Clarke and Partridge and other Derby Road firms
SHEPSHED’S Joan Tassell has contacted us after seeing the photographs of the Charnwood Stores building, which eventually became Clarke and Partridge, sent in by Mike Jones.
The No. 43-47 Derby Road, Loughborough firm, were heating engineers, specialising in bathrooms and central heating systems.
And Joan rang to say she worked there for nine years, starting in 1957. She was eventually in charge of the showroom and orders.
She added that Mr Clarke’s living quarters were above the premises.
The site was eventually taken over by Westertex Limited.
The buildings have since been lev- elled and the site is now home to large number of flats and apartments.
Joan remembers that strip of Derby Road, from the Wharf upwards out of town, at the time of the late 1950s, early 60s, well.
She says that the large square building which presently home to the Tanvic tyre and service centre was once part of the Whiffen chemical company and also Bentley’s Brushes.
Next door was Zach Onions engineers and then Melton Farmer’s Egg Packing Station, Clarke and Partridge, and then Western Laundry.
Going back in to town, on the same side was a bookies and newsagents.
For one very good reason Joan can recall another business that operated from the old Wharf buildings, Jack Goddard’s driving school. “He taught me to drive,” she said. Can you remember any of the businesses above?
Please contact Andy Rush at Looking Back on 01509 635802.
E-mail andy.rush@reachplc.com