Fordham had an abundance of shops and even its own nurse

Nowadays it seems quite remarkable to think that the village of Fordham provided so many services and facilities for five decades or more during the 20th century.

Church Street in Fordham showing The Crown pub. (Image: JOHN PRYKE)

There were at least 12 shops in the village that sold groceries and confectionery. Some would also stock other household goods and other drapery items.

In addition there were three bakers, three butchers, four shoe repair shops, four garages, three coal merchants, 10 public houses, a church and three chapels.

There was also a doctors surgery, and the village had its own nurse and, of course, a policeman.

Local people also had access to their own post office, a wheelwright, a saddle and harness maker and even a piano tuner, watchmaker and betting shop. The list is endless.

This photo shows the first public telephone in Fordham. (Image: John Pryke)

In addition to all of this, there were various mobile fruit, vegetable, grocery, butchers and bakers vans that delivered food and other items straight to people's door.

Of course, in those days most people shopped locally. There was no such thing as superstores or retail parks. Public transport to nearby towns was also limited.

I recall one butchers van being driven by a lovely man who was appropriately named Arthur Bacon.

The Corona Lorry from Cambridge was also a regular visitor to the village and it with my favourite Dandelion and Burdock drink on board.

Some residents also operated a small business from home. All made a living and served the community well.

In the early days shops closed at 6pm at the very latest and Thursdays was ‘half day closing’ when all shops closed at lunchtime. All shops were also closed on Sundays.

Those were the days.

Do you have any old photos or memorabilia you would like to share with the Ely Standard? Send to: debbie.davies@archant.co.uk.