Normacot, Chaplin Road c.1955

Photo ref: N163302

Back in the 1950s-1960s my father, Jack Garbett and my uncle Bill Garbett manufactured sweets in Normacot. They were particularly famous for their Granny's Mints. The factory was founded by my uncle, Tom Garbett. My father joined the Firm when he left the army after the Second World War. He was also a semi-professional musician who played the saxaphone and clarinet. His family were Catholics and helped to run the dances ...see more

I was born in Normacot in 1953. I am the eldest of 4 children born to an Irish mother and a railway worker father. My great great grandfather came with his son from Bream near Lydney in Gloucestershire. They lived in Upper Spring Road near to Bengry's Bakery. My great great grandfather (Shadrach) went to work in Florence Colliery in around 1875. His grandson - my grandad John (aka Jack), was a builder by trade and worked ...see more

I was born in 1954 at 261, Uttoxeter Road, which was where the fire station is now. My memories are of a magical childhood in Normacot, until we were rehoused in Meir in 1970. Some of the places I remember with much fondness include The Alhambra, Wright's pie shop, Ketrick's chip shop, Dewhurst butchers, Spare's sweet shop, Shaw's and Fryer's paper shops, Newhall Road mission, where I attended the Boys Brigade, ...see more

I lived in Spring Road opposite Bengry's shop. I remember going to their bakery for my mother - hot bread to collect. I went to Meir Road School, Spooners was a local shop nearby. Brings back memories - doing paper boy job - Botts was the shop I delivered papers from. I had many friends in childhood, playing football Sunday afternoon opposite the Station Hotel. Having left Normacot early '67 then to return ...see more