955, she left KCM to work full-time at the shop. From this point on, grandad’s health meant that he struggled to return to work. Although mum and dad considered taking the shop on, they decided not to. In January 1958, grandad sold the business to Fred Flint, as noted by Edith Searson, and see Chapter 60.
Fred Flint
In January 1959, about a year after Fred Flint bought the shop, grandad noted that there had been a fire at the premises and the fire brigade were called.
Gordon Sugg
As noted by Edith Searson, Gordon Sugg took over the business from Fred Flint. Grandad noted that this was in 1963.
The Trials and Tribulations of A Small Retailer
Gordon Suggs wrote an autobiographical book(let) called “The Trials and Tribulations of a Small Retailer“. This describes his life and family in some detail. He also explains (p31) moving his shops from Kingsway to Station Street in 1963. Apparently, he did this because he was looking for larger premises and because rents were increasing on Kingsway. He needed to borrow some money to make the purchase. When his bank declined to lend him the money, he borrowed the money from Barclays and switched his account to them.
He took over the Station Street business on 17 June 1963 and continued with the Kingsway business too for a further fifteen months before closing that. Over the coming years, he expanded his business considerably opening shops in both Sutton and Alfreton. He finally retired in 1989.
Memories of Gordon Sugg
In comments on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, Richard Evans recalled buying his first pair of “grown up” blue suede shoes from Sugg’s in Kingsway. He recalled “Mr Suggs” as “a lovely man who never forgot a foot“. Melanie Millington recalled loving being a “Saturday girl” at Sugg’s in Station Street. She commented that she “used to look in the small department store opposite in my lunch hour. Also go to the library to do extra homework. Challans was very posh, bought presents for my mum there. Think it was a thriving shopping centre then.“
One of the things that contributors on Facebook remembered about Gordon Suggs shop was that they measured your feet there. For example, Pam Breedon remembered this. I recall that this was something mum was very insistent on, presumably learned from grandad.
Jane Powell noted that Gordon and Gwen Sugg were great friends with her mum and dad and they visited them in Indonesia. Gordon referred to this trip in his book(let) “The Trials and Tribulations of a Small Retailer“ (p47). This was in 1989 and they visited Jakarta for one night when they were on their way back from New Zealand.
The Parkin Family and Living at the Shop in Station Street
1901
Based on the 1901 census, grandad was living with his family at 20 Victoria Road, see Chapter 3.
1911
However, by 1911, grandad was living with his parents and his three next-youngest siblings, Eva, Cyril and Len, at 70-76 Station Street. By 1911, grandad’s oldest sister, Olive, was married and living in Welbeck Street with her husband, John Smith, and son, Leonard. Grandad’s oldest brother James Henry was also married and living with his wife Annie and their two children, Gordon and Ethel, at 67 The Hill.
1915
According to grandad’s diary, the family moved to 54 Welbeck Street in December 1915.
1921
According to the 1921 census, see Chapter 24, Henry, Sarah and grandad were living at 54 Welbeck Street, as were grandad’s sister Eva and her husband Arthur Evans. John and Olive lived next door at 56 Welbeck Street. Len and his wife, Ethel, were at Alfred Street, Riddings and Cyril was listed as living at 3 Welbeck Street with his wife, Minnie, and their son, Basil. Based on the 1921 electoral register, Len was living with his wife, Ethel, at 64 Forest Street but I have not managed to locate him in the 1921 census.
In the 1921 census, grandad’s oldest brother, James Henry Parkin and his family were listed at 76 Station Street. So, at this point, he was the only family member living above the shop. However, two Salvation Army Officers, Catherine R Wright and Ada E Furr were listed as living at 72A Station Street.
1924
According to grandad’s diary, in 1924, his brother Len moved to Ollerton.
1925
In 1925, grandad moved himself. Based on electoral registers, he was living with his father and mother at 158 Diamond Avenue. His sister, Eva, and her husband Arthur Evans were next door at 160 with his other sister, Olive, and her husband John at 162, see Chapter 24.
1930s
Grandma and grandad married in 1930 and they lived on Diamond Avenue. However, in 1931, when grandma was unwell they moved in temporarily with grandma’s parents at 61 Milton Street. Similarly, in 1937, after grandma’s mother had died, they moved in temporarily with grandad’s father at 96 Welbeck Street. However, when he died, they moved to the shop in Station Street which is where mum remembered growing up.
In 1939, grandad (Charles Gordon Parkin) and grandma (Ethel May Cecilia Parkin) were registered as living at number 74. Mum (Sheila May Parkin) was there too although her record on the 1939 Register is closed.
The Greens
According to the 1939 Register, Harold Green and his wife Edith, both hairdressers were living at 70-72 Station Street with their daughter Beryl and a domestic servant Elsie J Hall. They also had a son, Clifford (“Cliff”), but he was not registered as living with them in 1939.
Mum Recalled Playing with Beryl
Mum recalled playing with Beryl even though mum was ten years younger than her. There are photos of them playing together. In May 1938, grandad noted that Beryl had pushed him into a pond!
Beryl Died Aged 16
Beryl had Down syndrome and, in July 1941, she died aged just 16. Mum was sent to family friend’s Tom and Annie Holmes for a week and, during that time, Beryl was buried. Mum, who was seven at the time, was not involved in the funeral and it appears that no-one explained to her what had happened.
It must have seemed to her that one minute her friend was there and the next she was gone. She wrote on the back of one of the photographs, “Beryl lived next door to us at Station Street… She died but I have no idea when or how. It wasn’t talked about in those days”. Among her papers, there was a newspaper cutting about Beryl’s death. This shows that not only did grandma and grandad attend the funeral but so did other family members Eva, Arthur, Olive and Roy Evans and Olive, John, Len and Dolly Smith, see Chapter 29.
Beryl’s Grave
In August 2023, on a visit to Kirkby, I thought I would look to see if I could find Beryl’s grave in Kingsway New Cemetery as I was visiting other family graves there. I did manage to locate it although the writing is somewhat faded.
Madame May
At the time of the second world war, at number 70, was a ladies’ hairdressers run by Mrs Edith Green. I also came across a hairdressers at number 70 called Madame May. Madame May appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940.
Edith Searson Remembered Madame May
Initially, I thought they were different businesses but Edith Searson, in her book(let) “I Also Remember” noted that Mrs Green of Hucknall traded as ‘Madame May‘. She noted that it was one of many hairdressing salons that popped up in all towns with the change in hairdressing styles in the 1920s. She noted that it had grown and was still busy.
Other Memories of Madame May
Several members of Facebook Living Memory Facebook Group had personal recollections of Madame May’s. These included that having a perm took nearly all day. Perms tended to be reserved for special occasions, such as Christmas and summer with “sets” every week if money permitted. Home perms were also available. One member noted that “back then they [home perms] had metal curlers the perming solution stunk awful“.
Most memories of the salon were relatively fond, for example, “I used to go to Madam May’s in my teens. I had my first perm there. I can still feel those heavy electric things in my hair!” Another recalled the “hot permy smell. With lacquer and smelly setting lotion.” However, one member commented, “I remember going once there and she cut my hair different to what I had it. I was starting… school the September and I wouldn’t take my hood off I hated it“!
Laurine Stafford and Diane Waterhouse worked at Madame May’s. Laurine commented, “I worked at madam mays in the 70s on a Friday after school and all day Saturday, from 6 am to 7 pm , that’s when salons was open long hours, I remember the ladies bringing their sachets of Beer shampoo“. Diane noted, “I worked for Carol at Madame May’s when I left school, did my apprenticeship there. It was her grandma’s hairdressers before Phylis took over she was the Original Madame May“.
Create Your Day and Coffee N Cream
Now, the bridal shop, Create Your Day occupies 74-76 and the café Coffee N Cream occupies 70-72. Create Your Day appear to have been there since at least June 2015, although at the start, the sign had not gone up but there were wedding dresses in the window.
Similarly, Coffee N Cream have been there since June 2015 at least. However, the sign saying Coffee N Cream seems to have been missing since at least August 2021. As of January 2025, I understand that the name has changed to Sam’s Café.
The Booking Centre/Kirkby Travel and Surreal
Between October 2008 and April 2011 at least, the Booking Centre/Kirkby Travel occupied 74-76 Station Street. Over the same period, the salon Surreal were at 70-72 Station Street.
Simpsons Ladies and Children’s Fashions
In the eighties, it appears that Simpsons Ladies and Children’s Fashions occupied 70-76 Station Street.
68 Station Street
The Rabbit Hole Tatoo Studio
In a comment on Kirkby-in-Ashfield People Facebook Group, Teresa Heeson kindly informed me that The Rabbit Hole Tattoo Studio is now at 68 Station Street. It is run by her daughter Shayna Marriott and opened in April 2023. I am grateful to Teresa and Shayna for sharing these pictures of the business.
Previously Empty
In August 2023, 68 Station Street appeared to be empty and that seems to have been the case since at least March 2022 although, at that time, one sign for Your Feet First was still there.
Your Feet First
Your Feet First were based there from March 2019 until August 2021 at least. Prior to that, the business was just called Feet First. They had been there since at least April 2011. However, in October 2008 and August 2009, the building looked empty. Your Feet First are now housed at Ashfield Therapy Centre at 49-51 Station Street.
A Corset Maker and Draper
At the time of the second world war, number 68 was occupied by Mrs Collingwood, a draper. From the 1941 Kelly’s Directory, it is clear that she also had a corset making business at 36 Clumber Street.
The Collingwoods
Mr and Mrs Collingwood are listed among those who sent flowers at the time of Beryl Green’s funeral.
A Confectioner
In 1928, number 68 was occupied by Miss Olive Mellar, a confectioner. In her book(let) “I Also Remember“, Edith Searson notes a small confectionery business owned by a Miss Mellor. Although the spelling and order of shops differ slightly, I suspect she is referring to this shop.
Good Earth
In the 1980s. it seems that number 68 was occupied by Good Earth, a natural wholefoods shop. In comments on Facebook, people recalled that Roger and Joyce Kirk ran this shop.
66 Station Street
Tiga Hair Spa
Currently, number 66 houses another salon Tiga Hair Spa. They have been there since at least October 2008.
Ceney Bakery
At the time of the second world war, number 66 was occupied by William H Ceney. He appeared to operate Portland Bakery in Portland Street. Ceney Baker appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940 but this has it as next-door to Madame May. It also lists Waites greengrocers at the same premises, although in 1928, they were at 64 Station Street. Other businesses listed in this part of Station Street, by Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940 include Huskinson Pork Butcher and Quick Service Sweets. For details of Quick Service Sweets, see 62-64 Station Street.
Memories of Ceney’s
Edith Searson, in her book(let) “I Also Remember” recalls Ceney’s cake and pastry shop although she recalls it on the other side of Miss Mellor’s confectionery business. She notes that the chocolate marshmallows, in particular, were “delicious and moreish“.
George H Huskinson
In a 1912 list of shops in Station Street, compiled by Barbara Parkin, George H Huskinson was a butcher at 66 Station Street.
Levi Smith
In 1928, number 66 was occupied by Levi Smith, a pork butcher.
The Orchard
In the 1980s. it seems that number 66 was occupied by The Orchard, a greengrocer and florist.
Hemstocks
Based on photos from the 1970s, it appears that there may have been a shop called Hemstocks at 66 Station Street at that point.
62-64 Station Street
Ideal Cars
As of July 2024, Ideal Cars are located at 62 Station Street. According to their website, they also have bases in Hucknall and Eastwood.
My Dentist and 6 Five 2s
My Dentist also occupies 62-64 Station Street. As of August 2023, the private hire taxi company, 6 Five 2s, was at number 62. From the photographs, My Dentist appears to occupy the first-floor of number 62 with the taxi companies on the ground floor. My Dentist have been there since at least November 2015. Prior to that, it was Station Street Dental Centre. 6 Five 2s were there since at least March 2019.
