Childhood:W.Websters Village Shop

I was born in 1951. My parents owned the W Websters store in Barmoor Lane. I believe the old premises is now known as Orchard Cottage. I remember the sandshoes for sale dangling from the rafters and the butter was weighed out. My older sister helped serve sometimes after school. Dad set up a train set for Christmas for village folk to look at through the front window. Being also a wine and spirit merchant he put tiny liqueur bottles on the carriages. I have such fond memories of the delight it brought to people's faces. I loved the Guy Fawkes night and preparing for the bonfire too. We emigrated to Australia in 1959 and I still live in Adelaide. Before leaving Ryton I went to Crawcrook school and my sister went to Hookergate Grammar. She returned to England and lives in Leeds. I have had 2 trips back, the second in 1987 with my husband and 2 sons. One day I hope to do it again.