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| Ancestor Gateway Forum - STAMFORD MEMORIES GATEWAY (Lincolnshire England) used as PRIDE and PREJUDICE FILM SET | New Topic | Search |
| Elaine |
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Near the crossroads in Scotgate was Dexter's shop. Mr Dexter used to sit outside on a chair in a white overall and a peaked chauffeur's cap. He was a large man with glasses with very thick lenses. The shop sold various car accessories but amazingly served petrol outside! Things were a bit quieter then. Mrs Dexter also served in the shop and was often outside. Mrs Dexter was a petite figure. This garage was very close to St John's School Scotgate and opposite The Stamp Shop. We passed by it four times a day on our way to and from school and so my memory of the Dexters is still very sharp. Mr & Mrs Dexter were Colin Dexter's parents (Colin Dexter wrote the Morse series of books later adapted for television). Ed: Yes and now the Morse legend lives on with Morse's assistant, Lewis, about to star in a new programme as the Chief with his own assistant. This has been given the go-ahead with the co-operation of Sheila Hancock and Colin Dexter the author of Morse. I understand that Colin Dexter will play his usual cameo role in the play. |
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| Clem |
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Dexters was where "Mitchell & Hudsons" used to be just the left of the present computer shop or repair centre, on the other side of Dexters was "Flanders" "Boons" took Dexters over in the early 50s, Colin Dexter's sister, Avril was the secretary at the old "St. Michael's School" when Mr.Nibblet was the headmaster. When Dexters had the garage the old petrol pump had a swinging arm on it so cars could be filled up without causing problems to those walking by on the pavement. On the other side of the road was Mrs Beals fish shop, and Mr. Newton's accumulator shop, there was also a pub called "the Crown & Woolpack" on the same side as Dexters next door to "Flanders". Flanders is now the "Indian Resturant" which would be next door to where "Dexters" garage stood. Ed: I didn't remember the "swinging arm" but you must be right, as I well remember the cars stopping to "fillup" with petrol. |
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| john freear |
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It was nice to see someone refer to Colin Dexter and perhaps more particularly to "Dexters garage" in Scotgate. I was at school with Colin both at the Bluecoat school in St. Peters Street where he like the rest of us was taught and disciplined by "Jogger Harvey" to whom I referred in an item about Stamford characters earlier, and later at Stamford School. He will remember Bill Lack, Roy Ricket, Grahamme Sorfleet and Peter Fancourt of "Mini on the ice fame" We are now beginning to tie up a little of the the fabric of the thirties, forties and fifties (even if it is only a little). Surely there is someone else in the ether who can offer something even if it is only a little. Kate: Thanks for that John. Clem has also added a comment on Dexter's, and also some updates on other topics. As you say, it would be nice to get a few more adding to Stamford Memories as its the individual memories that make it so interesting for others and also reminds you of those things you had almost forgotten about. |
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| Clem |
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Jogger Harvey! I remember him well also Mr.Taylor,Mr.York, I was at the Bluecoat School between 1947-1950, so were a lot of my friends that I still see today, I remember Mr Taylor the Headmaster & his son Johnny Taylor both being there at the same time. On my way to school I would call into Harvey's on the corner and buy two halfpenny buns from Wendy Harvey, Harvey's being where the Flower shop is now. I believe the Fish & chip shop just to the left of the School gates was then owned by Frisby, Mary Frisby use to run it. I was in the School building last Saturday at a wedding reception, the first time since 1949, it is now "The Masonic Centre" but the old school bell is still there. George Walker was also a teacher that I remember, I believe he became Headmaster after I had left. Kate: Thanks for that Clem - yes George Walker was the Head there, with Peter Naden his deputy. Margaret Walker his wife, was secretary before she trained to teach. George was still Head when the school transferred to the new premises in King's Road. |
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| Clem |
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George Walker got me into All Saints choir when I was about 9, he was still in the choir prior to his death, Margaret his wife still attends All Saints so do I, he was a great guy. was there also a teacher at the old Bluecoat called (Ward)? I seem to think there was but I am not sure. Ed: Yes, there was a teacher, nicknamed Oxo Ward (not sure of his actual name). He was at Bluecoat andI think retired around 1964. |
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| Clem |
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Thanks ED, "oxo ward" thats the guy, |
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| Clem Walden |
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ED,since you reminded me about "oxo ward" I have a picture in my mind & seem to remember he always had a very colourful red face & nose? not sure if my memory serves me well, but I seem to remember when I was at the Bluecoat in All Saints street in the 40s a story being told to me that perhaps his red face/nose was because he liked a glass or two? wonder if that was the reason? |
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| betty |