Kingsway Shoe Repairer
Earlier, it was Kingsway Shoe Repairer.
Booth and Coupe
In the 1980s. it seems that number 62 was occupied by the estate agents, valuers and auctioneers, Booth and Coupe.
An Earlier Dentist
I am grateful to Alwyn Bowskill for pointing out that the upstairs part of this building has been a dentist since at least 1960. He recalls, “it was owned by My Bell. He took some of my baby teeth out then. I had gas, for the extractions, not a very nice experience and I remember having to wear a scarf over my mouth when I left. Mr Bell had a nickname it was Butcher Bell due to the lack of use of anaesthetic when doing fillings! He was still working in the 1980s. I’ll bet the people of Kirkby will remember him!“
Joseph Waite
In the 1940s, there was no listing for number 64 but, in 1928, the greengrocer, Joseph Waite was here. Waites greengrocer appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940 but next-door to Madame May.
George Unwin and Edgar Coates
In 1942, George Unwin, a herbalist, was listed at number 62 and Edgar Coates, a confectioner at 62a. Unwin’s also appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940.
Edward Holland
In 1928, Edward Holland, an electrical engineer, was based at number 62a.
George Unwin
There are photographs of this shop that appear in a number of books including in “Kirkby & District from Old Photographs” by Frank Ashley, Sylvia Sinfield and Gerald Lee (p67) and “Kirkby A People’s History” by Kirkby Volunteer Centre (p19 and p68).
Memories of George Unwin
Edith Searson, in her book(let) “I Also Remember“, recalls the shop and that he sold yeast. She thought he would do a good trade as many people baked their own bread in those days. She recalled that he used to deliver goods round the town on his bike.
George Unwin is noted by Mark Ashfield in “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (pp25-26). He recalls the various potions and powders for sale there. Perhaps most memorable for him were the herbal cigarettes which he smoked when “parental vigilance was relaxed“.
Grandad Mentions G Unwin
Grandad briefly mentions a G Unwin in his diary, in April 1943. They made a garage door together. Grandad also mentioned George’s son, John when he crashed into a Butler’s bus on Victoria Road, in September 1951, when he was on a motorbike.
Conscientious Objector
In March 1916, aged 22, George Unwin appeared before the Kirkby Tribunal asking for an exemption to military service based on conscientious objection. The application was denied.
Edgar Coates
In 1942, Edgar Coates was listed as a confectioner at 62a Station Street. I assume that the Edgar Coates here was the same as the one who had the outfitters at number 47 and presumably these are the premises which later became his showroom at number 64.
A Newsagent and Sweet Shop
Several people on Facebook recalled a newsagent next to Unwin’s run by Jack Knight. It appears to have been called Quick Service and it also sold sweets. As a result, it was also known as Jack’s sweet shop. It seems it was owned by Edgar Coates but managed by Jack Knight.
Later, in the seventies, it was run by Brian Soar and, from the mid-eighties to mid-nineties, it was run by Edgar and Hazel Bramwell.
Mrs Penny’s Jaeger Shop
Some Facebook contributors recalled that Mrs Penny, who ran the Nag’s Head with her husband, had a Jaeger shop on the corner here. Janet Collins recalled this and thought it was late fifties. She noted, “also she took the parrot from the Nag because it was picking up foul language. She then opened the café on Station Street.”.
Morley Street
We have now reached Morley Street which is a short street that runs from Station Street to where it turns ninety degrees left to become Kingsley Street. Currently, it is one-way towards Station Street. Now, the only residential properties appear to be numbers 2 and 4 which are physically attached to the property that forms 60 Station Street.
Salvation Army
The former Salvation Army building stands on the “odd” side of Morley Street. It consists of two buildings, one of which is labelled “Young People’s Hall” which currently houses Back to Front Swimming School. This has been there since at least March 2019. The building appears to have been for sale in August 2009.
Attending Activities at the Salvation Army and Vice Versa
My mother and grandmother sometimes attended services at the Salvation Army. For example, in March 1947, mum played Peter in a play “Stories of the Master” at the Salvation Army having previously performed the play at their own chapel, Bourne Methodist. In February 1951, mum was part of a group from Bourne who gave another play at the Salvation Army. This one was called “The Mother of a Disciple“. Sometimes, people from the Salvation Army participated in activities at Bourne Chapel. For example, in November 1953, there was a tea and concert at Bourne as part of the ladies’ effort. This involved songsters from the Salvation Army.
Joint Church Activities
There were also sometimes joint church activities which involved Bourne and the Salvation Army. In particular, this included the Whit Walks in which the Salvation Army band played.
Top right – joint service in Kingsway Park in 1951. Captain Carby of the Salvation Army is on the extreme left. Others included Rev S Butler, Mr W Hazlewood, Rev P Robinson and Rev R W Salmon with Mr W Marsh at the microphone
Above – photo from the 1951 Whit Walk featuring Olive Smith and Hazel Munns
Salvation Army Band Performances
In February 1960, the Ministers’ Fraternal organised a concert by the Nottingham Salvation Army Band at the Festival Hall in aid of Sue Ryder’s fund for displaced persons. Grandma went with mum and Mary and Derrick Leach. There are some details of the Ministers Fraternal in the Kirkby Directory of 1969 (p27).
Salvation Army Memories
A number of people on Facebook shared their memories and photographs of the Salvation Army in Kirkby.
Middle – this photo was shared by Donna Lancashire. It shows her mother Gladys Newall with Major Peter Pratt.
Right – this photo was also shared by Donna Lancashire. It shows Salvation Army Sunday School in 2008. People featured are Courtney Holmes, Gladys Newall, Richard Welby and Ruth Castree, the daughter of Major Peter Pratt
Sengold
I found some employment adverts for Sengold in a newspaper archive. These range in date from 1982 to 1991. In a 1982 advert, the factory is described as new. The company is described as a ladies garment manufacturers. In a 1983 advert, the address is given as Kingsley Street. It seems they also had a factory in Sandiacre. In a 1991 advert, the factory in Kirkby was described as a stand-alone satellite. I found details of a liquidation auction for their Kirkby factory in 1995.
Corner of Morley Street and Kingsley Street
On the corner of Morley Street and Kingsley Street is the Acre Centre for Young People and Kirkby College, now Outwood Academy whose address is Tennyson Street and this is where the entrance to the school is.
Morley Street to Tennyson Street
From Morley Street, there is another continuous terrace of shops opposite the entrance to Ellis Street and where Lloyds Bank was until June 2021.
Edith Searson, in her book(let) “I Also Remember“, walked from Hutton’s to Wilbourn’s, that is between 50 and 60 Station Street, and noted, “we pass several smaller shops. As some of them have a ‘new look’ and also some have changed the commodities they sell, I cannot be quite sure of their individual positions, but I do remember several of the names“.
Mrs Waites’ Greengrocer
Edith Searson mentions a greengrocer’s shop run by Mrs Waites. However, I wonder if this was in this terrace at all and if she was perhaps referring to the greengrocer’s business at 64 Station Street. Edith Searson notes that a relative Billy Glover helped in the shop. But, this did not go on for long as he died while still a young man.
60 Station Street
Leisure Time Slots and The Tanning Centre
Now, on the corner of Morley Street and Station Street, at number 60 Station Street is Leisure Time Slots. Upstairs and stretching across to number 58 is the Tanning Centre. They have both been there since at least October 2008 but, some time before August 2021, Leisure Time Slots changed its name from just Leisure Time.
Wilbourn’s
Wilbourn’s was a very longstanding Kirkby business. Based on an article in CHAD in October 1975, Edward Wilbourn started his grocery business and bakehouse in 1889. According to the 1898 Kelly’s Directory, Edward Wilbourn was a grocer; a provision, wine, spirit, ale and porter merchant; a bottler; and a hardware dealer. In 1912 and in the 1928 Kelly’s Directory, Edward Wilbourn was simply identified as a grocer. The location was given as 58-60 Station Street. There was an almost identical entry in the 1941 Kelly’s Directory. Wilbourns were still there in the 1980s. They had two entries in the notice for window spotting – one for wine and another for a garden centre catering for all garden and pet needs. This garden centre was on the corner of Station Street and Ellis Street.
Memories of Wilbourn’s
The shop was noted by Mark Ashfield in “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (p25) as being for the discriminating palate. He continues, “Wilbourns, established 100 years, could invariably offer a delicacy to delight the epicure. This long-standing business changed with the times and yet, in a commendable way linking the past, offered excellence in food, and a range of wines as comprehensive as could be found in the county”. According to Mark Ashfield, Wilbourn’s ventured into horticulture at a later date and their base for this was what had been Dr Waller’s house. Indeed, the horticulture side of the business continued to operate until at least 2011.
In her booklet “I Also Remember“, Edith Searson describes Wilbourne’s as “the town’s leading grocery shop“. She explains that it was started by Edward Wilbourne in 1889. He was assisted by his daughter Carrie who married Ernest Walton. They continued to run the business. Edith Searson recalled that they were assisted by two young men Clarence Wharmby and Harold Redfin. Clarence used to staff the shop and Harold made deliveries. She recalls going to the shop with her mother during the war and sometimes being offered a tin of fruit from under the counter. In the eighties, at the time Edith Searson was writing, the business was managed by John Walton, Edward Wilbourn’s grandson.
Many contributors on Facebook remembered Wilbourn’s. They recalled it as well-stocked grocer with a distinctive smell variously remembered as ground coffee and a mixture of old wine and spirits. They had a selection of fine wines, exotic spirits and also sold sherry from a barrel.
Harold Redfin
Harold Redfin was my great uncle on my father’s side. He was the younger brother of my paternal grandmother, Alice, whose maiden name was Redfin (or Redfearn), see Chapter 58. He was born on 27 October 1903. In 1911, he was living with Alice and other family members at 16 Prospect Street. He married Florence Eames in 1927. They had two children, Derek H (b1932) and Hazel B (b1934). In 1939, Harold was living at 39 Byron Street with Florence and presumably their two children, although their records are closed. Earlier, according to the 1930 and 1931 electoral registers, he and Florence had lived at 43 Byron Street. In 1939, his work was described as a Lorry Driver – Warehouseman.
Harold Redfin in the 1921 Census
The 1921 census is particularly informative. Harold, who was now 17, was living with his father, John, who was described as a widower. Harold’s mother, Mary, had died in 1917. Harold’s two oldest siblings, John (b1896) and Annie Lydia (b1897) were not living there but other siblings were including Mary Elizabeth (b1901), Albert (b1906), Ivy Maud (or Maria) (b1909), May (b1912) and Doris (b1914). Also living with the family was James Hurst, John Redfin’s father-in-law. My grandmother, Alice, was also living there. At this point, she was married to her first husband, see Chapter 58, who here is identified as Charlie Randal. He was described as an Engine Fitter/Engine Labourer. Their first daughter, Eva May, my father’s sister, was living with them.
Confirmation That My Great Uncle Worked for Wilbourn’s
Harold’s father was working as a coal miner, getter and Harold’s brother, Albert, was working as a coal miner above ground. Harold himself was identified as a grocer’s assistant and salesman. His employer was definitively identified as E Wilbourn Grocer. His place of work was given as Station Street.
Family Trees
Harold appears in the Redfin family tree I have put together. I am grateful to Stuart Hurst for supplying me with more information about the Hurst family tree. What information I have is here.
Harold’s Sudden Death
According to Edith Searson’s account, “one day, when Harold was delivering his orders, he was found slumped in his vehicle. He was found to be dead. It was a sad occasion for his many friends“. Based on death records, this was in 1956. I was not previously aware of the suddenness, or the circumstances, of his death. I never knew him as he died four years before I was born.
