The Shop
 

I joined the Business in 1969, just after my 21st Birthday, having trained at Bentalls of Kingston, Harvey's of Guildford and a small men's wear shop in Farnham.

My cousin Paul joined in 1970 from Harrods, Scotch Wool House and Monty Berman Costumiers.

My grandmother continued to live at Ayling House and my uncle lived in the converted coach house no 14 which was in the same grounds.

My father had a house built at the top of Ayling Hill opposite the Church of the Ascension. As my uncle's family grew bigger he and my grandmother exchanged houses, but my uncle left Ayling House in 1966 and as there was no one in the family at that time comtemplating marriage Ayling House passed out of the family.

Eunice continued to live in no 14 Ayling Lane otherwise known as The Old House until her death in 1983.

In 1984 I bought the House where I still live with my family.

 
In 1955 all the land behind Ayling House had been served with a compulsory purchase order as it was no longer being used as a farm. The family managed to sell it privately otherwise it would have become a huge council estate.

The last plot of land to be sold in Ayling Lane was in 1985 where two large houses have now been built. Ayling Court.

The 70's and 80's saw all four of us in the shop with between four and five full time men with us.

Fashion took off during those days and Paul and I would be sent off to London to bring back the latest lines.The strangest I can ever remember were Loon Pants with 26/30" bottoms with no pockets.They were made from anything --- butchers striped cloth, satin anything went.

In those days once a craze started it lasted, unlike today. There was the Mod look , a Crombie look alike coat, Pork pie hat, Levi stay press ,and either a Brutus or Ben Sherman shirt.Word would get around the schools that a new supply was in and we had hardly any time to open the boxes before they were sold. THOSE WERE THE DAYS. 2000 and Ben Sherman shirts are back in fashion!

My uncle Fred retired in 1986 having nearly completed 50 years. He still calls into the shop some Thursdays on his way to the market to buy cheese. He is now 80 years old the first male in the family to well and truly pass 60 .

My father retired in 1990 on his 65th birthday See separate display in Museum.

We had a 70year celebration in 1993 when all four of us got together - see photograph.

 

  
 
  75 Years in Aldershot