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I remember Mr Dexter's shop and the swinging arm of the petrol pump. He used to always mend our bycycle punctures, we did not have cars in those days and the bike was important as we needed to get to school and back and it was a good 2 miles for some of us. Also Clem when you were at Bluecoat School, the Fish and Chip Shop was owned by Mr. Greenwood who also owned "The Jockey Club" further down the street on the right. Kate/Yes Betty, those punctures were a nuisance, and quite a fiddle getting the inner tube out and testing for bubbles in a bowl of water! Sometimes my Dad would do mine but usually I couldn't wait til he got home from work - so managed a bit of DIY. The puncture kit was always in a bag at the back of the bike. |
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| betty |
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Kate you are so right about the puncture outfit. I hope you remember having to get the tyre off with a spoon or fork handle. I can remember the bowl of water and the french chalk and then the house brick to hold the patch on until it dried. Happy days Kate: Yes Betty and preparing the "wound" meant sandpapering the area and getting your little tube of glue out to fix on the patch. Anyone else out there have fond memories of those inconvenient punctures? Usually at the most inconvenient place when you were miles from home. |
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| Clem Walden |
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Hi-Betty, I remember the Greenwoods & the Jockey Club had many good Saturday meals in their when Lotty Mason worked there, did not know the Greenwoods had the fish shop do you know when Mary Frisby took it over from Greenwoods? I remember when Tony Frisby came out of the navy he worked in the shop with his mum for a short time and I would go in for fish and chips that would be about 1956 or could be a little later, I believe after "Mary" it was taken over by Keith Hopkins. |
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| betty |
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Hi Clem Mr Greenwood's wife ran the Fish and Chip Shop with her sister Mrs. Boskill that was when I was at All Saints School (1950). Mrs Mason worked at The White Heather in the square, I do not remember her at The Jockey Club, you will have to ask Vincent whether she worked at both. Mrs. Frisby took over when she left her other son and husband at the other Fish and Chip Shop off Scotgate |
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| Clem Walden |
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Hi-Betty, talking with G.B. and the boys tonight, did you know Albert Glover had the fish shop after Mary, before Keith Hopkins, Lotty Mason also worked at the Central cafe for a short time, when she woked at the Jockey club, Vince Mason, Bill Stancer and me would go in and get a few favours that would be about 1952/3 she perhaps used to help out there as well as the White Heather, my sister Iris worked at the White Heather for a year or two when Lotty was there. Never went in myself in those days fish shop or Jockey club for me good old days fond memories. |
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| lindy |
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We recently found out my husbands grandfather was Walter Haliday Greenwood who owned the Kandy Korner at 4 All Saints Street and the Jockey Club Cafe at 5 and 6 All Saints Street, He also owned The White Heather Restaurant ( where The Stamford Balti Hut is now). Has anyone any information about him as family knowledge is patchy? The White Heather Restaurant All Saints' Place Stamford 
by kind permission of Tim Musgrove |
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| betty |
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Hello Lindy Well you can only be either Pat's grand-daughter or Maureen's. If you have red hair your grandmother is Pat. I can remember your grandfather as they lived in a lovely house off Roman Bank and Pat and Maureen went to the High School. I seem to think his wife was sister to Mrs Boskill and I know her daughter Norma lives still in Stamford. Hope this helps for starters. I am sure Clem might be able to add to this |
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| Clem Walden |
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Hi-Betty, I remember Pat and Maureen, Pat was the younger I believe, Mrs Boskill at one time lived in the pre-fabs next to Chas Rawlings family. The Boskills had three children Norma, Linda, and Tony, Mrs Boskill was (nee Collins) Both Norma and Linda still live in the Town "not sure about Tony" but do remember him going in the navy, Norma lives on the Casterton road and is married to Ray Brown (Builder) she also works part time at Burghley Golf Club. Linda works at Stamford Library but not sure where she lives, I also remember Walter Greenwood a very nice guy. The candy store mentioned was at the top of the passage on the corner opposite the now Harrisons and Dunns (if my memory serves me well) This shop later became a toys/crafts shop that was run by Barbara Parker (nee Bateman) and her husband Don Parker. Think they owned at the time (but not sure) hope this helps. |
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| Roger Partridge |
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The shop corner of Mallory Lane/All Saints St, across from Harrison and Dunn was called (I think) Sports and Hobbies. It was co-owned by Barbara and Don, and George and Pam Bentley, but I think the shop was actually run by Barbara and Pam. |
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| ernie boon |