Photographs of Wilbourn’s
There are photographs of Wilbourn’s shop and horses in the book “Kirkby & District from Old Photographs” by Frank Ashley, Sylvia Sinfield and Gerald Lee (p43 and p70). The photograph on p43 also appears on the front cover of Nottinghamshire County Council’s book “Kirkby-in-Ashfield: A Pictorial View 1889-1989” in “Kirkby-in-Ashfield in Old Picture Postcards” by Bill Clay-Dove (#34) and on the Kirkby-in-Ashfield People Facebook Group..
The Wilbourns and the Waltons
Based on the article in CHAD in October 1975, Edward Wilbourn died in 1935 and the business was taken on by his daughter, Carrie, and her husband, Ernest Walton. In 1953, their son John Walton took the business on and he was still running it at the time the article was written. He recognised the shop as a “shopping centre and the main hub of the town“.
Kirkby Tribunal
Edward Wilbourn appeared before Kirkby Tribunal, in May and July 1916, asking for an exemption to military service for his employee George White. He argued that if Mr White was drafted, his business would have to close. The Tribunal granted an initial two months exemption. However, the Military Representative objected and said he would appeal. When the Tribunal heard his case again, in July, they granted him a final exemption of one month.
It seems that Wilbourn’s stayed open and relied on boys below military age, such as my great uncle Harold Redfin.
Headstart
I am grateful to Elizabeth Staniland on Kirkby-in-Ashfield People Facebook Group for noting that she worked at a hairdressers, Headstart, above Wilbourn’s at 60A Station Street in late seventies/early eighties.
Michael Bowskill recalled that Pamela Adams had owned the hairdressers before it was owned by his sister Janet Bowskill. He notes that, “after Pam there was a lovely lady worked there Mrs Crossing“. Janet Bowskill commented that she had worked on Saturdays at Mary Clarke’s which was the hairdresser above Wilbourn’s in the late sixties/early seventies.
58 Station Street
King Barber
Currently, King Barber is located at 58 Station Street. They have been located there from at least March 2022.
Food Outlets
Before that, the premises housed a number of food outlets including Big Belly Deli (2020-21), Rob’s Rolls (2017-19), Kings Rolls (2015-16) and Yummy’s (2008-11). In a Facebook comment, Jean Harvey noted that her friends, Mr and Mrs Elson, had bought the shop from Mr Wilbourn and opened Yummy’s.
Krackers
In the 1980s, Krackers discount store was at number 58. Krackers appear to have been a discount chain. However, I have not found much information about them although there are posts related to specific Krackers stores in particular locations, e.g. Livingstone. In 2001, Krackers were located at what is now 51B Station Street where Best Wishes are now. I
Wilbourn’s
Previously, 58 Station Street was part of the premises occupied by Wilbourn’s who we have covered in detail in relation to 60 Station Street.
56 Station Street
Kirkby Gold Centre
Kirkby Gold Centre is currently at 56 Station Street. They have been there since at least June 2015. However, in April 2011, the premises were empty and there was a “To Let” sign on the building.
Salvation Army Care and Share Shop
From at least June to August 2009, the premises housed the Salvation Army Care and Share Shop. In October 2008, the premises may have been empty, the shutters were down, but there was a “Let By” notice on the building.
F & S Garments Ltd
I am grateful to Gfxautos Fox for noting on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group that they ran a workwear business from this shop from 2009 to 2011. They supplied personalised, embroidered garments to nursing homes, bars, clubs, garages, restaurants and many other businesses. Initially, I was surprised that I had not come across this business in the Google archives. However, it may mean that it was only in operation between when Google photographed the street, that is in August 2009 and April 2011.
Howis Bakery
In 1941, Wilfred Howis, a baker, was at 56 Station Street. Howis Bakery appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940. However, it is depicted as next-door-but-one to Wilbourn’s and on the same premises as Modernway Library.
Bancroft?
On Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940, in between Howis and Wilbourn’s, is a property called Bancroft which I have not yet identified.
Edwin Marriott
In 1928, this was home to Edwin Marriott, the butcher, who, by 1942, had moved to number 44.
Wool Shop
Edith Searson also mentions a wool shop owned by Edith Jones and Ethel Chilton. Ethel Chilton’s husband had a chiropody practice. In the 1980s, the wool shop was still running as Bernice Wools.
Many people recalled this wool shop on Facebook. The women who ran the shop would put wool aside for customers. Several people recalled that children were given sweets there alongside their mothers’ purchases.
Chirpodist
Several people on Facebook also recalled that Mr Chilton ran a chirpodist business from the back of the wool shop.
Bernice
Several contributors on Facebook recalled Bernice who ran the wool shop in the eighties. Barbara Wooding thought her surname was Davenport or Devenport but was not sure. Judith Wells recalled her as Bernice McDonald who “was Akela at 3rd Kirkby cubs. She lived on Highfield Avenue before she got married. She had two daughters.“
54 Station Street
The Crossing
At number 54, there is another charity shop, this one is called The Crossing. According to the sign on the building, it supports St Wilfrid’s and other charities. It has been there since at least June 2015.
MG’s House Clearance
Prior to that, from at least October 2008 to April 2011, it was MG’s House Clearance. In a Facebook comment, 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.“
R C Ravensdale
In the 1980s, the accountant R C Ravensdale was at number 54.
Modern Way Libraries
At the time of the second world war, Modern Way Libraries was at 54 Station Street. This appears as Modernway Library on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940. The library was owned by Joss Bridges, a retired miner and then his son Max Bridges. There were slogans on the wall such as “to know the world is to change the world“ and “knowledge is power, books are the key to that knowledge“.
A number of people on Facebook recalled this business. In addition to dealing in books, other things were also for sale there, for example, Airfix models and records.
John Henry Pask
In 1928, number 54 was occupied by John Henry Pask, a hairdresser.
52 Station Street
Ashfield Dry Cleaners
At number 52, are Ashfield Dry Cleaners who moved from across the road, on the corner of Ellis Street and Station 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. Apparently, before it was Shirl’s Fruit Shop, it was Barry’s Fruit Shop. Barry was Barry Calladine, Shirley Calladine’s husband. It seems that Shirley’s maiden name may have been Wilkinson.
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.“
Clement Chilton
At the time of the second world war, 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.
50 Station Street
A Wass Funeral Director
Now, on the corner, is A Wass, the funeral director, at number 50. They have been there since at least September 2017.
The Ark
Prior to that, from at least June 2015 to April 2017 The Ark was here. It advertised tea, coffee, books, music and church supplies. Apparently, it was a Christian book store. In April 2017, there was a “Let By” sign on the building. Previously, in July 2009 and April 2011, the building was empty and, in April 2011, there was a “For Sale/To Let” sign on the building.
Kirkby Neighbourhood Management Community Contact/Information Point
In October 2008, Kirkby Neighbourhood Management operated a Community Contact/Information Point here.
P E Bray’s
In the 1980s, P E Bray’s china shop was at number 50. My understanding is that they had previously been on Lowmoor Road. However, in a comment below, Alwyn Bowskill notes that “they later moved to the shop on Lowmoor Road that was Boots but is now up for sale“.
History of P E Bray’s
The business was started by Philip Edward and Elizabeth Bray on Lowmoor Road. Elizabeth Bray is listed as a wardrobe dealer on Lowmoor Road in 1941. Apparently, the business was carried on by their daughter Betty and then by their son Reg and his wife Pam. Some 40 years after the business started, it relocated to Station Street. However, it was sold to Albert and Mary Knowles and then to Steve and Rosemary Pella. The Pellas incorporated the business into their long-established jewellery business, meaning that Bray returned to Lowmoor Road. This was located at 48 Lowmoor Road but has now closed.
Memories of P E Bray’s
Many people in Kirkby have fond memories of P E Bray’s including of their Christmas Club and Chances vouchers. Christine Evans commented that “Brays was a lovely shop and people came from miles away to visit it, they sold really expensive stuff such as Royal Doulton and Wedgewood. I remember starting a collection of a Denby pottery dinner service and used to buy a plate or whatever each week.”
An Interview with Reg Bray
In April 1976, the Notts Free Press included an article with an interview with Reg Bray. He spoke about Kirkby in general saying there was no comparison between how Kirkby was previously and how it was when he was interviewed. He said, “there is a better standard of education and people want better things.” Also, he considered that Kirkby was “going places” and that predictions that the town would die when Summit closed had proved not to be the case.
Then, he described the history of his own business including the difficulties he had in obtaining goods in the post-war period. He was born in Kirkby and started work as a flour boy with the Coop. He then worked as an apprentice for Rolls Royce and joined the RAF. After leaving the RAF, he took over a shop in Lowmoor Road before moving to Station Street. He lived on Derby Road and was interested in badminton, tennis and sailing.
The Bray Family
Philip Edward Bray was born in 1879. In 1916, he married Elizabeth Bennett. They had three children, Albert E (b1917), Reginald T (b1924) and Betty S P (b1927). Census records also list Victor Bennett (b1908) as their son. In a Facebook comment, Jean Bradley noted that Victor, her father, was Elizabeth’s son and half-brother to Reg and Betty.
Connection to R C Bray
There were two shops called Bray in Kirkby. R C Bray was a furniture shop on Urban Road, see Chapter 85. It also sold toys and features in Jonathan Evans’ book “The Mystery of Ernie Taylor’s Abdomen” (p24).
In a Facebook comment, Heather Mulholland wondered if Reg and Les Bray, who ran R C Bray, were brothers. However, I do not believe this was the case but rather they were cousins.
The Corner Shop
A photo from 1966 was posted on Kirkby-in-Ashfield People Facebook Group. This was captioned as showing Station Street. The building on the extreme left appears to be 50 Station Street. However, I cannot make out the name of the shop but one of the banners seems to read “The Corner Shop“.
The Grocer Fred Hutton
At the time of the second world war, on the corner, at number 50, was Fred Hutton, another grocer. Hutton Grocer appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940.
Grandad Mentioned Fred Hutton in His Diaries
Grandad noted in his diary when Fred Hutton died on 21 January 1955. He had previously noted F Hutton and Mr and Mrs Hutton coming for tea several times in 1918.
Fred Hutton
Based on the 1921 census, Fred Hutton was born in 1892, which made him five years older than grandad. That year, he was living with his wife Mary at 52 Station Street and he was described as a grocer’s assistant. Apparently, he had been born in Derbyshire. From 1923, he appears in the electoral register for 50 Station Street as his place of work but it notes he was living in Huthwaite. He married Mary E Cundy in 1918. In 1939, they were living at 32 Lenton Boulevard Nottingham. As far as I can see, they did not have children. I have found records of him appearing before Kirkby Tribunal during the first world war. He received a number of temporary exemptions to military service.
Memories of Hutton’s
In her book(let) “I Also Remember“, Edith Searson notes coming to a Family Grocer’s shop, owned by Fred Hutton, after having crossed Tennyson Street. She noted that his wife helped in the shop and that they had a similar shop in the Market Place in Huthwaite. She noted that Ethel Mountain was the assistant there.
Mark Ashfield, in his book “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (p25), noted that this shop had been a grocer’s for many years under different names. He notes that the last of these was Albert Francis, who had another shop on Park Road and who also ran a wholesale tobacco business on Bannerman Road. He was also a football referee and a reported for the Free Press under the name of “Wanderer“. Mark Ashfield further noted that “that shop, as so many other provisions establishments since the advent of the supermarket, closed, only to later become a focal point for those who wanted something sparkling and attractive in china or glass to grace table or cabinet, maintaining a beacon light of quality that over the years has been a hallmark of Kirkby’s thoroughfare“. This is presumably a reference to Brays.
