Priory Road 1962 to 1988

Year: 1970

Priory Road 1962 to 1988

My father, William J Smith (Bill) had a newsagent at 47 Priory Road between 1962 and 1988 which was opposite Ports the Bakers. I remember seeing queues of people coming out of the Bakers on a Saturday morning to get their shopping. My fondest childhood memories were of living above and behind the sweetshop and playing with friends in Priory Road when there were just a few cars in the street, not like it is now. I remember the Butchers at number 50, the Greengrocers, the Cliff's Fish Shop and the handy shop. Nurse Banks the local midwife lived further up the road on our side, I don't know the number but it was past number 35. I also remember the Tuck Shop in Allingham Road opposite the Co-Op, the Post Office with it's dark wooden interior and all the wooden drawers behind the counter.
I also remember both the corner shops, on the corners of Allingham Road and Eastnor Road and Eastnor Road and North Road. I think it's a shame that all of these shops have become houses and that new people to the area would never know that Priory Road was such a thriving village at one time.

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RE: Priory Road 1962 to 1988

I remember your dad with very fond memories, he was always such a happy friendly man, and would always give me a little bit extra sherbet in the bag.
As for the tuck shop opposite the Co-op I think it was Mr Baker who used to run it, short portly man if my memory serves me right.
As for Cliff the chippy, how could anyone who lived in South Park back then ever forget him, I remember going in just after I got married and he still remembered me!
Thanks for sharing your memories, it brings loads back to me.