Published in Windlesora 05 (1986)
© WLHG
I have cause to remember my first character, Mr Kempster the milkman. He would push a float on which was mounted a magnificent brass churn, going from door to door, collecting the jugs to be filled. One day while Mr Kempster was busy with a customer I turned the tap on, and a considerable amount of milk was lost. I cannot remember my punishment.
Who remembers “Mr Catch ’em Alive“, walking through the streets wearing a top hat, to which flypapers were attached, also the dead flies? He would repeat a ditty to advertise his wares.
Then there was Mr Nuth, from Eton Wick; his speciality was wild rabbits and winkles. When he arrived with his pony and trap, we crowded around to watch him skin the rabbits.
I wish I could remember the name of the “watercress lady“. She was dressed in black, a pinafore, lace-up-boots, and with an enormous pin thrust through her hat. The wicker basket she carried contained fresh watercress.
How many readers remember the crayon pictures of local scenes which appeared on the side wall of No. 41 Alma Road? The artist was a Doctor Lloyd; I used to be fascinated by his fancy waistcoat.
Messrs. Cross, Goldswain and Powell come to mind; these traders would loan their horses and carts as transport for the annual Sunday School treat. Suitably cleaned from their usual tasks of delivering coal and forage, we would climb on with great excitement. Off we would go, singing, “We’re going to Burnham Beeches, we’re going to Burnham Beeches“. There was always a marvellous tea at the Beeches, and I can assure you that after we had finished, the table was bare. The return journey was accompanied by singing “For he’s a jolly good driver“.
Another character whom I recall was Mr Hardy, the knife and scissor grinder. Who remembers his wooden contraption? Mounted on it were the grindstones, operated from a seat by pedals. Whilst his master sat grinding, with the sparks flying, the little terrier dog would rest on a cushion beneath the machine. Pots and pans were also repaired; a soldering iron would be thrust in a tiny coal brazier which hung from the machine.
The name of Mr Chipchase will arouse many memories, as he was the local School Attendance Officer. He had only one arm, but managed to ride his heavy-duty bicycle with great dexterity. When a pupil was seen in the street during school-hours, Mr Chipchase would alight from his machine to establish if the child was playing hookey.
How many can remember Mr Plowman, cap on head, wearing a blue smock, pushing his barrow through the streets? The two-wheeled vehicle had a “T” shaped handle, but Mr Plowman preferred to push it from the opposite end. He was a recluse, owning various properties in Windsor, but lived in a dilapidated house in Queens Road. There was never smoke coming from the chimneys; Mr Plowman had a feud with the council, refusing to pay his rates. Returning to the barrow, the purpose of this was to collect manure from the streets, for use on the plot of land which he cultivated. In 1947, Mr Plowman died, leaving a legacy, the money to be used for the erection and maintenance of almshouses for spinsters. Unfortunately his wishes could not be carried out due to rising costs. However, a scheme was approved in 1977 by which the Plowman Trust was amalgamated with the Reavell Trust, the latter being responsible for the “Eventide” Almshouse in Clarence Road. Though many may have forgotten this character, his name is remembered in the “Reavell and Plowman Charity“.
In these days of “instant photographs“, my mind goes back to the elderly gentleman with flowing silver locks, who operated on Windsor’s promenade. With a camera fixed on a tripod, he would take a photograph, dip it in an enamel cup, and present the clouded image to the customer.
If I had only taken notice of Mrs Stanbrook when I was a child, my character might have been moulded differently at an early age. This lady lived in Springfield Road, adjacent to dear old Miss Crane. Dressed in black, riding a bicycle with high handlebars, Mrs Stanbrook was a formidable figure. We children would try and hide out of her way when we saw her approaching, for being an ardent worker for her church, the lady was always talking about Jesus. Copying the talk of adults, we believed she had religious mania, but looking back I realise that Mrs Stanbrook was not only a “a hearer of the Word, but a doer also“. Thankfully, during World War II, I came to trust the same Saviour that dear lady was always willing to talk about.
What connection has hair with Nurse Hart? I guarantee that there are many readers who will be able to make the connection. A common phrase today is “nit picking“, we children experienced this in reality. If my memory is correct, it was to the clinic in Chariotts Place that we had to attend for the nurse to examine our scalps.
A name that suddenly comes to mind is that of Captain Shardlow, this gentleman was a physical training instructor, employed by the educational authorities. No gymnasium for we children out in the playground. Weather conditions did not matter, our exercises were conducted with military precision.
For those attending Clewer St. Stephen’s Schools, Johnson’s confectionery shop in Oxford Road was a delight. If we had been able to obtain a penny, or halfpenny, even a farthing, it would enable us to buy things that children today are unaware of. There were gobstoppers that changed colour at every lick, locust beans and tiger-nuts. Miss Johnson and her shop have long since departed.
In conclusion, I know what you are thinking, “What about Joe Quarterman“? No, I haven’t forgotten Joe. Who can forget Joe? cap on head, bow-tie, baize apron, and plimsolls. “Three-piece suite to Slough, certainly Madam“, Joe would load his costermonger’s barrow and deliver at a phenomenal pace. During the 1925-26 season, Windsor and Eton Football Club reached the 1st Round Proper of the F.A. Cup. Joe, a supporter, was offered a seat on the coach going to the opponents’ ground, the Valley, in SE London. Declining the offer, Joe reached the ground on foot. Unfortunately, Charlton won by four goals to two, on a snow-covered pitch.
Fred Fuzzens
Windsor Local History Group 