Tennyson Street
Tennyson Street is a short street which runs from Station Street to Kirkby College, which is now Outwood Academy. Along the way, it runs between the Acre Centre for Young People and Hodgkinson Road car park. There is a fairly modern-looking semi-detached property on the right which constitutes 2-4 Tennyson Street. There is another residential property on the left set back from the road but this appears to be the rear of a Morley Street property.
Tomlinson’s Joinery
In a Facebook comment, Heather Mulholland recalled that Tomlinson’s Joinery was based in Tennyson Street in the sixties but that they may have closed or moved in the seventies when they started building Kirkby Academy.
Ken Tomlinson explained that he had been born at 20 Tennyson Street in October 1958. He recalled that at the side of the house was a very large, old building which “was… ramshackle to say the least.” He thought it was called Smiths wood yard and before that Lewis Shepperson from Sutton-in-Ashfield owned it. Ken recalled that his father, who was also called Ken, started working for Lewis Shepperson learning the trade as a Decorator.
He noted that at the back of the house and the wood yard was a large field which used to belong to Birds Butchers and that this field was known as the old brick yard. Ken commented that this field was later used to make way for Kirkby Centre in approximately 1978. As far as he could remember the old wood yard was owned by D K and P Tomlinson until the late seventies when the local Council put a compulsory purchase order on everything at the bottom end of Tennyson Street.
Tennyson Street in Family Diaries
Our family has no particular links to Tennyson Street. The street does not feature strongly in family diaries. However, there are one or two links and these are explored here.
George Alcock
On 26 October 1918, grandad recorded a serious accident at the wakes in which a six-year old boy had “his head cut off”, see Chapter 4. I researched this story and came across an article dated 1 November 1918 in the Mansfield Reporter and Sutton Times. The article reported on an inquest, carried out by Deputy District Coroner, Mr E Williams, on Monday 28 October, into the death of six-year old George Alcock who lived at 12 Tennyson Street.
A lawyer, Mr F Jackson, represented the owner of the roundabouts, Mr J Proctor. George’s grandfather, Thomas Alcock, said he had been last seen about a week ago. P C Robinson had been on duty about 7pm on Saturday 26 October. He received a complaint from Mr Proctor that boys were jumping on the gondolas while moving to avoid paying. He was concerned that they were risking injury. P C Robinson walked up the gangway of the gondolas and found a child’s head beneath the cars. He found his body about 20 feet away wedged underneath one of the gondolas near the rear wheel.
John H Dixon
In 1916, John H Dixon appeared before the Kirkby Tribunal twice seeking an exemption from military service because of the amount of work he had coming in as a painter and decorator. The Chairman told him that his work was not as important as keeping the Germans out of the country. He was initially granted an exemption of two months but, when he returned to the Tribunal, his application was disallowed. He lived in Tennyson Street.
Tennyson Street to Hodgkinson Road
From Tennyson Street to Hodgkinson Road, there is first a row of terraced shops and following that, separated by an entrance into Hodgkinson Road car park, a row of shops within a square, more modern-looking building.
48 Station Street
Mansfield Building Society
Currently, the Mansfield Building Society occupies 48 Station Street. They have been there since at least October 2008.
Marsden’s Grocers
At the time of the second world war, there was another grocer at number 48, J D Marsden Ltd. It was also a Post Office. P. Office Bailey/Marsden Grocer appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940.
Memories of 48 Station Street
Mark Ashfield
This was the post office that Mark Ashfield describes in “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (p25). He identifies the postmaster as Jim Bailey saying that he “wore rimless sunglasses (kept from straying too far by a tiny chain fastened to the earpiece) and was quicksilver in his movements. dexterously stamping among other things sixpenny postal orders for hopeful entries in the lately-introduced football pools.”
Edith Searson
Edith Searson, in her book(let) “I Also Remember“, describes how she applied to Mr Bailey for a job. She was told that she was too old! This was because she was a week over 16 and, apparently, for this job, she had to be under 16. She noted that she had finished school at 13 so had no special qualifications but she understood from Mr Bailey that age was the only issue. Also, she recalled that Mr Bailey was helped in the Post Office by his sister, Mrs Hepworth. She notes, “I regarded her with awe, as I seem to remember she had a gold tooth! I can’t be sure of this detail, remember please, I was only a child, 68 years ago.“
James Toon Bailey
I believe Jim Bailey’s full name was James Toon Bailey. He was born in 1887. Interestingly, according to the 1901 census, he was living with William Henry Wightman and was described as his step-son. His mother, Elizabeth, was William Henry’s second wife. His father, Elizabeth’s first husband, was also called James Toon. The younger James Toon Bailey had two sisters living with him in 1901 Alice (b1889) and Nellie (Helen) (b1893). Alice is the Mrs Hepworth referred to above as she married Harold S Hepworth in 1911. James Toon Bailey married Nellie Elizabeth Thorpe in 1906. In 1911, he and Nellie were living with her parents at the Musters Arms in Annesley, where her father John was landlord. James Toon Bailey applied for an exemption from military service to Kirkby Tribunal.
Memories of Baileys
Charles Reynard, in commenting on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, recalled that Baileys had a pet shop, “As young lads my brother and l bred mice and hamsters. We sold the youngsters to a number of pet shops locally. One such shop was Baileys which stood next to the Trustees Savings Bank. Later the bank bought the pet shop and thus extended their modernised premises. The Bailey’s already had a second pet shop in Hucknall and continued their business from there. The loss of the pet shop meant we were no longer able to pinch a dog biscuit from the sacks outside the shop. Chewing a dog biscuit made the wait for either the number 61 or 84 bus decidedly more acceptable.”
I am not sure if this Baileys relates to James Toon Bailey. The description of the location seems more in keeping with the other side of Station Street where Lloyds Bank was (#37). Wightman’s were there and there is a family link between the Baileys and the Wightmans. Anyway, I found an advert on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group which shows that H C Bailey’s pet shop was at 41 Station Street.
Vernons
There is a photo showing Vernons Price Down at this location. In a comment on Facebook, Paul Scriven notes that Vernons were “quite rare” and that he worked as relief in most of them over a period of ten years. They were part of Marsdens/Farrands. They closed a few Marsdens stores that were not doing so well. Vernons at other locations included Queen Street, Mansfield and Derbyshire Lane, Hucknall.
First Supermarket in Kirkby?
In a Facebook discussion about Cresswell’s, Margaret Hollingsworth thought it had been the first supermarket in Kirkby. However, Chris Kidger thought this was Vernon’s. She had started working here in 1963.
Kirkbys
Based on an advert in the 1971 Free Press, posted by Alwyn Bowskill on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, it seems that washing machine and cleaner retailers and suppliers, Kirkbys, were based at 48 Station Street. From the advert, they were also Rediffusion agents.
Mentioned in Grandad’s Diaries
Grandad mentioned using them for television repairs from 1961 although in the diaries it looks like Kirklys. They also repaired grandma and grandad’s Thor washer in 1961 and Florrie Booth’s Hoover vacuum cleaner the same year. According to that diary entry, they were based on Kingsway.
Remembered as Kirby’s
Most People Remembered it as Kirby’s
I started a discussion on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group by asking if anyone had heard of a TV repair shop called Kirklys or Kirklees. Contributors to this and subsequent discussions thought the name was Kirbys, Kirkbys or Kirklees. The view of most contributors was that the name was Kirbys. Christine Evans recalled that there had been a sign in the window saying “Kirby” but they did sell the very upmarket Kirby vacuum cleaners in the seventies.
Remembered as Kirkby’s
However, some recalled it as Kirkbys. For example, Phil Nock recalled that it was a washing machine repair shop, that it was run by Arthur Reece and it was on the corner of Station Street and Tennyson Street. He knew because he put plumbing in for the washing machines Arthur sold in the early nineties. Pam Breedon commented that it was definitely Kirkbys saying “it was on the corner of the one way street, I had my first automatic washing machine from there“. Frank Ball shared an advert for washing machine repairs which clearly named the firm as Kirkbys and located it at 44 Kingsway. The discussion noted that Kirkbys later moved to Station Street.
Arthur and Gwen Reece
Whatever the name was, it does not seem to have been based on the owner’s name which, as identified earlier, was Reece. In a Facebook comment, Ann Hill noted that Arthur and Gwen Reece ran it and that Arthur had been an ex-pro-footballer from years ago. I did find some biographical information for Arthur Reece. He was born on 21 February 1926 and he died in 2011. He married Gwendoline M Stanley. I did not find much about him as a footballer except a news article from 1966 which referred to an Arthur Reece signing for Teversal from Kirkby. If this was him, he would have been 40 at the time.
44-46 Station Street
No 46 Station Street?
Initially, I could not find any evidence of 46 Station Street currently. I am grateful to Alwyn Bowskill for explaining that he thinks David Blount occupies both 44 and 46 Station Street. He points out that, on old photos, there is a step in roofline between 46 and 48 Station Street, on the one hand, and 42 and 44 Station Street, on the other. This step in roofline falls in the middle of the David Blount property currently.
David Blount
Estate agents David Blount give the address of their Kirkby office as 44 Station Street. They have been there since at least October 2008. They also have a Mansfield Office which deals with residential properties while the Kirkby Office deals with commercial and lettings.
Edwin Marriott
At the time of the second world war, Edwin Marriott, a butcher, was at number 44. They had moved from number 56 sometime after 1928. Marriot Butcher appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940.
He was also noted by Mark Ashfield, as Ted Marriott, in “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (p24). He describes him as “Kirkby born, highly respected and who sold, among other splendid things, minced beef pies of succulent memory“. Apparently, he later opened a second shop on the Hill before retiring to the village of Epperstone.
Edith Searson, in her book(let) “I Also Remember“, describe this as a Family Butcher’s business and says it was owned by Ernest Marriott. One thing she noted as unusual was that the entrance floor had the letter “M” built into it. She noted that this was similar to two shops in Lowmoor Road. In the 1980s, she commented that the letter was still there but it was getting broken up as the shop had been empty for some time.
John Blythe
In 1912 and 1928, number 44 was occupied by John Blythe, a confectioner.
Were the Blounts and Marriotts connected?
One thing I noted from the diaries was that Glenice Blount married Brian Marriott in 1961. However, I have not been able to make a clear link from them to either David Blount or Edwin Marriott.
Co-op
In a comment on Facebook, Paul Brown recalled that the Co-op was here in the mid to late sixties. He thought it might have been a butchers. Frank Ball commented that there had been a Co-op Chemist here in the early sixties. Heather Mulholland confirmed that the Co-op butchers had been here in the sixties.
R B Wilson
In a comment on Facebook, Sue Hardy recalled that 44 Station Street had been an antique shop in the seventies. Christine Evans agreed. She recalled that, when they closed, they left some items behind which “you could clearly see when you passed by“. I found an entry for antique dealer R B Wilson in the yellow pages section of the 1972 phone book.
42 Station Street
Floral Expressions
When I visited Kirkby in August 2023, the florist Floral Expressions were still at 42 Station Street. But, there was a sale on and it seems they have since permanently closed. Their Facebook page is no longer accessible. They had been there since at least October 2008.
Current Owner
In a comment on Facebook, Zoe Thompson noted that she and her sister were the current owners of the property. They had decided to close in September 2024, after almost 24 years having owned the shop since October 1999. They intend to continue the funeral flower side of the business from home. She continued, “the property is now going to auction, we will be very interested to see what it becomes in future, the property holds very dear memories for us and has served us well. The history is very interesting, a psychic once came to the shop, as a customer, and said she saw a black dog around the place, a huge man at the top of the stairs and a little boy who would sit on the stairs. I wonder if the man she saw was the policeman? Very interesting.“
Pask Gent’s Hairdresser
I have not found any entry for 42 Station Street in either of the Kelly’s Directories for 1928 or 1941. However, Pask Gents Hairdresser appears at this location on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940. But, I wonder if this location is correct as, in 1928, John Henry Pask was listed as a hairdresser at 54 Station Street.
