And Jacki remembers it well
DIPS AT MATTIE DAVISON’S AND THE WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS FAIRY LIGHTS AT REDHEAD AND BROWN’S
that “you could buy in weight for a 1/4lb upwards. They were all in tins with a glass lid. “Next to Mr Jackson (actually in Brandling Street) was Mattie Davison’s the pork shop which sold delicious hot dips, pork, saveloy, hot peas pudding and stuffing, all dipped. “They were delicious, can still taste them now,” said Jacki. “Next door again was the butchers owned by the same Mattie, all his sons worked in the shop. Back to Roker Avenue and round the corner to Mr Jackson was his wife’s shop, Joy Jackson the drapers. This sold everything from buttons to blouses, ribbons for hair, new socks for Easter.” Further down the street, there was a lovely shop called Redhead and Brown’s - a hardwear shop which “smelled lovely, was immaculate, and sold everything from household items, cleaning equipment and bric a brac. “I loved this shop at Christmas when you walked home from school and the windows were all lit up in fairy lights. “Next shop up was Flo Maxfield’s, a double fronted shop which was an upper class drapers. One side was ladies and the other side childrens. My grandma used to buy our coats and shoes from here as mam couldn’t afford to. “I used to be fascinated with the array of Clarke’s shoes all piled up on top of each other by style and size. They were in emerald green boxes. The ladies who worked there were all quite posh but very nice.” Jacki has much more to tell us and we will share more of her story next week. In the meantime, if you have Wearside memories you would like to share, email chris.cordner@jpress.co.uk
“Mattie Davison’s sold delicious hot dips” JACKI THEW “Loved the toys in the window at Ralphie Carr’s” JACKI THEW