Your memories of Moira’s wet fish shop in Coventry

MOIRA’S wet fish shop is a Coventry landmark that has been shrouded in mystery.

It was a busy and popular fishmongers, but closed suddenly in the the mid 1990s leaving many wondering what happened to Moira.

Thanks to the help of local people and readers, we were able to meet Moira’s family, who helped us understand the remarkable woman behind the counter.

The story sparked some great memories for readers, many of whom shared what Moira’s wet fish shop meant to them.

Here are just some of the memories you shared after reading the story:

Brian J Vines wrote: “I used to work around the corner from there from 96-2001 I always thought it was an old fish shop supplies as in tropical fish.”

Addressing Moira’s sister Sheelagh, who contributed to our article, Jayne Norton wrote: “What a fantastic story I bet you and your family are so proud of Moira Sheila...I loved reading about her.”

We wrote about how local people had always wondered what went on behind that emerald green door, and some of you agreed.

Michelle Moore said: “Thank you for this story, I’ve always wondered about the history of this old shop. Moira sounded like a lovely lady.”

Adele Louise added: “This place has always fascinated me, we also have a mention in the article!”

Patricia McAree also said: “I always thought the story of the shop was hundreds of years old, it was only the nineties.”

Sammy Jane Kennedy wrote : “Good memories.”

Others tagged in members of Moira’s extended family, with Lucy Maddocks tagging in Carrie Fulford saying: “No denying the gene! Beautiful.”

Moira’s father Jack worked in some of Coventry’s biggest factories, and for some it was a welcome reminder of days gone by.

Raef Boylan wrote: “And a mention of Coventry Eagle! My push-bike in me teens was a Coventry Eagle.”

Richard Ledbrook wrote: “Fascinating, I used that shop when I lived in Spon Gate house mid 1980s.”

Mary Reeve emailed us with some further history on the place, detailing what the building was before it became Moira’s.

“I have memories of the shop long before it became Moira’s wet fish shop. It belonged to my grandmother’s sister (I called her aunty Flo) who ran it as a greengrocers along with her daughter & son in law (Rosa & Eddie Lewin).”

Mary went on to say: “It would be nice for people to know that it had a history as a thriving greengrocers prior to what many remember it to be now. In the days when there were no flats at all on Spon End estate (I remember watching them being built & there being a large explosion when a gas cylinder blew up) Coventry’s Ring Road was not even thought of.”

The response we got shows how key Moira’s (and the shops before) were to the community, and from Mary Reeve’s comments there is still much more to the story. We look forward to finding out more about this historic part of Coventry.

If you have memories of Moira’s wet fish shop or any of the listed buildings from that row of houses, get in touch with our community reporter Naomi: naomi.desouza@reachplc.com