C Kalynycz
The electrical and lighting business C Kalynycz was located at 42 Station Street until 1997.
History of the Name
I am grateful to Heather Mulholland, on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, for explaining that this electrical and lighting business belonged to her parents. She noted, “my parents’ electrical and lighting business was actually in my mother’s name C (Clarice) Kalynycz, the reason for this being when my father arrived in the UK in 1947 as a displaced person from the Ukraine the rules within the UK stated that as a foreign alien my father could not have a bank account or own a business, hence the business was in my mother’s name. My father became a naturalised British Citizen in 1961, but the business remained as C Kalynycz until they retired in 1997, the business was then at 42 Station Street.”
Originally on Ellis Street
She further explained that her parents started the business at 3 Ellis Street and then, when Wilbourn’s wanted to extend into number 3, they moved across the road to number 2 Ellis Street which they rented from the TSB. Then, when the TSB wanted to modernise their premises which meant extending into number 2 Ellis Street, “my parents bought the old Co-operative Chemist at 42 Station Street“.
Memories of C Kalynycz
In comments on Facebook, a number of people recalled this shop and family positively. Some remembered shopping there including for light bulbs and lamp shades. Gill Crisp remembered that the shop was covered in bunting in 1981 for the wedding of Prince Charle and Lady Diana Spencer.
Co-op Chemist and Butcher
At some point it seems, 42 Station Street housed a Co-op chemist and butcher. Some people are convinced that the original Co-op lettering is still on the building under the Floral Expressions sign. However, the current owners said that that is not the case. In the 1958 phone directory, I found an entry which confirmed that the Mansfield Sutton and District Co-operative Society did have a pharmacy and butchers at 42 Station Street.
40 Station Street
40 Station Street is the end of a row of terraced houses. There is then a gap before a row of shops in a more modern building. Through this gap appears to be a car park for 40 Station Street.
D I Blow
Currently, D I Blow, an opticians, are based at 40 Station Street. They have been there since at least October 2008. In a Facebook comment, Linda Knowles thought that they had been based there from 1994/5.
Shacklocks
I am grateful to people on Facebook for noting that 40 Station Street was Shacklock’s solicitors for a while. Apparently, they had been based on Lowmoor Road but that they had to move when redevelopment took place there. Based on information from telephone directories, it appears that Shacklocks and Ashton Hill were based at 40 Station Street from 1970 until at least 1972.
History of Shacklocks
Susan Stafford explained that, “Shacklocks began as Shacklock, Bosworth and Hooton – Mr Hooton still working in the firm at Mansfield and then they merged with Ashton Hill of Nottingham and became Shacklocks and Ashton Hill around the early seventies and then became just Shacklocks. As far as I am aware when Shacklocks closed the opticians took over the building.”
Haunted?
Susan Stafford noted that, when she worked at Shacklocks, “we used to think the place was haunted“. Robert Grattage commented that he had heard from several reliable sources that “one of the rooms in the building was haunted“.
W A Raine
It seems that another solicitor W A Raine was based here before Shacklocks. Based on information from telephone directories, it appears that W A Raine was based here until 1969.
George Bowmar and Sons
At the time of the second world war, George Bowmar and Sons were wheelwrights based at 40 Station Street. Bowmar Undertaker appear on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940. George Bowmar is listed as a wheelwright in both the 1928 and the 1899 Kelly’s Directories. In 1912, George Bowmar was listed as a wheelwright, smith and undertaker at 40 Station Street.
B Smith
B Smith is also mentioned in this place on Jacques’ List and is referred to as a joiner. I have not found more details of this.
Memories of Bowmars
Mark Ashfield notes in “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (p24) that Bowmars were both wheelwrights and undertakers. He recalled that their name “was painted white on a black board just inside the firm’s gates“. He commented that the two trades of wheelwright and undertaker “were, in a way, complementary, because funerals were usually headed by horses pulling a hearse that had gleaming fittings. And behind the hearse were carriages for the mourners and the whole cortege went on its solemn way on large and many-spoked wheels. Sometimes, in front of the horses, strode Mr Bowmar wearing a black rigout which, when completed by a shiny top hat, made him look even taller and thinner than he was“. As far as I can see, Edith Searson does not mention them in her book(let) “I Also Remember“.
Mentioned in Grandad’s Diaries
The Bowmars were mentioned in grandad’s diary.
Sarah Parkin and Mrs Bowmar were friends
Visiting Mrs Martin After her Husband Was Injured at Summit
Sarah Parkin, my great grandmother and Mrs Bowmar were friends probably through chapel. In June 1914, Mrs Bowmar went with her to visit Mrs Martin a few days after her husband, William James Martin, was injured at Summit colliery. It seems that Mr Martin’s injuries were severe as, a few months later, in November, grandad noted that he was buried, see Chapter 5.
The Incident
William James Martin’s name is on a list of miners killed at Summit between 1895 and 1922 which is on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group. His name is also on an incomplete, alphabetical list of miners killed at Summit. This includes quite a lot of detail of what happened to Mr Martin. It confirms that the accident happened on 11 June 1914 and that Mr Martin died on 20 November 1914. It notes that he was 36 and a stallman. Further, it explains that the “deceased was cutting down some clod to make room for a bar to support a slip to which he had just set a catch prop. He liberated the slip which allowed 2 cwts. of coal to fall upon his back causing injuries from which he died.“
Inquest
I found more detail in a news article in the Mansfield Reporter and Sutton Times of 27 November 1914. This noted that Mr Martin’s inquest had taken place, at Nottingham General Hospital, on 24 November 1914. It was attended by E H Frazer, his Majesty’s inspector of mines, W Carter of Notts Miners’ Association and J Bircumshaw and J Ellis Fermer for the Butterley Colliery Company. Mr Martin was taken to hospital in Nottingham where he was found to have a ruptured bladder and a fractured pelvis. He was discharged from hospital in July but was readmitted in October with symptoms of kidney disease. He remained in hospital from then until he died.
Grandad and Eric Bowmar Were Friends
Grandad was friendly with the Bowmars’ son Eric Champness. He was a year younger than grandad. He also attended Bourne Primitive Methodist Chapel. Indeed, in 1914/15, grandad noted that Eric gave the lesson on a couple of occasions and that on one occasion he helped Eric unscrew some piping at chapel.
Grandad Noted Family Deaths
Grandad noted when Eric’s mother, Annie, died in January 1957 and also when his brother, Charles Stuart, died in September that same year aged 61. In 1961, grandad noted that when his brother and sister-in-law, Cyril and Minnie, visited they went to see Frank and Kath Bowmar, who may have been Eric’s brother and sister. Grandad noted that Eric Bowmar himself died on 10 June 1966.
38 Station Street
There does not currently seem to be a 38 Station Street. There is a gap between numbers 36 (Cult) and 40 (D I Blow) which provides access to the D I Blow car park. Elizabeth Smith commented on Facebook that this gap had always been there “for the cars to go behind Bowmars funerals“.
Kirkby Chronicle
In 1928, 38 Station Street housed the Kirkby Chronicle whose proprietor was Frederick Willman. The term Kirkby Chronicle may refer to the Mansfield, Sutton and Kirkby Chronicle. I found information on this from the Britishpapers.co.uk website although this no longer seems accessible. Based on that information, this paper was established in 1895. In 1952, it merged with the Mansfield and North Notts Advertiser to form the Mansfield and North Nottinghamshire Chronicle-Advertiser which became known as CHAD, a name that was formally adopted in 1979.
Comparing 1914 and 1939 Maps
Comparison of 1914 and 1939 maps shows a building in this location in 1939 that is not present in 1914. I don’t know the nature of this building.
A Modern Block of Shops
Currently, there is a relatively modern block of shops that runs from 36 Station Street to number 24. Previously, there were a number of residential cottages here but these were demolished in the sixties.
Memories of This Part of Station Street
In her book(let) “I Also Remember“, Edith Searson returns to Station Street, after a detour up Hodgkinson Road, and then proceeds up Station Street in the opposite direction to which we have been travelling. She notes, “we have another row of cottages. A few yards later a ‘hut’ shop was erected at the beginning of the row, and it was fitted up as a Fish and Chip shop, with Mr and Mrs Frazey conducting the business. It was a busy shop until the demolition of all the row of cottages, where now is D R Cresswell’s Store, opened in 1967“.
Mark Ashfield also recalled these houses in his book “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” noting, “there were about half a dozen houses, terraced and tiny, with minute gardens at the rear. But some of those gardens were cared for and productive, a relative tenanted one, and in summer it was a riot of colour, irises, violas, and, for some odd reason, penny daisies. An abundance of flowers, sometimes offered for sale from the whitened front doorstep of the house. These dwellings have been gone for some years now…”
In a comment on Facebook, Linda Knowles thought that the houses were demolished around 1964 or 65. She was working for the solicitor, Mr Raine, at the time.
36 Station Street
Cult
In the more modern block, the first shop is another hair salon called Cult. It is number 36 Station Street which means that there may be no number 38. It has not been there long as, in March 2022, the building was empty and available for rent through David Blount.
Never Forever Nottinghamshire
Before that, in August 2021, it was another salon, Never Forever Nottinghamshire, that advertised laser tattoo hair removal. This was not there long as, in September 2020, the premises were empty and there was a “To Let” sign on them.
I am grateful to Rob Varnam for explaining that the name changed to Love Laser Clinic – Tattoo Removal and Skin Rejuvenation which is based in a clinic at their home on the Larwood Estate in a purpose-built, fully-licensed cabin.
Kutz for Muttz
The premises appear to have been empty from at least March 2019. The pet grooming service Kutz for Muttz was there from at least June 2015 to August 2018. In a comment on Facebook, Roberta Knight recalled that there had been a dog grooming parlour here. Karen Holden commented that she had been the one who ran it.
Laurine Stafford recalled that, in the early nineties, there had been another dog groomer here. She noted that, “a lovely lady called Jill owned it , before she moved to Victoria Rd near Mr Chans“.
Mobility
From at least October 2008 to April 2011, Mobility were based there. They provided stair lifts, scooters, wheelchairs and tri- and quad-walkers. They were also the base for Kirkby Cycle Centre.
Baby and Toddler
Based on an advert in the Mansfield and Sutton Recorder in April 1997, there was a supplier of affordable nurseryware at 36 Station Street then. In a comment on Facebook, Lorraine Foster recalled this shop. She noted that she rented the flat above from the woman who had the shop.
Krackers
In a Facebook contribution, Roberta Knight noted that Krackers had been based here. This probably explains the window-spotting advert which I thought said 38 Station Street but probably says 36 Station Street. At this time, the other shop was at 58 Station Street and they later moved to 51 Station Street.
Colin Edwards Estate Agents
In a Facebook comment, Roberta Knight recalled that Colin Edwards Estate Agents was based here in the early eighties. However, in 1982 and 1984, the only entries for them in the phone directories were for an office in Market Place, Sutton. I did locate a relevant entry from the 1977 telephone directory.
Hills Furnishers
I am grateful to Alwyn Bowskill for sharing with me an advert for Hills Furnishers Ltd from the Free Press in the seventies. This shows they were based at 36 Station Street. However, the 1974 telephone directory gave their address as number 28.
34 Station Street
Lucky Star
Currently, the Lucky Star Chinese Takeaway is located at 34 Station Street. They have been there since at least October 2008.
