Shopping in Conisbrough and Denaby

The combined populations of Conisbrough and Denaby provide a basic market of almost 20,000 people to buy their weekly provisions from local shops, and with an ambitious redevelopment scheme in progress for Denaby the position could well escalate in coming years.

Says Mr. C. Ward, Clerk to Conisbrough Urban Council: “The purpose of the industrial re development is to keep the existing population employed but if this is successful enough to increase the population, the shopping businesses could benefit.”

Shopping facilities at Conisbrough, which is positioned off the main trunk roads, consists largely of family businesses catering for local demand.

Mr. G. S. Coe, of 7, Church Street, is the oldest established shoe repairer in Conisbrough. The shop was founded in 1937 and has an adjoining shoe repair workshop for the 8,000 shoes he repairs per year. Footwear on sale is aimed at an all family market, from the cradle to old age, including a range of teenage styles. Shoes requisites and handbags to match the shoes can also be bought. Services to patrons include a re-spraying and shoe renovation service.

Established 87 years

Although Brocklesby and Wright’s Chemists, of West Street, has only existed as such for six years, the business was founded in 1881. Director of the firm Mr. Gerald Wright said this week: “Conisbrough is the only branch of the firm and we cater largely for local trade from the Conisbrough estates, offering everything which is normally available from chemists.” This not only includes cosmetics for the “outer woman” but a wide range of toiletries, nursery products and cameras for the photographic enthusiasts.

For electrical afficionados A. E. Gee, of Church Street, offers a selection of radios and tele-v isions for relaxation after a hard day. Mr. Gee also undertakes .repairs and servicing of electrical fixtures. For the young and old, a wide selection of construction and for the harassed housewife, Mr. Gee opened the only laundrette in Conisbrough last August. His Frigidaire Washeteria in Church Street offers a unique service for the Conisbrough public, complete with American imported washing machines taking up to a 12 lb. load, and Canadian gas tumbler driers.

With these facilities, the Monday wash can take as little as 35 minutes. If you have dry cleaning problems. Mr. Gee’s new installation, a do-it-yourself dry cleaner takes up to an eight pound load. This is believed to be the only dry cleaner in any of the area’s laundrettes.

After a hard morning at the laundrette why not call in at the Red Lion Hotel for lunch? Landlord Mr. Jack Harding caters for local as well as passing car trade with his three course lunches from as little as five shillings. If a social evening is more in your line, parties of up to 70 can be accommodated in the upstairs restaurant. Entertainment is provided free. For the slightly p e c k i s h, sandwiches and pasties are on sale every day in the bar, noon or night.

Margaret Kingston’s friendly corner shop on George Street, Denaby, offers a choice of fresh fruit, vegetables, frozen foods and groceries. Although Mrs. Kingston has lived in Denaby for 16 years, she is comparatively new to shop owning—her shop was opened last year. She also caters for local demand by stocking sugar, tea and flour and for the children by selling sweets and minerals.

In contrast, Mr. Reginald Gilbert has owned his footwear shop on Strafforth Terrace for

over 20 years and stocks an extensive variety of leather goods and footwear for women, men and children. For the women, Mr. Gilbert deals in costume jewellery, umbrellas and handbags. The shop is complete with re-spraying equipment and his repair service will tackle anything from leather to P.V.C. and rubber. Mr. Gilbert, who runs the shop with his wife Daisy, is part of a family of footwear specialists in the district.

The distinction of being the oldest firm of funeral directors in Conisbrough belongs to J. E. Greathead and Son, of Church Street. The business is now operated by Mr. John Greathead and his son, Tony, who is the fourth generation since the firm was founded by his great-grandfather, the original J. E. Greathead.

Nine years ago, interest from local residents prompted the addition of a handyman business into the firm. For the do-it-yourself addicts, everything necessary for amateur joinery and household improvement can be seen in the shop. Over and above this, a free practical advice service by skilled tradesmen is offered to patrons.

For womenfolk

If the little women of the house feel left out of the do-it-yourself craze, they are catered for by Alan and Watsons, in West Street which offers an extensive variety of shades of four-ply, double knitting and chunky wool. The haberdashery department has only been open for two months after the business had spent three years previously touring markets. Mrs. Edna Allen, manageress of the shop caters for local demands in material and also with a range of rayon, winceyette and corded velvet. Plans are laid for the future development of the business into general drapery.

Ready-made garments can be purchased at Arthur Shaw’s in Church Street. Shaw’s, another local family business, stocks a range of knitwear for all ages, including lingerie, underwear and hosiery. Mr. John Shaw, company secretary, said this week: “The majority of custom is local, but we are visited by many people outside the district as our name has spread.

The market prices are cheaper for our customers and very competitive with larger stores.

Going into business? Or do you simply wish to improve your own home?

One of Conisbrough newest businesses, Buckley and Mee, painters decorators and signwriters who undertake jobs from private homes to factories. Both Conisbrough born men, David Buckley and David Mee established, their shop at the top of New Hill seven months ago. A e the amateur home decorator can buy his paint and tools as well as general household commodities. Or if preferred, job can be done personally by Messrs. Buckley and Mee.

One of Conisbrough’s new supermarkets is that of Gower and Burgon’s, in Church Street.

This is probably the largest and one of the most successful family chains in the North, and this assures the housewife good service, competitive prices and the personal attention of the family grocer.

The supermarket opening 18 months ago and with groceries and provision at low prices, as well as having a very popular wine and spirit department.