RootsChat.Com
England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Hertfordshire => Topic started by: FamilyBDTC on Friday 03 October 08 17:26 BST (UK)
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Hi,
Having realised that I had posted this on the wrong board(Herefordshire) I have found the right county this time!
Anyway, I am looking for any information on a sweet shop that was owned by a relation of my mum's aunt. They ran a sweet shop in Abbotts Langley which she thinks was called the 'Bon-Bon'. I think, from looking at dates, it would have been in the 1950's to the 1970's.
Any information on the shop would be greatly appreciated.
Mel
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I lived in Abbots Langley briefly in 1949 and moved to Watford around 1950/51, I was at Abbots Langley Secondary Modern school for a few years until around 1953 and can vaguely remember a sweetshop there but am not sure. I am in contact with a friend here in NZ who was at the same school and her memory may well be better than mine..........stay tuned.
Alan NZ
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Thanks Alan,
I shall watch this space for news of the 'Bon-bon'
Mel
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Here is the response.
"I seem to remember a shop owned by a Mrs Glennister (spelling), I think it may have been opposite Trowley Crescent, the entrance to Trowley crescent nearest the Chemist Shop. Not sure where the other end of Trowley Crescent came out. I think that on the corner of Trowley Rise was the Hardware Shop. I do seem to remember a small shop opposite the Primary School, that may have been a sweet shop.
Do you remember the Fish & Chip Shop run by Ted Dowse? "
Needless to say I recall none of that! :-[
Alan NZ
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Hi Alan,
Thanks for the reply, My relations were called Mr & Mrs Lyons so I don't think that was the shop mentioned in your message.
Your help is greatly appreciated on this one.
Thanks
Mel
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There were some shops near where I was living 1966-1975, they were at the end of College Road, at the junction with Tibbs Hill Rd, not sure if the second one (nearer to Tibbs Hill) might have been The Bon Bon.
Other than that, I do sort of recall a sweet shop on the high street but only vaguely (what kind of child was I that I was not interested enough in sweets? Probably too busy exploring the fun of tobacco ::) :-X )
I am not sure, but my Step-mother's husband (eek!) may know. He lived there for many years. I will ask if you like.
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that would be great mind if you don't mind asking.
Mel
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I'll have a go, but they aren't in this century, so will probably have to be snail mail!
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Why not try the Abbots Langley History Society ?
http://www.allhs.btinternet.co.uk/
Grundy
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Thanks for that Grundy, I have a look!
MrsB
I have sent them a email to see if they can help me!
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"BINGO"
another ex Abbots Langleyite has contacted me and here is a quote from her message.
"
The Bon Bon was located next door to Dobson's Barber's Shop (where I also had my hair cut until the old man's son (Fred) set up shop upstairs as a "ladies hair salon"!). Dobson's which is now an antique shop (or was when I was back there several years ag) is on the corner of the Crescent and the High Street at the end of a row of shops that starts up by the King's Head.
The other side of the Bon Bon was Dorets - a "haber dasher" shop that sold women's underwear, other "unmentionables", yarn (wool) thread (cotton), etc. Above Dorets was the Chemist's shop (later taken over by Boots) which had wonderul very large glass containers in the window filled with brightly colored liquids, which was fascinating to a small child.
The Bon Bon was bought by Mr and Mrs Lyons sometime around the end of the war, but when sweet rationing was still in place. I can remember spending, what seemed like hours, pondering what selection I could make when it was my turn to choose the family's sweets allowance. They also sold toys and had a display of Dinkie Toys to the right when you entered the store. The sweets display was to the left as you walked in. Another sweet shop in the village was Miss Glennisters on the other side of the road next to the Bricklayers Arms. Right at the top of the High Street - past the church was another little, ancient sweet shop - it was near to a butcher's shop and Miss Busbie's Untertaker's business. Do you remember Pauline Hicks? She lived in one of the terraced houses up there alongside the Harris's who ran the taxi service."
Regards
Alan
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That's great news. Well done.
I won't make a huge point of asking Ron now!
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"ron" may well be able to add something and could even be interested in the above reminiscences
Alan NZ
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Wow!
Than"BINGO"
another ex Abbots Langleyite has contacted me and here is a quote from her message.
"
The Bon Bon was located next door to Dobson's Barber's Shop (where I also had my hair cut until the old man's son (Fred) set up shop upstairs as a "ladies hair salon"!). Dobson's which is now an antique shop (or was when I was back there several years ag) is on the corner of the Crescent and the High Street at the end of a row of shops that starts up by the King's Head.
The other side of the Bon Bon was Dorets - a "haber dasher" shop that sold women's underwear, other "unmentionables", yarn (wool) thread (cotton), etc. Above Dorets was the Chemist's shop (later taken over by Boots) which had wonderul very large glass containers in the window filled with brightly colored liquids, which was fascinating to a small child.
The Bon Bon was bought by Mr and Mrs Lyons sometime around the end of the war, but when sweet rationing was still in place. I can remember spending, what seemed like hours, pondering what selection I could make when it was my turn to choose the family's sweets allowance. They also sold toys and had a display of Dinkie Toys to the right when you entered the store. The sweets display was to the left as you walked in. Another sweet shop in the village was Miss Glennisters on the other side of the road next to the Bricklayers Arms. Right at the top of the High Street - past the church was another little, ancient sweet shop - it was near to a butcher's shop and Miss Busbie's Untertaker's business. Do you remember Pauline Hicks? She lived in one of the terraced houses up there alongside the Harris's who ran the taxi service."
