Friday night chariot came to empty the waste

LOOKING Backers have recently told of their memories of Charles Smith’s the bakers in Shepshed, and now a lady who said that her dad used to mend the belt for Mr Smith when it was broken has got in touch.

A few months ago Looking Back was sent some photos of Shepshed baker Mr Charles Smith by his grandson John Knight, and while looking through the Echo archives an article from 1957 said that Mr Smith still enjoyed working in the bakehouse at the fine old age of 89.

Barbara Hall of Mountsorrel said that she lived just a few doors along from the bakers at The Lant, number 14 and that she used to go up to the bakery every Saturday morning and fetch home one dozen rolls for lunch.

Barbara told Looking Back that her family moved into number 14 as the Osborne family during the coronation year from Leicester.

She said: “My father was the caretaker and engineer for the shoe factory as was then – George Greens – we lived in the house that went with the job!

“My father looked after all the machines in the factory – very popular – Harry always whistling and happy!

“And looked after the whole factory regarding locking up and safety etc.

“We – my brother and I – the late Brian - played in the street – we also had a lovely orchard behind the factory where we had chickens geese and ducks! – This area went onto Kerry’s house which was opening onto Church Street.”

Barbara also said that her youngest brother, James, was born at number 14.

She added: “I can also remember mum and dad saying that when they first moved there the Friday night chariot – as dad called it – would come and empty the sewerage as lots of cottages didn’t have flush toilets!!

“Dad used to mend the belt for Charlie Smiths when it was broken – I used to go up to the bakery every Saturday morning as it was cleaning day at home and fetch one dozen rolls for our lunch!

“We had some lovely memories of both the house and life there – I worked in the office until I was married in 1965.

“Unfortunately Dad eventually retired and only spent one night at the new house as he suffered a massive stroke and died.

“But such happy memories!”

• If Barbara’s memories have sparked any of your own please get in touch with Liam Coleman on 01509 635806 or email liam. coleman@trinitymirror.com