Stonehills Wgc

A Memory of Welwyn Garden City.

This view is looking north from the west side of Stonehills towards the Cherry Tree Public House. Just out of view on the left was the old Police Station (the site of which has still not been developed) whilst across the road on the right is National Provincial Bank (now Nat West Bank) . Further along from the bank is Williams Bros, then Sketchley Cleaners. Continuing towards 'The Cherry' is the Broadwater Press Ltd, founded by the late Mr Harry Cheetham who died in 1938.
Harry Cheetham was my Grandfather. I understand that Harry and his wife Emily Anne Cheetham (my late Grandmother) were both keen members of the WGC Golf Club during the late 1920s - early 1930s altho confirmation and photographs are sought.
Beyond 'The Press' was Munts Cycle Store which sold a variety of bicyles, scooters, mopeds and small motorcyles aswell as prams. Beyond Munts on the corner opposite The Cherry Tree was Dickinson & Adams Motor Garage with 752 Taxis. What remains of The Cherry Tree is now a Waitrose Food Store which is currently being enlarged. It is now being provided with a decked car park, on the site which was once the immaculate green used by the WGC Bowling Club.
In 1958 Stonehills was a through road but was closed off during the late 1960s to become a cul de sac now ruined by motor cars seeking free parking. Reopening as a one way through route for taxis only would considerably improve the area.