Irby, The Village c.1955

Photo ref: I42005

The shop seen first on left was owned by a Mr.Mathews and was the new paper shop (newsagents). A handful of young boys including myself and a couple of girls used to deliver the newspapers on bicycles to the local community. The previous shop was more like an old shed. Irby was a lovely peaceful little village.

My father Dennis Stephens, used to manage the tennis courts and bowling green on Mill Hill Road. My aunt Effie Wheildon, took over the pet shop after Grace Shatwell ended her tenure and moved from her bungalow (opposite our house at 59 Mill Hill) further down the road to another house that was once a market garden, where she opened a little shop. Grace and her son William emigrated to New Zealand, and I met her in ...see more

I was born and brought up in Thingwall Drive, right on the boundary of Irby and opposite the entrance to the golf course. I went to Irby CP School, Coombe Road, and then onto Calday Grange Grammar School. My Granny lived just past the Anchor Inn, and stopping by to Miss Ellis shop for a treat after walking the dogs on the common was a regular indulgence. The far shop on the left was the post office, then coming ...see more

My goodness this brings back memories! I grew up in Irby and we lived in Oaklea Road from the late 40’s to the late 60’s – I’m now a true blue Aussie having lived in Queensland since the mid 70’s but about to revisit Irby in September this year – guess I’ll notice a few changes! I remember – Constantines the grocers with personal service and food wrapped for you in brown paper bags - I think their son was ...see more