Age Concern Dorchester - Dorset's Living Memories

Changes in Weymouth since the 1950's

Barbara Emmerton writes...

I have lived in Weymouth for 50 years since my husband’s job was moved to Winfrith. I have seen so many changes in the area and have fond and vivid memories of the past.

There have been many changes in the types of shops in Weymouth. There was a three storey Woolworths by Marks and Spencer and Sargeants Pawn Shop just to the left of it. Where Adams Children’s Clothes was, until recently, was Bon Marche which sold slightly cheaper clothes than V.H. Bennett’s Department Store. In Frederick Place was Maison Edward’s Hair Salon, Tilley’s (which is still there) and Margaret Forsyth’s lingerie and swimwear shop.
In St Thomas’ Street was Burt’s Bakers which had a tea shop upstairs.

 The baker was an Austrian, Mr Schumakker. He made wonderful pastries and cakes! In Westham Road was another bakery – Vaux’s, again with a tea shop above.
Where Peacocks is now in Lower Bond Street, was Aggie Weston’s Royal Sailors’ Rest which offered a cheap bed to any sailor without accommodation.

The Clinton Arcade which was at the top end of St. Thomas’ St had a restaurant and a popular dance hall. The arcade leading down to Wessex Photographic (the old Camera Corner) used to house a weekly market years ago. Mabb’s, the gents’ outfitters also had a Weymouth branch. This was at the lower end of St. Mary’s Street close to Read Bros. another gents’ outfitters.

There were a number of fish outlets in the town. MacFisheries, Hannay’s and Oliver’s.

In the Lodmoor Hill area there was a grocery/greengrocery called Goldrings. Inside the shop was a large grapevine which customers found fascinating and there was also a parrot at the back of the shop! There was a wet fish shop where the present launderette is situated. At Radipole in Haywards Avenue was another grocery shop owned by Mr West. He used to deliver groceries to his many customers.