Walker Walton Hanson
I am grateful to Alwyn Bowskill for messaging me directly to let me know that Walker Walton Hanson, Chartered Surveyors, Auctioneers, Valuers, Land and Estate Agents were based at 34 Station Street. He recalls, “In the 1990s I purchased a house in Annesley Woodhouse. In those days you could find all you needed to do this on Station Street. Property purchased through estate agents, Walker, Walton & Hanson at No. 34. Mortgage arrangements made at The Halifax Building Society further up the street. Cross the road for the deposit from Lloyds TSB. Down to the solicitors Cleaver & Thompson, then above the shop at No. 1 For the conveyancing.“
Las Vegas
In a comment on Facebook, Chris Spencer recalled that, when these shops first opened, there was one called Las Vegas that was full of pinball machines. Chris identified this as being at 34 Station Street. However, in another Facebook discussion, Allen Pettigrew referred to it at 24-26 Station Street.
In a further comment, Jenny Guest recalled an amusement arcade in this row of shops. She noted that, “the one I’m thinking of wasn’t 24-26. It could have been where Lucky Star is but I didn’t think it was that far up. It was full of pinball machines and the kiosk (for change etc) was on the right hand side of the shop.“
32 Station Street
Bairstow Eves
Now, the estate agents, Bairstow Eves, are based at 32 Station Street. They have been there since at least October 2008.
Vision Art Associates
A video, TV and Hi-Fi service and repair company was based at 32 Station Street between at least July 1984 and June 1986.
Micro Vision
This company described itself as “your local computer centre“. It was based at 32 Station Street in 1984 and 1985 at least. The company was linked to Vision Art Associates through Phil Tuttle who ran both shops. Jeanette Carter commented that Philip Tuttle was her cousin. Sadly, he passed away in early 2023.
In May 1984, this centre was described as “new“. In an advertising feature, anyone who spent £5.95 before 5 May 1984 was entered into a prize draw to win a new Sinclair computer.
Carnaby Girl
Opened by Emperor Rosko
In a Facebook comment, Paul Brown recalled that Carnaby Girl was in that row and that it was opened by “the then famous DJ Emperor Roskow“. Emperor Rosko was the stage name for Michael Joseph Pasternak, an American DJ, most well-known for appearing on Radio Caroline and Radio 1 in the sixties and early seventies.
Jillian Tugby
It seems that Carnaby Girl was run by Jillian Tugby with her sister Kathleen. Apparently, their brother did deliveries with a van. She had previously had a shop in Lowmoor Road and later moved to larger premises in Sutton.
Listed in the Telephone Directory
In 1977, Carnaby Girl was listed as at Lane End in the telephone directory.
A Partial Photograph
I am grateful to Sharon Millan for sharing some photos of the Whit Walks in the late seventies. One of these has a partial picture of Carnaby Girl in the background.
30 Station Street
Through the Looking Glass
A tea room, Through the Looking Glass, is based at 30 Station Street. They have been there since at least September 2020. According to a Facebook comment by owner of Chic Boutique, Natalie Wadley, her mother opened this shop in 2019. At that time, they took away part of the divide between the two shops.
In May 2024, Christine Evans recommended this tearoom saying “I visited today with my granddaughter for lunch and it was lovely we really enjoyed it. I chose the ploughman’s and my granddaughter had the drink me eat me shake, they also do lovely afternoon teas to eat in or order to take away, highly recommended.”
The Tea Room
Before that, from at least May 2016, it was The Tea Room, which is now at 18-20 Station Street. In June 2015, both 28 and 30 Station Street were empty and available “To Let“, again through David Blount.
Kirkby Beds
It appears that Kirkby Beds were once based at both 28 and 30 Station Street as their advertisement is still visible when the windows steam up. Christine Evans commented on Facebook that she had forgotten about them. The current owner of Chic Boutique, Natalie Wadley, commented that she had not been able to forget them as “every night it appeared”.
Bonkers
From at least October 2008 to April 2011, furniture store, Bonkers, occupied 28-30 Station Street. I am grateful to Alwyn Bowskill for sharing this photo from Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group. This shows a Discount Furniture store at 28-30 Station Street. I am not sure if this furniture discount store was also called Bonkers.
An Electrical Shop
Based on a post on Annesley OC Heritage Extra Facebook page , it appears there may have been an electrical shop here before it was a furniture discount store.
Taylors
I am grateful to Sharon Millan for pointing out that Taylors were in this run of shops in the seventies. From the photo she shared, it appears that Taylor Corn Stores may have occupied more than one shop. I found an entry in the 1977 phone directory which gave their address as 28 Station Street. I suspect they occupied 28-30 Station Street. Taylors continues to trade at 22 Kingsway.
John Chantry
In 1928 and 1941, the hardware dealer John Chantry was based at 30 Station Street. He was described both as a hardware dealer, based at 30 Station Street, and as a blacksmith based in Factory Road. During the first world war, he received conditional exemptions from military service from Kirkby Tribunal because of the national importance of his work.
Mark Ashfield’s Memories of John Chantry
Mark Ashfield refers to John Chanrty in “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (p24). He was well-known in the town. He ran a ‘front room shop‘ selling heavy ironmongery and miners’ tools. His forge was at the far end of Factory Road. Mark Ashfield describes him as stocky and rotund, epitomising the mighty smith in Longfellow’s poem. As a child, Mark Ashfield, was fascinated by the tools in the shop.
28 Station Street
Chic Boutique
Currently, Chic Boutique are based at 28 Station Street. This has been there since at least March 2016. In a comment on Facebook, Natalie Wadley observed that this is her shop. Next door, her mother runs Through the Looking Glass.
Earlier occupants, who also occupied 30 Station Street, included Kirkby Beds, Bonkers, Discount Furniture and Taylors.
24-26 Station Street
Kirkby Dental Practice
Kirkby Dental Practice is located at 24-26 Station Street. It has not been there long.
Rainydays Play Centre
From at least June 2015 to March 2022, Rainydays Play Centre was here.
Happy Days Play Den
Before that, from at least October 2008 to April 2011, it appears to have been the same or a similar business called Happy Days Play Den.
Fasey’s Fish and Chip Shop
Described by Edith Searson
In her book(let) “I Also Remember“, Edith Searson noted coming from Hodgkinson Road and turning right into Station Street. She says, “we return to Station Street where we have another row of cottages. A few yards later a ‘hut’ shop was erected at the beginning of the row and it was fitted up as a Fish and Chip shop, with Mr and Mrs Frazey conducting the business. It was a busy shop until the demolition of all the row of cottages…” Initially, from this description, I wondered if this shop was not on the corner of Hodgkinson Road and Station Street but a little further along. However, now I wonder if “yards” should be “years“. I think this would make more sense overall. She also recalled the name of the people who ran the fish and chip shop as Frazey.
Struggled to Find Information
Initially, I struggled to find any mention of a fish and chip shop by this name elsewhere although Price Fish and Chips appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940 on the corner of Hodgkinson Road and Station Street.
Corner of Hodgkinson Road
In a comment on the Kirkby-in-Ashfield People Facebook Group, Royston Nixon recalled that after going on deliveries with his dad, “we often stopped at the end of Hodgkinson Road at the chippy which was run by the Fasey family not sure that is the right spelling but the place was a big corrugated shed-like place, the chips were brill.” From this and other descriptions, it appears that the chip shop was at the corner of Station Street and Hodgkinson Road.
However, Alwyn Bowskill shared a photo from the seventies which shows Fasey’s Fish Bar at 6 Station Street.
Mark Ashfield
In his book “Christmas Pigs and A Summer Donkey“ (p23), Mark Ashfield notes that “across Hodgkinson Road from the beer-off was a fish and chip shop. The main part of the business was done in a corrugated iron lean-to at the end of the house. Bigger than it seemed from the outside. it was possible to have a sit-down meal there, and customers often did after a night out at one of the three local cinemas”. So, while he does not name the shop, he seems to also locate it at 24 Station Street.
Ringrose
On Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, Kell Gentle posted, “What is Rainy Days on Station Street was a tin hut chip shop that my great grandparents Ringrose owned and they sold it to Harry Fasey then burnt down in the sixties“. This seems to confirm that the chip shop was on the corner of Station Street and Hodgkinson Road and that it was run by Harry Fasey. The post also noted that prior to the shop being operated by the Faseys, it was operated by the Ringroses.
Family Memories
Will Graham Allcock, Joyce Cope and Colleen Moult all commented that the chip shop was owned by their Aunt Wynn and Uncle Harry Fasey. Colleen commented that she “loved a walk round the quarries then calling in at the chippy on Station St.” Will Graham replied that he had loved their home-made fishcakes with gravy.
Tony Fasey commented that James Harry and Winney Fasey were his grandparents and they had run the chip shop. His parents were Harry and Doreen and they referred to the chip shop as “the tin hut“.
Other Memories
Judith Wells recalled that it had a “really high counter. Us little ‘uns just held our money up. Couldn’t see or reach. It all seemed very exciting at the time. Must have been in the late 50s... It was steamy and noisy. Chips were lovely though.” Paul Brown commented that “they would take newspapers from us in exchange for some batter bits or even a bag of chips! “
In the News
In December 1958, miner Ronald Edward Meredith was in court charged with breaking into two shops including Maltby and Griffiths on Station Street. An article noted that “the sound of breaking glass caused Kirkby-in-Ashfield fish frier, James Fasey, to run out of his Station Street shop last Friday night. He saw a man in drainpipe trousers running down the street and found that a display window of a photographer’s shop had been smashed.“
Moving Along Station Street
It appears that there was a fire at the chip shop and, following that, the business moved to 6 Station Street. Kell Gentle noted that, following the fire. Harry Fasey “set it up in his house where Jade’s is now“.
Cresswell’s
Edith Searson
In her book(let) “I Also Remember“, Edith Searson noted that where the row of cottages. that had been demolished, had stood “now is D R Cresswell’s Store, opened in 1967“.
Date of Opening
However, in a comment on Facebook, Bet-Bet Phillips noted that Cresswell’s did not open in 1967, saying, “I worked there from it opening it was maybe 69 or early 70 not quite sure it’s a long time ago reason I know I went to live up Coxmoor in 68 and was after that“. Steve Banham confirmed that it was 1969 saying “I was an apprentice working for my dad & we did the decorating as Coleman’s builders built it.“
These memories are confirmed by a post on Kirkby-in-Ashfield People Facebook Group which features photos from the Free Press of 11 July 1969 celebrating the opening of “Kirkby’s latest superstore“. The article explains that this was Cresswell’s eleventh store. The store was described as being “in completely new premises, with modern lighting, the latest fittings and a background of soft music“. There was said to be a staff of fifteen managed by Mr P A Richardson, aged 23.
How Large Was Cresswell’s?
I am not sure if Cresswell’s occupied all of this building or part of it. In order to try to determine this, I looked for entries in telephone directories and found one in the 1972 directory. However, this did not specify the number and also referred to the location as Station Road.
I am grateful to Sharon Millan for pointing out that Cresswell’s occupied the place on the corner of Hodgkinson Road and that other businesses. Taylor’s and Carnaby Girl occupied other shops.
Memories of Cresswell’s
Many people on Facebook recalled shopping or working at Cresswell’s or living in the flat above the shop. Elaine Jenks recalled going with her mother and father, noting “for some reason I can remember a huge pile of bags of sugar near the entrance.” Several people recalled buying bread there. Kath Williams remembered her mother moaning about bread going up a penny. Kath commented that “before you know where you are it will be 2 shillings a loaf” to which her mother replied, “don’t be so bloody silly!!” While some people consider that it was the first supermarket in Kirkby, Chris Kidger believes this honour belong to Vernon’s.
