Kennards

Regarding your memory of Kennards of Croydon. My Father was chauffeur to William T Kennard (Chairman) & son of the Founder from 1922 to !944 when Mr Kennard died. A friend gave me a book in 2001 "Kennards of Croydon" published by Vivien Lovett (Mrs Vivien Whitehouse) in 2000.This is a complete history of the Store & could be available from Libraries & Museums. In early days it was possible to purchase animals to order.

Thank you so much Kenneth, such a great reply and I’m so happy that you have put me in the direction of the Kennards book. I was sure my memories were fairly good and the animals to order reinforced my memories. I am very grateful to you.

Shame on me ...never expected a reply (so soon!). Unfortunately I was not able to visit Kennards as I was born in Kingswood.in 1926 (Yes!) & my parents moved to Torquay with the Kennards in !931.
Have you been able to track the book? Good to hear from you

Oh no shame on you. I have ordered THE book and am awaiting delivery.
It’s been very busy for me these last few weeks and to be honest I forgot until tonight and it’s ordered. The pictures on the net are probably from the book, I’ll find out soon. I am so grateful for your reply and you really missed out by not going to the store, my father was very tight fisted so the ethos of Kennards Low prices probably appealed to him.
I am amazed my mother took me to tea and listened to the orchestra, how cultured for a girl from Purley. She obviously wanted to bring me up proper.
There must have been a park for the pony rides because I do recall taking a pony several times and was so keen, going into a work closeby. My keenness dwindled as one day the saddle was loose and I was sliding off the horse and too shy to tell the lady, gripping on for dear life. She eventually turned round and was horrified, gave me extra time, which I would normally have enjoyed but not this time. 😫
Are you still in Torquay and fit and well? I hope so. You’re so kind to reply and it has refuelled my curiosity of the old store. I’m sure I will love the book.
I also remember going to Croydon at Christmas to buy a turkey, all the butcheries had them hanging outside and we chose the one we wanted. Too much elf and safety now so it would only be pre-wrapped today. Take care and thank you again
Kind regards Mary

Hello , pleased to know you have ordered the book & I know you will find it very interesting. A bit pushed today but tomorrow I intend sending you a private message relating to Kennards & my family movements. No I'm not in Torquay, wait until tomorrow!
Best Wishes , Ken

Wow! I am a bit late with my comment! Yes, I recall everything you have, and more! The pony/donkey rides and the fantastical early Victorian street that the rear entrance lead to. There were real businesses within this fantasy setting. I remember there was a barber’s shop near the entrance where you could get your haircut. There was also a photographer’s with a Victorian photographic landscape to pose in front of and have your picture taken. And a sweet shop. But the thing I remember most was the bridge with a wonderful clock. On the hour clockwork figures would march across it, signalling the start of an hourly, not to be missed display.
I don’t come from Croydon but we visited it regularly as my mother was born there. As an adult I went back there several times but of course, the fantasy street was long gone. Very sad. If it still existed it would doubtless be a draw for the child of today, and as popular now as it was then.

Hello there! Delighted to be informed about this book. I noticed that on Amazon UK and EBay, that it is selling for highly inflated prices, in the knowledge that it is out of print. Don’t be tempted to pay a ridiculous price for it. I have just located a copy on Amazon Canada. I have paid £11.97, including the postage, for it! So shop about before you pay a sky-high price.

Sadly I don’t recall much about the zoo. I’m so pleased to be informed about Vivien Lovett’s book and I’m pleased to have located and order a copy at a reasonable price.
I also recall the chaos and excitement of Surrey Street market. It was not far from my grandma’s home in Waddon Close. My mum went to St. John’s school and married dad in St. John’s church, Church Street. He came from Southampton, where they set up home. But our frequent visits to Croydon were always so exciting for me as a kid. I got to know Croydon quite well. I last visited about 15 years ago with my mum and barely recognised it. That’s progress!

I remember Surrey street market too. Going at Christmas to the butchers where there were turkeys hanging outside and the butcher came out and got down the one you had chosen. Less car fumes then!
My parents were from Tooting and my father worked at Croydon airport As a fireman. When Croydon airport closed to commercial traffic in the mid fifties we moved to Crawley as he worked at the new Gatwick Airport. I live on the coast now between Brighton and Portsmouth.
Glad you’ve found a copy of the book. I’m sure you will enjoy it. I paid around £20. Mary