Memories of Gislingham

greengrocers in gislingham

I also remember Southgates shop, I was born in Potash Cottage and my grandparents lived in Chapel Cottage until about 1959 when my grandmother died and my grandfather moved across the road to Peartree Cottage which was only a couple of doors up from Southgates shop and Mr Fisk. Mr Fisk used to take us to Finningham railway station in his car which presumably he operated as a taxi. My aunt and uncle also lived in the village down Springfield lane and my Uncle Bob Moyes still lives in the village and has been active on the parish council over the years. I remember Mrs Scroggins, Sam Tuffs, Stefan Palmer who had a sort of scrap yard in the village, Charlie Kemp and others. I have really happy memories of long summers spent wandering around the fields outside the village. Nowadays I live in Western Australia, a long way from Gislingham, but I will be visiting again soon.

Greengrocers in Gislingham

I remember Southgate's shop, although as a general store rather than as a greengrocer. My grandparents (and great-grandparents before them) lived next door (Fred and Carrie Bridges) in Mill Street, and we used to visit every school holiday from when I was about 5 years old. Harry was dead by then, but his widow (Ivy) and daughter (June) were still there. The village pump was just outside the gate, and Fisk's coal and grain merchants were on the other side of my grandparents' cottage. My grandmother died in 1976, and I have been back only a couple of times since - very special childhood memories.

Greengrocers in Gislingham

I was wondering if anybody can remember the greengrocers in gislingham by the name of Harry Southgate who was apparently a master grocer.