I remember that!
The Dorking Blog has been running now for 2 years. We have covered many different issues relating to to the town and have built up a steady flow of contributors and readers. It was always intended as a place to share views and interact with other like minded people who are interested in and have something to say about the town.Since starting this site I have learned so much about the town and often am amazed at the accuracy of the news provided by visitors, sometimes even before it becomes mainstream.
A few people who used to live here have also made comments, one person, who is now living in Canada but enjoys reading the blog to see what is happening in a place they once lived.
Below is the latest contribution which came through the other day under the Peirson shopfront photo. It is interesting and gives us a glimpse from the past:-
"I was born in Dorking but left in early fifties. On the way to school in the 40s I used to pass Boots, WH Smith and Piersons Irongmongers on the brow of the high street hill more of less opposite where the high pavement starts. Also Alan Clear a radio shop where people without electricity could have glass 'accumulators?' recharged in order to receive radio broadcasts.
I think the Wheatsheaf pub came next - probably closed now..
In 1953 (Coronation Year) I entered a shopkeepers' competition where one had to look in the window displays of all the shops for the clues. Piersons' question was 'how mny separate parts are there in this "new" Hoover Steam Iron?" I guessed the correct number (88) but had to share the £5 price with one other winner. It was exciting to go to Piersons' (which was on two floors) and choose several items for my mum and family to the value of 2.10.0d (£2.50!). 54 years later I still have some of the stuff."
If you have the time please read some of the archive which goes back to August 2005 (Links to each month are on the right hand side). If you do post a comment I am notified so maybe can bring it to everyone elses attention, even if it was from something that we were talking about ages ago.
posted by The Cockerel @ 11:14 PM
3 Comments:
Well done for carrying on the blog for two years. It has been informative and fun to read and I have enjoyed reading the comments from your other contributors as well.
Noticed late last night that the Cornish Pasty shop on the High Street shut its doors yesterday evening (Friday October 5) for the last time. This has been on the cards for quite sometime. It is a real shame as their pasties, sausage rolls were always top notch. The staff were really friendly and often when I walked by around lunchtime, they were always do a roaring trade. This unit has been 'under offer' for quite sometime and nobody knows what intends to move into this unit. Hopefully, it won't be another mundane sandwich shop in the mould of Greggs, Couglans, Munch etc. I will miss the Cornish Pasty eaterie a great deal, as they were very good value for money.
Anyway, has anyone noticed that the Subway has now become a major 'hangout' for the thugs of Dorking? The other evening, there were six young moped morons revving their engines before they decided to race around the High Street circuit numerous times. This was all in full view of the police car opposite. Their friends were outside the Subway cheering and egging them on to pull wheelies and ignore every traffic reguation in the book. The police woman did not what to do and promptly drove off. So much for tackling, anti-social behaviour!
On that note and one more final whinge before I go, is the alcohol ban still in place in the town centre?? Last night, there was bottles strewn outside the White Horse on the High Street and numerous pools of vomit. Bottles of WKD, Diamond White, Cider etc. were scattered everywhere. Me thinks, that they must have been underage and are obviously becoming more blatant, drinking in full view of the CCTV cameras. At one time, these kids would drink and hide down at the Meadowbank, The Nower etc. Not anymore, as I guess the long arm of the law does not scare these anti-social, underage thugs.
I also want to reiterate that it is only a minority of kids in this town who continue to turn Dorking into a throughly unpleasant place to socialise in. There are also quite a few adults, who still cannot hold their drink, by getting very aggressive and end their night by getting involved in a fight by screaming abuse etc. Look what happened to the Old House At Home recently, as it lost its late licence. So much for people being more sensible with the staggered closing times.
Also noticed that town centre management are deeply unhappy with the opening of Bikehut according to the Dorking Advertiser. Halfords have decided to open their specialist bike shop much to the disgust of Sandra Grant. Apparently, the bicycle division is the only profitable section in Halfords and they plan to open four or five Bikehut's before the end of 2007.
DORKING Dan
Congratulations on keeping the blog updated on a regualr basis. I really enjoy reading the news and views from Dorking. Shame the cornish pasty shop closed last week. I guess it probably could not compete against the competition or maybe, it was another case of a greedy landlord forcing out a perfectly good tenant.
Dorking has always suffered from a great deal of anti-social behaviour. The kids are no worse than other decade. The problem is that they have far too much money, no respect and their parents don't give a toss if they are drunk, drive in an anti-social way or act like a complete thug. The police should not have to act as social workers as well!!
Ventured down South Street and noticed that Mostly Bathrooms and the Plumbing Shop have tastefully painted their premises in a sky blue colour. It is almost opposite the former Pizza Piazza building which still lies regretfully in a disgraceful state. Also the new development at the bottom of South Street where it meets Vincent Lane and Coldharbour Lane, is definitely taking shape. Michael Shanly Homes are the developers and have done a very nice job. Shame, the people who buy these flats will have to deal with the horrific traffic noise, congestion and the pollution!
Lots of thugs who loved in Goodwyns have moved to Deepdene Place. They terrorise that area of town and the police won't go near them. Half of them have been expelled from the Ashcombe school
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