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1950s update; my father took over dexters in 1956 and retired 1970s Alfie dexter liked a drink or two ,when we first moved in i opened an old oil cabinet and it was stacked solid with empty whisky bottles.Added photo of myself on crutches with brother david and sister mary plus dog jet after motorcycle accident 1963. Dad is still going strong having his two halfs of guiness every day at 98years of age. Kate: Hi Ernie. That is amazing - I can remember Mr Boon - John Henry BOON known as Jack. He used to wear a white coat and hat. You mention a photo - did you mean you had sent one to me? Haven't received so please send to me in email kate@stamfordtown.com when I will be so pleased to add to the stamford gallery. Sure loads of people will remember Mr Boon. Just imagine filling up the car in Scotgate now! If you have any photos of the petrol station and shop in Scotgate or of Mr Boon outside it please send. Thanks very much. K Hi Ernie. Received the photos and they are now here and on Flickr connection. First photo Ernie, David and Mary plus Jet outside the Scotgate premises (Ernie on crutches after motorcycle accident). Double click on photo to go to larger image - then click on photo to get larger and then View All Sizes til full screen image appears. 1963 
Jack Boon at his 98th birthday celebration. May 2010 |
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| ernie boon |
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hi Kate,date of first photo outside garage 1963,photo of dads birthday may 2010 ; dads name was john henry Boon Known as jack .Dad sold out to Mike Hindmarch 1970s .Some readers may remember my mother serving petrol over footpath with the old swinging arm pumps regards Ernie. |
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| Penny Blamey |
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My Mum, (Pamela Butcher) was a School friend of Colin Dexter's sister, Averil, and remembers visiting the family home. There was a car port with a grape vine, which mum found fascinating. She often recalls the friendship, and would love to know news of Averil. |
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| John de B Pollard |
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I don't know how or when I heard this, but I belive Averil Dexter went to the Western Isles. I remember her as a 10 year-old when I was 6 or 7 and she came come up to Orchard Road to play with this rather untidy small boy. Later I inherited her scooter which, looking back, was very well engineered and rode better than my contemporaries shinier but flimsier models. Dad and Alf had what one might think an unlikely friendship. But given the formidable achievements of John and Colin at Stamford School where Dad taught their paths were destined to cross. I can still hear him saying to Mum, many times after supper in those pre-television days: "I think I'll wander down and have a yarn with Alf". I suppose they shared a good hearted approach to life, verging on the naive with their optimistic - but laudable - view of human nature. I do know that Mrs Dexter (never knew her first name of course) was not at all happy with Alf about the number of times he kind-heartedly filled up cars with petrol for drivers (on the A1 trunk road remember!) "who hadn't got enough cash with them but would send it when they got home". Mum and Mrs D. always had a good natter when they met down town. |
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| Patrick |
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I have one memory of Mr `Alf` Dexter, When I was nine years old in the 1930s I was given half-a-crown as a birthday present. My ambition was to have an electric torch. I saw one in Dexter`s shop that was 2/6. but no battery. Mr Dexter asked me `What are you looking at?`. I said i would like that torch but I have only got 2?6. He said `Give me 2/6 and I will put a battery in it for free` I was over the moon. At that time, the boys around Northfields would play a game after dark called `Jack! Jack! Shine your light!` Now I could join in. Anyone remember that game? |
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| Barbara |
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You are correct that Avril and her husband live on Barra, and have done so for over 50 years! I visit Colin and his wife, and they are aware of snippets of information on this site about the family. I put a SHS friend back in touch with Avril and they talk regularly. I'd be interested to have an email chat (private email please as opposed to forum thread) with John Pollard as Colin would like more memories, I think. Hi Barbara - I am sending you an email separately. Did you wish me to give John your email address? I am posting below a few postings that appeared on another link in case you didn't see them. Kate An Audience with Colin Dexter (an old Stamfordian and creator of Morse and Lewis) was at Stamford School Hall on Friday 16th March 2007 at 8 p.m. Was very good. Especially if you remember him and his family when they lived in Stamford.(See entry below - headed Dexter's shop22nd March 2006). Any further memories of Colin and his family welcomed. Kate March 17, 2007 @ 11:28 AM Reply | Email | Print | Top This was a tour-de-force by Colin. He spoke for about an hour and a half almost non-stop. He rivalled Peter Ustinov in his wit and style - he kept me spell-bound for the whole time. I have seen the Morse series on television, but have never read any of the books. His sense of timing and unexpected punch lines made me reconsider this. The session ended with questions from the audience and one suspected Colin could have gone on talking all night - even on these unexpected topics. I especially liked his tale of how as an "extra" in his television productions he acted roles as diverse as once a tramp and once, the Bishop of Oxford. When it came to the lunch break, Colin was about to remove his Bishop's garb, but was urged not to because of the time it would take to re robe himself on return to the film set. He therefore rather reluctantly crossed the road in a Bishop like manner (robe imposing certain limitations) to the pub opposite (aptly named The Mitre) and found he was feted and dined in a style he had never experienced before or since and asked "a window seat, your Grace?" much to his delight. The event was organised in equal style by the Rotary Club. Stewards attended taking guests to their seats, and generally seeing that the event went smoothly. Guests arriving early, (8 p.m. start) found their way to the School dining room where drinks were served - included in the ticket price. The event was organised for charity. Bookmark gave a set of Colin's books to one lucky winner of the lottery. If you get the chance to hear Colin at some future date - do not miss as he is a fascinating raconteur. If you attended the Stamford event - send in your thoughts. JohnDale McAllister April 5, 2007 @ 5:37 PM Reply | Email | Print | Top Hi Kate, I have a boxed set of 13 Morse paperbacks which I could send to you if you would like them. Kind regards,JD. Kate: Hello John. Thank you so much for your offer. I have managed to locate one or two of the books locally through acquaintenances - so the only problem now will be finding the time to read them. Somehow, in our life today (well my life -) reading doesn't come out at the top as it used to, although I do miss it. I enjoy listening to the book readings on ONE WORD on the radio. Must be getting lazy. Thanks again.K |
