Penge, High Street c.1955

Photo ref: P26002

Somebody - I believe their Name was Wayne - had once some years ago sent in a memory about the overhead system of Sending the containers of money from the counters in certain shops to the cashiers Offices. At the time I sent in a memory in reply to that one I said that one shop that used this system was Rogers in Penge High Street, up on the right, just before Woolworths. At the same time I sent that memory ...see more

I lived with my mum and dad Frank and Gladys Shadbolt (nee Roots) in Woodbine Grove, surrounded by family, grandparents, Bob and Mary Roots also from Woodbine and my Nanny Shadbolt who lived in Hawthorne Grove. I went back recently and wish I hadn't, I will stick to the great memories I have growing up there. We moved to 80 Queen Adelaide Court when the council slapped a compulsory purchase on our house ...see more

I think I am right in saying that Olby's had a wire cable system of sending money in small canisters from their counters to the accounts office. They used to put it in the canister, screw it into a lid attached to the wire, then fire it across the room by pulling a chain. It gave me such a thrill, and I would hope that any shoping included going there to see these things wizzing around; and just maybe get a penny from my Mum to get me weighed by this huge machine in the corner.

My cousins had stalls in the market, the Prouds. I have so many lovely memories of my dad and mum taking me shopping, particularly around Christmas. With all the old gas lights spluttering and smelling and the smells of the stall with toffee apples, and the hot chestnut stand. Oooh! Yes and the Salvation Army Band playing and rattling their collection boxes. There was Mr and Mrs Cohen with their daughters ...see more