OneGuyFromBarlick

I received an email through the Earby History Society this morning asking for any memories of a hardware shop in the town run by Reginald Birch in the late 60s.
A quick check of electoral rolls on Ancestry showed that Reginald and his wife Ida lived at 18, Newtown between 1948 and 1962 so I think the shop was in Barlick rather than Earby.
Does anyone remember the shop or the Birch family?

What electoral role information is on Ancestry? It's a long time ago, but last time I looked, the only way to access it was a visit in person to Preston.

Tripps wrote: ↑07 Jul 2020, 10:27 What electoral role information is on Ancestry? It's a long time ago, but last time I looked, the only way to access it was a visit in person to Preston.

It depends on which area you are looking for Tripps. West Yorkshire is well covered between1840 and 1962 but not Lancashire. UK 2003 to 2010, even more on Find my Past.

No mention of Birch in the index Wendy.

Stanley wrote: ↑07 Jul 2020, 12:04 No mention of Birch in the index Wendy.

This topic covers Elmer's on the corner of Newtown and Albert Rd which would have been the same shop.


https://oneguyfrombarlick.co.uk/viewtop ... rs#p127103

In 1939 it was an ironmongers shop run by Campbell McGregor, Joshua Elmer's chemist shop was at number 22.

According to the Electoral Registers Cambell McGregor was at 18 Newtown until 1946 and in 1947 Reginald & Ida Birch were there. I just need to find out when the Birch family left and John Elmer took over!

I remember my mum and dad referring to Birch's, that would be in the 50's, I cant remember the shop then though but I was only quite young.

It was Elmers in 1958......

Through the wonders of Facebook I am now in touch with John Elmer who says that he bought the business from Reg and Ida in 1969, working alongside them for a few months beforehand to learn the business.

So much for my memory! I could have sworn on a stack of Bibles John was there when I came to Barlick.....
My reputation is shattered!

In ruins Stanley. John would only have been 13 or 14 years old in 1958. Perhaps you remember Reg Birch after all.

Thanks Kid, I am going into the shed to lick my wounds!

my grandparents

I must have known them.....