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| JBM |
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This photo was taken when Colin Dexter was about eight or nine, at his junior school, Bluecoat. An aunt, who had emigrated to Canada, sent him a maple leaf badge which he wore proudly on his blazer. He started at St John's Infant School when he was five in 1935 and after two years, he moved on to the nearby Bluecoat Junior School. He came top of the class at Bluecoat in pretty much everything, mainly because he thinks he worked harder than most. His parents had left school at 12, but believed a good education was essential. Colin remembers his first day at St. John's vividly. His teacher Mrs. Ireland welcomed him and told him she was going to be his FRIEND and he would be hers. He recalls her writing the word in chalk in big letters on the blackboard. You will never misspell FRIEND as it has END in it. He says he'd never noticed another word in FRIEND, and was very impressed. Was this the stirrings of his love of words and what can be found in them? At Bluecoat, Colin Dexter can recall being sent down into an underground vault when a German aircraft appeared. They were let out two at a time after the all-clear had been sounded. Then, suddenly, a Messerschmitt appeared overhead and machine-gunned the playground. Luckily no one was injured. He doesn't remember being scared, and probably thought it was an adventure, not fully understanding the implications. He recalls the Messerschmitt cut a zigzag swathe from Bluecoat across the houses to the garage, where the windows were smashed and did other damage. |
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| JBM |
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Stamford School 1st XV 1948 
Colin was as sporty as academic, and played for the school rugby team, alongside the great M.J.K. Smith, who went on to captain England at cricket and represent the nation at rugby, too. They are still friends. Colin also played cricket for the school, and at Christ's College Cambridge, was the secretary of the hockey club. He was a keen tennis player. This sporting prowess was used in a practical way. As Colin was judged the quickest in the family, he was sent for ice creams from across the road, but carrying five wasn't an easy task and he always got dribbles down his hands! |
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| Roger Partridge |
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Mrs Ireland was still at St John's 20 years later, she was my class teacher in 1955/6. Like Colin I attended St John's, Bluecoat and Stamford School, my parents also lived in Empingham Road. But I was useless at sport, didn't go to uni and didn't write any bestsellers (or "worst sellers") |
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| JBM |
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March 31st 1956 The Wedding of Norman Colin Dexter to Dorothy Cooper From left to right : the groom's father, Mr. Alfred Dexter, garage owner and taxi driver : the groom's brother, Classics master at King's School Peterborough, John Alfred Dexter : the groom, Classics master at Wyggeston Grammar School for Boys in Leicester : the bride, Dorothy Cooper, physiotherapist in Leicester : the groom's sister, bridesmaid Avril Dexter : the bride's mother Mrs. Cooper : at the back, the bride's father Mr. Cooper. Mrs. Dorothy Dexter, the groom's mother, was unable to attend the wedding because of family business commitments Colin Dexter, his sister Avril Butterfield, and wife Dorothy Dexter. Taken between 2009 and 2012  |
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| JBM |
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Colin Dexter recalls that Dr. de Bruyn was ferried about on a Friday in the Deeping area by his dad Alf Dexter in his taxi. Presumably the good doctor had no mechanical transport to take him to the outlying areas. He agrees that he did borrow this name for his pathologist, Max de Bryn, although the spelling seems to have altered over the years. James Bradshaw who plays the young Max de Bryn in Endeavour, has introduced himself to Colin. Colin was surprised to learn the actor's father Colin Bradshaw started his education at St. John's. Another Stamford coincidental connection! |
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| JBM |
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Canon Day took some pupils in his car to a cricket match. On the return journey the boys were eating fish & chips out of a newspaper. One of the boys, namely Colin Dexter, finished his favourite meal and tossed the paper nonchalantly out of the window. The vehicle slowly drew to a halt, then was put in reverse, and stopped by the litter. Nothing was said but a sheepish Colin got out, retrieved the paper in silence, and off they went on their journey. Canon Day never said anything then nor when back at school. It had a salutary effect because Colin said he learned his lesson and has never discarded litter this way again. This was not a normal reaction by the Gaffer, who on one occasion for some long-forgotten possible misdemeanour, did beat Colin. |
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