It was that time of year once again as the hot summer starts to fade into Autumn our AGM had arrived. The business side of the evening was shared with those members who attended.
We then enjoyed the evening with our member Peter Dawson who put on a marvellous display of photos and information about the shops that were once in Martham. It was fascinating to look at these old photos and of the goods they sold, the butchers whose meat was proudly displayed hanging outside the shop. We even had an early supermarket which had been fitted with fridges and freezers, the folk of Martham must have been slightly bewildered but thrilled as they were able to browse through all manner of items for sale. There was a bicycle shop where repairs were carried out, shoemakers, sweet shop and Kirkland’s, this shop is now Whittaker’s Carpets shop in White Street. This business was established in 1865 the types of items sold were ladies, gents and children’s clothing, shoes, boots and soft furnishing’s. Deliveries were carried to the villages around Martham and was very successful finally closing in 1970. It seemed that most of the buildings around the green were at some point in time shops. It was so interesting talking to members who have lived in Martham for many years reminiscing about the shops which were being displayed and for those who have not been in Martham for so long working out where these premises were and how the landscape of the village looks today.
On behalf of the committee I would like to thank Peter for all his work in putting on such an interesting display of our village and the shops that supported the residents in their every day lives during the 19th century. My thanks also to the committee for their support throughout the year and of course to our members who support our events and which I hope will continue to do so as we reach out to 2027.