Wendy Radford noted, “I can remember going in with my parents and a lady that worked on the meat counter got her hand caught in the meat cutter, my dad got it out for her. Another time, the ladies on the meat counter were screaming as a mouse ran along the counter. ”
Tony Wilson noted that he had misunderstood the sign which read “D R Cresswell” thinking “it seemed a funny business for a doctor!” Apparently, he was not the only one. Linda Catchpole’s mother used to refer to it as Doctor Cresswells!
Breakers
Breakers appears to have been a club and live music venue at this location. In a Facebook post, Lynne Orrell described it as a snooker club.
The Cresswells Converted the Shop to a Snooker Club
I came across an article in the Mansfield and Sutton Recorder in August 1985 concerning an appeal by Cresswell Brothers against refusal of planning permission to convert their shop into a snooker hall. The appeal was successful.
New Breakers
It appears that Breakers opened in 1988 as a snooker and social club. However, by the nineties, it may have just been a night club under the name The New Breakers. I am grateful to Lorraine Foster for letting me know that she and her husband had run Breakers. She noted that, “it was called The New Breakers when Chris & Carl took it over from Les“.
Right -advert for bands at the New Breakers in June 1996 obtained through paid subscription to Find My Past
Hodgkinson Road
Description
Hodgkinson Road is a fairly long road that runs from Station Street to Kingsway Park. At the start, it passes between the new leisure centre on the right and a car park on the left. Three streets come off Hodgkinson Road to the right. They are Alfred Street, Cobden Street and Festus Street. All are dead-ends. Prior to 1969, New Street ran between Hodgkinson Road and Kingsway but now it is a dead-end from Kingsway only. There are houses on both sides of Hodgkinson Road. On the left, they are immediately after the car park and are odd numbers. On the right, they are further along towards Kingsway Park. Then, on approaching Kingsway Park, the houses on the left stop and Outwood Academy is visible.
Origin of the Name
According to the 2018 Kingsway Park Management Plan, “the park was laid out in 1930 on land sold to Kirkby in Ashfield District Council by a Miss Catherine Hodgkinson of Kirkby House.” So, presumably the name of the road derives from her or her family.
Catherine Anne Hodgkinson was born in July 1851 and died in October 1928. She and her brother Frank Hodgkinson are listed as Kirkby Hardwick residents in the 1899 Kelly’s Directory. Based on the 1861 census, their parents were Edmund and Mary Hodgkinson and there was another brother Thomas Clark Hodgkinson. Edmund was described as a farmer of 1170 acres employing 19 agricultural labourers. They had multiple servants although the number of these decreased over time. From 1911, Catherine was living in Kirkby House with companion Elizabeth Thompson. The two were still there in 1921. .
Market Hall/Festival Hall/Leisure Centre
Perhaps the most important building on Hodgkinson Road was the old Market/Festival Hall which has now been demolished and replaced with a brand new leisure centre. Initially, I included some material about these buildings here but it was in danger of overwhelming the material about other aspects of Hodgkinson Road. For this reason, I have created a stand-alone post for the Market Hall/Festival Hall/Leisure Centre.
Mrs Skillington’s Shop
Mrs Skillington had a sweet/grocery shop on the corner of Hodgkinson Road and Alfred Street, see photo below. It was known as Nan’s sweet shop as Mrs Skillington’s first name was Nancy. Based on Facebook comments, it seems that she also had a shop across the road either before or after this. Most contributors seem to think it came after the shop shown in the photo.
Betty Hensby
Christine Evans commented that her Aunt Betty (Hensby) had run the shop and it seems this was before Mrs Skellington.
Craft Station
Craft Station was located between the Festival Hall and the buildings of Station Street. I don’t have much detail about this. As far as I know, it was not linked to Craft ‘E’ Corner that was at 18-20 Station Street.
Band Hall
There was a Band Hall on Hodgkinson Road. I came across this photo which is said to show Kirkby Old Band in front of such a band hall. For more details of Kirkby Old Band see Kirkby Carnival blog. In comments on Facebook, Frank Ball confirmed that the hall was a wooden building just beyond Alfred Street going south. He also noted that the band used to practice there.
Beyond Hodgkinson Road
Beyond Hodgkinson Road, there is another continuous terrace of shops reaching down to what looks like a new B&M store opposite Portland Street/Factory Road where we started.
22 Station Street
Mr Wuffles
I am grateful to Gemma Canlin and Julie Cotterill for letting me know that 22 Station Street is now occupied by Mr Wuffles who produces and sells home-baked dog treats. Orders and sales are through the website. However, this was not accessible at the end of January 2025.
2020 Vision
Until June 2023, 2020 Vision were based on the corner of Hodgkinson Road and Station Street, at 22 Station Street. I am grateful to Gemma Canlin for explaining that they are a social enterprise with a few residential and commercial properties. They moved their offices to Hucknall but they have a community centre on Diamond Avenue, a business centre in Hucknall and community kitchen at the old Triple 7 bar. The shop looked empty in August 2023 and was available “To Let“.
Newstyle Barbers
Prior to that, Newstyle Barbers were there, in September 2020.
Money Makers
However, from at least April 2011 to March 2019, Money Makers were here, This was a charity shop raising funds for St Thomas’ Church and other charities.
John Ashton Promotions Ltd
In October 2008,22 Station Street housed John Ashton Promotions Ltd. Apparently, John Ashton had been a boxer but turned promoter. He apparently did a lot of work with amateur boxing. But, in August 2009, ithe property was empty and available.
Kirkby Cyber Cafe
At some point, Kirkby Cyber Cafe was located at 22 Station Street.
Bottles
In the 1980s, Bottles off licence was at number 22
Edward C Brown
At the time of the second world war, at number 22, was Edward C Brown, a beer retailer. In 1939, the beeroff at 22 Station Street was for sale by auction. Presumably, this is when it was sold by William Clarke to Edward Brown?
William Clarke
In 1912 and 1928, there had also been a beer retailer there by the name of William Clarke. According to Mark Ashfield, in his book “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (p23), he was known as Cricketer Clarke. Clarke Beeroff appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940 for this location.
Beeroff
Apparently, beeroff is a term used in Nottingham and other parts of the East Midlands to describe an off-licence, i.e. a shop that is licensed to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises. They were relatively widespread in the days before supermarkets and/or when they did not commonly sell alcohol.
Vin Machin
At some point, the beeroff was run by Vin Machin. In 1960, it was possible to buy tickets for dances at the Festival Hall there.
Vincent Machin’s brother Arthur ran Challans Hardware. In a comment on Kirkby Living Memory Facebook Group, Frank Ball recalled four Machin brothers. In addition to Vincent and Arthur, Charlie had a coal delivery business on Low Moor Road while another helped with coal delivery and furniture removal.
18-20 Station Street
The Tea Room
Currently, The Tea Room is at 18-20 Station Street. However, their Facebook page stated that they were flooded in June 2023 and they expected to be closed for the “foreseeable future“. It now seems unlikely that the premises will reopen although the Facebook page seems to indicate that the business is continuing as Catering with Passion.
The Tea Room had been at 18-20 Station Street since at least September 2020. Before that, they were based at 30 Station Street. From at least August 2018 to March 2019, 18-20 Station Street appear to have been empty.
Norman Daynes (Electrical)
From at least October 2008 to September 2017, Norman Daynes Electrical appears to have occupied the left hand side of 18-20 Station Street, giving the appearance of occupying 20 Station Street. However, their registered address was 18-20 Station Street, the same address as Craft ‘E’ Corner. It seems that these businesses were run as a family concern and the premises were not divided into two. Initially, electrical was to the left with records to the right. When demand for vinyl declined and the record part closed, the right hand side was taken over by crafts.
Memories of Daynes
Many people on Facebook remembered Daynes fondly, particularly as a place to buy records. Large numbers of people remembered the first record they bought there and that the charts were displayed in a window. People commented that if they didn’t have the record you wanted they would get it for you. The same principle applied on the electrical side. If you needed something electrical, Daynes could get it for you. They also sold bike parts.
Craft ‘E’ Corner
From at least October 2008 to September 2017, wool shop Craft ‘E’ Corner occupied the right hand side of 18-20 Station Street where records had previously been stocked. The drive for this came from Florence Daynes who, in the news article above, was described as an avid knitter.
The Alcocks
At the time of the second world war, at number 20, was Edward Ronald Brewster Alcock, a Chartered Accountant. From number 18 to 20 were Edward Alcock and Sons, solicitors, John Hodson Alcock, a solicitor and Nottingham Building Society.
From my reading of the Kelly’s Directories, it seems that 18-20 Station Street were occupied by John Edward Alcock’s business in both 1928 and 1941 and this was as a solicitor and commissioner of oaths. In addition, in 1941, there was a John Hodson Alcock who was a solicitor and Edward Ronald (or Roland) Brewster Alcock who was a Chartered Accountant.
It seems that John Hodson Alcock (b1894) and Edward Roland B Alcock (b1910) were sons of John Edward and Margaret Alcock. By 1941, it seems that the sons were running the business as John Edward himself died in 1935.
Nottingham (Permanent Benefit) Building Society
In 1941, Nottingham Building Society were also listed at 18-20 Station Street. It listed their secretary as George W Yeomans. They appear to have been in attendance on Tuesdays which may have fitted with the Alcocks. In 1928, the Nottingham Permanent Benefit Building Society were listed at 18-20 Station Street. Again, their attendance was given as Tuesdays. However, at this time, their secretary was Henry Roe.
The Nottingham Building Society is still in existence trading as “The Nottingham“. It was founded in 1849 by a group of Nottingham businessmen, led by Samuel Fox. It was originally the Nottingham Permanent Benefit Building Society. Although there is now no branch in Kirkby, there are branches in Sutton, Mansfield, Hucknall, Eastwood, Bulwell, Arnold and Ilkeston.
Henry Bradfield and Sons
In 1928, it appears that Henry Bradfield and Sons, accountants, shared the premises. However, it appears that they were only in attendance on Tuesdays.
8-16 Station Street
Several Houses
Currently, there is a row of houses before reaching a couple more shops before arriving at B&M. The houses in this row are 8-16 Station Street.
Previously There Were More Shops
There were more shops in this part of Station Street at the time of the second world war although some of them operated from houses. Edith Searson, in her book(let) “I Also Remember“, notes “we pass a row of cottages, one of which has a small shop which is in their front room. This shop has had various owners over the years, selling mainly sweets“.
Colemans
I think Edith Searson is referring specifically to 16 Station Street. At the time of the second world war, Arthur Coleman, a shopkeeper, was there. Coleman’s was known as the little red shop and was run as a family business. Most people’s memories are of Arthur’s son Gordon and his wife Norma running the shop. Many people recalled buying sweets, ice cream, cigarettes and fireworks there. The shop was open long hours including on Sundays and Christmas Day. When you entered the shop, one of the Coleman’s would come out from the back through a curtain. Gordon Coleman had also been council caretaker and a fireman. Gordon and Norma’s son, Patrick, is a fairly well-known musician who plays drums for Mercury, a Queen tribute band.
Annie Sear
Earlier, in 1928, 16 Station Street was the base for Annie Sear, a confectioner.
William Blount
In the 1912 list of shops in Station Street, compiled by Barbara Parkin, William Blount is listed as a confectioner at 16 Station Street.
William White
There were also other businesses in this part of Station Street. In 1941, William Vernon White, a dental specialist, was at number 14, as noted by Mark Ashfield in “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (p23). We came across him previously at 21 Station Street. In 1928, he was listed as part of the firm of dentists, MacDougall and White.
Edward Lowe
In 1928, a slater, Edward Lowe, was at 12 Station Street.
Parliamentary Offices
Of interest perhaps is that 8 Station Street housed MP offices from at least October 2008 to March 2019. Between 2008 and 2009, these were offices for Geoff Hoon MP and, from 2010 to 2019, for Gloria De Piero MP. In September 2020, the building was for sale.
