THIS week, we’ve been preparing photographs from the collection to illustrate the High Street in the 1950s.

Some readers may remember our exhibition from four years ago when we invited local people to take a stroll along the 1950s High Street recreated through a series of images in the Guildhall.

Some of these have been shared online and we’ve heard from a number of local people, recalling their memories of the various shops from that time, many of which were household names.

One lady commented that a family favourite was the grocers shop, Shuter and Flays: “My mother-in-law used to shop there. Customers could sit on a high stool while the shop assistant collected your order from all parts of the shop. Then it would be parcelled up for the customer or even delivered free of charge.”

Another long-term stalwart of Worcester’s High Street was Bobby’s department store, on the site of the former Debenhams building, which many people had fond memories of, including the toy department: “It was a great shop. Bought a Dalek and Thunderbird 3 in there, c1966”.

The High Street was also the place to go for a variety of fashion and shoe shops including Freeman Hardy Willis, True Form and Werffs of Bond Street.

As one person recalled: “We used to call it Freeman Hardy and Cardboard. Still couldn’t wait to rush in on a Friday and spend pay!”

Another remembered fondly buying a double circular skirted sun dress from Werff’s.

There was entertainment to be had alongside a cream cake at the Cadena, where a string orchestra played, often accompanied by singers.

At the other end of the street was Spark’s Music Shop where as several people have recalled “I spent Saturdays in Spark’s listening to the latest records in the tiny booths at the back of the shop.”

Thankyou to everyone who has shared their memories – we’re always delighted to hear them.

If you’d like to view these photographs or even add your own, they are now available at kypworcester.org.uk.

You can now also create your own personal, private life story via the new NHS-hosted Life Stories platform https://life-stories.hacw.nhs.uk/

Worcester Life Stories is a collaborative project bringing local people together through shared stories of the City of Worcester. It is co-led by Dr Natasha Lord, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust and Sheena Payne-Lunn, Worcester City Council and funded thanks to National Lottery players.

For further information or to share your stories, visit worcesterlifestories.org.uk, our Facebook page or Twitter @worlifestories.

You can also email worcesterlifestories@gmail.com or call 01905 721133.

And why not visit the We grew up in Worcester page on Facebook?