At the end of June Mr Charlie Collins, who had been a Councillor for several years and Chairman of the Council 1933-34, died. He had taken a great interest in town affairs. President of the Local Ambulance Division, also of the Southall Horticultural Assoc.; also on 22nd September, 1953 Mrs E. Hamblin (formerly Mrs Jackson), Councillor, died.
Between 1950 and 55 more and more public services were being provided, Old Peoples’ Bungalows built and more Leisure Centres provided, but these had to be paid for and the rates each year increased. In 1953 21/- in the £, and in 1955 23/8d in the £. Perhaps this should be explained suppose the rateable value of a house was £100, then the owner would have to pay 100 x 21/- in 1953 and 100x 23/8d in 1955.
Some of Southall’s Old Faithfuls
Perhaps now may be the time to place on record some of the good old tradesmen and shops which from now onwards will gradually disappear. They will be in no sort of order but each will bring back its own memories. Cutlands, Ladies Milliners and Drapers – they had three shops in the King Street, always selling good quality materials which seemed to be priced at the odd three farthings. The assistants were always helpful and, when a purchase was made, the bill and money was placed in a round box which was attached to a rail, the assistant then pulled a cord and this sent the box on its way to the Cashier, who would return it the same way with the change and receipted bill. Mr Cutland and family took a great interest in town affairs. Platts Stores, again with three shops in the King Street – the good old-fashioned grocers. Everything served over the counter by assistants in white coats and aprons, weighing up most things and patting up the butter and displaying whole cheeses and sides of bacon and, outside, large boxes of eggs. Their premises today are occupied by ‘Fine Fare’ – grocers, yes, but what a different atmosphere! London Co-operative Society Limited -with four shops in King Street and one in Featherstone Road. They first opened at the corner of King Street and Featherstone Road with a grocers, shoe shop and butchers, over which was a small meeting hall. After Endicotts was burned down they had shops built at the Western Road corner. They also had a shop in the High Street for a few years. And, of course, if you became a member, you were always reckoning up how much `Divi’ you had to come.
Butlers, Men’s Outfitters – with shops in King Street and High Street. Selling nothing but the best – what service they gave! Mr Scott, Manager, became a County Councillor and Mr Rogers, his right hand man, will be well remembered. Palamountings – the Odds and Ends Shop, always in a muddle but it was odds-on that what you wanted would be found. Cogswells – corn merchants, three steps to get in. Again, most things were weighed from bulk and, if you wanted hay or straw, you were sent out to the warehouse at the rear. Father and sons took a great interest in town affairs. You could always find, by smell, Bromleys and Mullingers Fried Fish Shops. Bromleys in Adelaide Road and Mullingers in Featherstone Road. Both family businesses with always a good supply of fresh fish.
A haircut meant a visit to Mac Smart, Norwood Road, Cass, and Westons,