Geoff Hoon was Labour MP for Ashfield from 1992 to 2010 and Gloria De Piero was Ashfield’s Labour MP from 2010 to 2019. Since 2019, the seat has been held by Lee Anderson. He was initially a Conservative but he defected to Reform in March 2024.
Fern’s Watchmakers
There was a watchmaker/jeweller, Mr Fern, at 8 Station Street in the sixties/seventies. Derek Taylor noted that Mr Fern was a “real gentleman“. However, he also noted that he did not like being called a jeweller, “he always insisted he was a watch maker“.
Westminster Bank
At the time of the second world war, Westminster Bank Ltd was at numbers 10 and 12. Later, the bank moved to 21 Station Street. According to Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940, Westminster Bank may, at some point, have been on the corner of Urban Road and Lindleys Lane.
Two More Shops
Currently, there are two more shops before we are back at B&M.
6 Station Street
Six Foo
Six Foo is a Chinese Takeaway at 6 Station Street. They have been here since at least April 2023.
Jade
Prior to that, another Chinese takeaway, Jade, were there from at least August 2009 to March 2022.
Fortune House
In October 2008, the takeaway there was called Fortune House.
Chick-King
Based on the photo above, Chick-King was based at 6 Station Street during the period that Geoff Hoon was MP for Ashfield, i.e. between 1992 and 2010. It is likely that it was before 2008 given that it does not feature in Google’s photo archive. Several people recall Chick-King fondly particularly their spicy potato surprise.
Hutchinson’s Chip Shop
Several people recall Hutchinson’s chip shop being here in the late seventies/early eighties. Apparently, the shop was run by Geoff and Nancy Hutchinson and they sold the business to Chick-King when they retired..
Fasey’s
Before that, in the early seventies, Fasey’s Fish Bar was at 6 Station Street. They moved there from their previous premises on the corner of Station Street and Hodgkinson Road following a fire. According to Colleen Moult, she was told that various famous people had been in the shop including the Beatles when they played at the Festival Hall. However, while the Beatles played in Mansfield twice, it does not appear that they ever played in Kirkby.
Previously Residential
Based on a photo that is captioned as being from the sixties, it appears that both 4 and 6 Station Street were not shops at that point.
4 Station Street
Scoffers Sandwich Bar
Scoffers Sandwich Bar occupies 4 Station Street and has done so since at least October 2008.
Pappas Take Away
Based on the photo above, Pappas Takeaway was based at 4 Station Street during the period that Geoff Hoon was MP for Ashfield, i.e. between 1992 and 2010. It is likely that it was before 2008 given that it does not feature in Google’s photo archive. In a comment on Facebook, Garry Ward noted that it became a pizza shop in around 1987/88.
Rainbow Café
In the early seventies, based on the photo above, it appears that Rainbow Café may have been at 4 Station Street. However, the first part of the name is obscured by the Fish Bar sign. I found confirmation that there had been a Rainbow Café in Kirkby from a 1987 obituary for Mrs Bernice Hurst who had worked there.
Various people on Facebook recalled the café including that it has a jukebox so was popular with teenagers. In April 1976, the Notts Free Press included an article featuring the Rainbow Café which was run by Jean Clarke. She lived above the business. Originally, she was from Hucknall. She worked in a bakery and then a shoe shop before becoming an assistant at the Music Box Café in Hucknall. She then moved to Kirkby as manageress of a shoe shop and later became the manageress of Rainbow Café. At the time of the article, she had been at the café for nearly ten years.
2 Station Street
B&M
Currently, there does not seem to be a number 2 Station Street. B&M are located where it might be expected to be but their website gives their address as Lindley’s Lane/Station Street. They have been based there since at least March 2019. In March 2019, “Now Open” banners were displayed on the building.
The Original Factory Shop
The Original Factory Shop occupied these premises from at least June 2015 to August 2018.
Haldanes
In April 2011, Haldanes were based at these premises.
Somerfield
From at least October 2008 to August 2009 based on images from Google, the premises were occupied by Somerfield. It appears that it became Somerfield around 2005.
Kwik Save
I am grateful to contributors on Facebook for pointing out that the building was used by Kwik Save before it became Somerfield. That change happened some time after Somerfield took over Kwik Save in February 1998.
I am particularly grateful to Rob Shooter for pointing out that the new building was built for Kwik Save and that this is clear from the photograph at the time of construction.
Nod to the Past
In a comment on Facebook, Wendy Pascall thought that the design of the new building might have included a nod to the past in the form of the triangular facade which is reminiscent of 2 Station Street.
Right – new building when it was Haldanes
Note that both buildings have similar triangular facades
Council Offices
Many contributors on Facebook indicated that some form of Council offices or buildings were located here at some point. It appears that it might have been some form of prefabricated building that was perhaps a temporary fix until the new offices were built.
Use as Fairground
When the council offices were demolished, and before Kwik Save was built, the area was used as a fairground, for example for a Christmas Fair.
A Wall to Climb
Michael Proffitt commented that he could not remember any buildings in this area from the mid-sixties. He did comment however, “I deffo remember that wall being there as we used to climb up it as kids.”
Garden Centre
Christine Evans recalled that there had been a small garden centre at this location in the eighties. It was called Plantland.
Car Salesroom and Garage
At some point, there was a car salesroom and garage occupying some of the land currently occupied by B&M, at the corner with Lindley’s Lane. As stated in the post on East Kirkby Railway Station, in trying to look into this, I can confess to being confused at times. This is because there have been a number of car-related businesses in this area and they have operated at a number of different sites. Those include the current Lindley’s Autocentre site, where Swit Swoo is now and here. I have tried, where possible, to describe businesses and activities in the correct location. In addition, there were car-related activities in the old station buildings.
Station Garage
I now think that the business here was Chris Spencer’s Station Garage. First, I came across this business as one of the shops listed in a window spotting competition. I wondered if this was where Lindley’s Autocentre is now but, it seems it was here, i.e. where the B&M car park is now.
Before Chris Spencer
Apparently, before the business was run by Chris Spencer, it was run by Rob Bannister and before him by Mr Page.
David Brown Tractors
Some people recalled it being David Brown tractors. I have seen adverts indicating that Station Garage specialised in David Brown tractors.
Fire at Station Garage
I came across an article in the Nottingham Gazette on Monday 20 February 1950. This noted that there had been a fire at Station Garage in the early hours of Sunday morning. Eight cars had been severely damaged. These included an Austin 24 belonging to the owner, Frederick Page. This car was completely destroyed. Another car that was practically destroyed was a Standard 10 belonging to the cricketer Joe Hardstaff. This car was jacked up and in store while he was away.
In a discussion on Facebook, Selina Brown commented that she thought the car sales place closed after a fire. She thought this would have been much later. I am grateful to Alwyn Bowskill for sharing a post with me which was labelled as the last days of Spencers car sales. There is a photo included and this seems to indicate that it was destroyed by fire.
Memories of Station Garage
People on Facebook recall walking past Station Garage, working there and buying cars there.
What Happened to 2 Station Street?
At some point, 2 Station Street was demolished and the building that is now B&M was constructed. From photographs, it appears that the demolition was carried out much earlier than the construction of the current building, perhaps late sixties. The current building was constructed during the time Jeff Hoon was MP for Ashfield, i.e. between 1992 and 2010.
Wilson’s Butchers
In 1941, there was another butchers at number 2, Fred Wilson. Wilson Butcher appears on Jacques’ List of Station Street retailers circa 1920-1940.
Station Street Crossing
B&M now stands where the Station Street Level Crossing was located. The Station Street Level Crossing was a major landmark in Kirkby. When the gates closed to let a train past, cars queued on both sides of the gates.
Memories of the Station Street Crossing
Many people have memories of the crossing including using the footbridge. In June 1936, Dr Durance was delayed for 15 minutes at the crossing when he was attending an accident. In October 1924, miner Thomas Arnold was killed while trying to cross the railway at the level crossing.
Removal of the Track and Crossing
According to an article in CHAD in October 1975, work to remove the track and crossing started in August 1971 and was completed in April 1972. The Council, at the time, explained that there was an opportunity to bring the town together as the crossing had divided it for a long time.
Signal Box
There was a signal box close to the level crossing. This was only demolished some years after the railway closed. More details of East Kirkby Railway Station are available in another post.
Differences Between the Time of the Second World Ware and Now
We have come to the end of our walk and perhaps we can reflect on the main differences between the time of the second world war and now.
Activities at the Time of the Second World War Not Needed Now
Clearly there were some activities at the time of the second world war which are not needed now, such as a corset maker or a wheelwright. Potentially, the stone masons fall into this category too as might the radio/wireless shop. While we might still buy a radio these days, we probably would not expect a separate shop for this.
Available Now but Not at the Time of the Second World War
Also there are some things which are available now which were not available at the time of the second world war, such as vaping and electronic cigarettes.
Replaced by Supermarkets
Perhaps many, if not most, of the changes are because there were many shops or stores that were around at the time of the second world war which have now been largely superseded by supermarkets and other similar retail stores. There is now a large Morrison’s not far away from Station Street. At the time of the second world war, there were six grocers or general stores, three boot makers or repairers, two tobacconists, two clothes shops, three drapers, three butchers, two confectioners, a tea supplier, two greengrocers, a newsagent and two bakers.
None of those remain although there are two convenience stores. There are three specialised clothes shops – two boutiques and one wedding shop. There is still one hardware store although previously there were two.
Businesses That Are More Widespread Now
There are also some types of shops and businesses which are more widespread now. While at the time of the second world war there were two hairdressers, there are now eight including various kinds of beauty salons, e.g. for nails. There is also a tanning centre and a cosmetics shop. There are also now nine café/bars/tea shops, five takeaways, three charity shops and four estate agents. Also, there is a bookmaker, an amusement arcade and two shops which offer to buy and sell items. There is also a card shop now which was not there at the time of the second world war.
Some Services Were Available at the Time of the Second World Ware And Are still Available Now
Some of the services that were available at the time of the second world war are available now including a dentist and an optician. Indeed, there are two dentists now.
Services Available Now That Were Not Available at the Time of the Second World War
Plus, there are some services which are available now which were not available at the time of the second world war. These include a foot health clinic, a taxi company, a dry cleaner, a financial/mortgage adviser and a funeral director.
Services Available at the Time of the Second World War That Are Not Available Now
But, services which were availabble at the time of the second world war that are no longer available include a herbalist, an auctioneer and valuer, an accountant, a picture frame maker, two libraries and more than one firm of solicitors. Station Street no longer has any bank branches although there is a Building Society.
Empty Shops
The number of empty shops is difficult to assess at the time of the second world war. Now, there are at least six shops that are empty.
People Living in Station Street
Finally, I don’t have details of people living in Station Street now so it is not possible to make a comparison. But, it is possible to make a few observations.
At the Time of the Second World War a Lot of People Lived in Station Street
The first is that there were a relatively large number of people living in a commercial area at the time of the second world war.
Some Were Linked to the Shops They Ran
While some, like my grandparents, were clearly living in the shops they ran, many were not.
There Were Many Miners
There were perhaps unsurprisingly a large number of people working in mining. What I had not appreciated was the diversity of roles within mining – banksman, hewer, onsetter, ripper etc. and it has been interesting to learn a little about those terms and that world.
There Were Many Working in Manufacturing
I had also perhaps not appreciated the extent of manufacturing in Kirkby at that time and there were many people working in that sector at the time of the second world war particularly in relation to hosiery.
Few Married Women Worked
Many of these were single women but another feature of note was that almost none of the married women were recorded as having an occupation beyond “unpaid domestic duties”. The only exception was some shop owners where a married woman was listed as the confectioner, draper etc.