Nothing could match Simpkin and James
‘Old Mo’ recalls eye-stopper store windows
LOOKING Back has been sent some fascinating recollections of reader ‘Old Mo’.
He says Simpkin and James used to have a real eye-stopper of a window dressing around the time of Loughborough Fair’s visit to the town.
Here’s what Old Mo had to say: “After the deprivations of World War Two, the coming of Loughborough Fair brought some much appreciated colour and excitement to the town.
“Shops were illuminated, and would lay on displays that would last from November, right through to Christmas.
“It was a ritual and a delight to appreciate the shops’ displays at this time.
“Nothing could match Simpkin and James’s really special window display. Enormous pleasure was gained by many, in viewing such an amazing spectacle. There were glowing Chinese lanterns suspended from the ceiling, showing rows of boxes of Christmas crackers.
“Inside the shop was a wonderful aroma of ground coffee and spices, and one could buy stem ginger in Chinese vases, of all shapes and colours. These vases are now recognised as vintage collectables.
“A vast choice of smoked hams hung in quantity, and huge cheeses filled the window.
“There were rails of decorations, interspersed with various delicacies, including: Belgian grapes, wrapped in cotton wool; glacé fruits from France, arranged in large, attractive boxes; a wondrous selection of Christmas cakes in pretty tins; Christmas puddings; milk and plain chocolate triangular- shaped Vienna biscuits; fresh fruit and nuts; a variety of wines and liqueurs, and Sandeman’s Port, with its distinctive Don logo.
“Other memorable items were glass jars of fruit, like plums and fruit salad; jars of chicken breast in jelly; and it was considered a great honour to receive a presentation box ( personally made up by Simpkin and James), consisting of fresh fruit.
“If you were ill in hospital, you may have been given a jar of calves’ foot jelly from Simpkin and James. (It was considered most nutritious for hospital patients who needed ‘building up’).
“Simpkin and James is sorely missed, and I suppose that the only comparison that can be made today, as regards a spectacular Christmas shop window, is the wine shop in Devonshire Square.
“Another source of pleasure at this time was a particular fairground stall outside the Town Hall, where tickets could be bought, in the hope of winning the prize of a luxury plucked black turkey.
“Each winner could choose the turkey of their choice. Of course, at that time, turkeys were regarded as something quite special, and were out of the reach of most folk, so it was a real luxury.
“Sadly, most people did not have refrigerators or freezers, but they could take a fresh turkey home and enjoy a culinary delight before Christmas!
“The delightful Chrysanthemum Exhibition took place too during Loughborough Fair week, in the Town Hall, bringing a little horticultural joy to ‘green-fingered’ Loughburians.
“Despite the hardships of the period, the fair and the associated decorations in the shops went some way to add colour to life, even if it was only of a temporary nature.
“This was a time of the year when Loughborough town took on a magical air, as Christmastime approached. The atmosphere was loved by adults and children alike.”