Regards
Alan
Wow!! Thanks for all your help on this one! Alan you have done a brilliant job and I can't wait to share this information with my mum. I'm hoping now, through contacting the Abbots Langley History Society that I may eventually track down a photo of the shop. If not I'll be having a day out to visit Abbots Langley for myself.
With greatful thanks to all the brilliant 'rootschatters' who helped on this one!
Mrs B (Mel)
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I go to Abotts regularly, in fact i'm going tomorrow and would be happy to take some photo's if you'd like. I think i know where you are talking about, if so the antiques shop is now more of a gift type of shop and the shop across the road is a budgens supermarket!!
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Hi
Any photos would be greatly received thanks!! I haven't heard from the history society and haven't had chance to travel down to Abbots Langley yet.
Thanks
;D
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I'd certainly be interested in some pics, especially of the hill under the railway bridge, I trudged up there many a day after school before we moved to Watford and I could get the bus.
Alan NZ
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I'll see what i can do! The weather isn't the greatest today but i only live ten minutes away so if not i'll try get some soon!
Oh i don't envy you percy porter walking up that hill everyday!
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Hello there!
I'm affraid i didn't manage to get any photo's for you today. The weather was really bad and foggy, but i will try to get some for you when the weather is better!
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Hi. I was born in Abbots Langley (Marlin Sq) and also lived in Abbots Road for some about 15 years.There were three sweet shops in Abbots Langley High street. At the top of the High Street opposite the C of E junior school and war memorial was a half timbered sweet shop which we used a lot . The second was Mrs Genister's next to the Bricklayer's Arms. The Glenister family had a big house in Marlin Sq opposite the Police Houses. Later on Dazeleys the newsagent also sold sweets. They were a few houses to the right of Glenister's shop.
The Bob Bon was a toy and sweet shop on the corner of The Cresent ( Trowley rise and Trowley bottom are a long way away). It was run by the Dobson family. Fred ( who eventually ran an antique shop next door) and Kitty his wife were involved. Dennis , Fred's brother, ran the hairdressing salon, They made lots of changes. Fred's dad started the gents salon on the ground floor. He have me pudding basin haircuts and had an unfortunate mouth problem earning him the affectionate name of "slobberer". The ladies salon was at first floor level.
As a boy I delivered news papers for Dazeleys and became an errand boy for greengrocer Eric Curtis in Langley Road
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Hello all!
I popped into Abotts Langley today and remembered my camera! I'm still not 100% sure if i'm thinking of the correct shop so i only took a couple of photos of that. If it's the right one and you want some more i'd be happy to help you out with that.
Percy Porter again i'm not sure if they photo's are of the same tunnel under the railway bridge, but i couldn't think of anymore! I'd be happy to take any photos of Abotts langley if you need anymore! It gets me out of the house and i enjoy going to Abbots Langley!
The first Photo is what i belive is the shop and the second is standing outside the shop looking down the high street. The third is standing at the other end looking down the high street!
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These are the photos of the railway bridge and one of the pub next to it!
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Contd
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Wow,
Can I just say a huge thanks for posting the pictures, its really nice to see where my ancestors lived and worked. My mum will be thrilled when I show her them.
Thank you for taking the time and trouble of visiting Abbots Langley, and hopefully one day I will visit myself.
Kind regards and best wishes
Mel
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Hi!
I'm glad i could help! After all the help i've received it's nice to help others!
I also have pictures of the church. If you'd like to see them i'll happily put them up!!
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I'd like to add my thanks as well. I pushed my bike under that bridge on my way home from school on many occasions, however it doesn't look anywere near as steep as I remember it. Quite a few vehicles got stuck under it too on occasions.
I have got a couple of shots myself of the church when I was over about 5-6 years ago but as I was reliant on transport from someone else did not have a lot of time to spare. I did manage to get up to Langleybury school though and had a quick look around.
Alan NZ
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Hi!
Don't worry the hill is still as steep as you remember!! I had to use 1st gear all the way back up!!
The church is lovely it's a shame you didn't get time to stay long! I nearly went to Langleybury, but they announced Francis Combe were taking over and my dad said no way! Not sure if you know, but the school closed a few years ago!
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Yes, I was aware that it had closed, I was one of the first students there when it opened in 1949. I have fond memories of the school but not of a couple of the teachers, when I visited some contractors were busy putting paint on all the lovely carved oak paneling, they should have been shot!!!
Alan NZ
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It's such a shame it was a lovely school. I was loking forward to going there, but glad i didn't in the end! I can't believe they were painting the Oak! All these D-I-Y programs paint everything and everyone seems to think it's a good idea!
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They were using the house as a set for a BBC detective program based in the 20s' I believe, the last I heard it was being converted in to private flats. There is quite a bit of information about it's early days here.
http://www.allhs.btinternet.co.uk/Journal_articles/Living_at_Langleybury_House_Issue_14.html
this was after my time though :)
Alan NZ
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What a great site thanks for that!
Yes it seems everwhere is Watford is being turned into new flats! In fact if you go down the hill i took the photos of today and turn right there are some new flats there too! From what i hear they are having trouble selling them though not suprisingly!
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I note you have an interest in Seabrook, do they extend to NZ?
I worked for a John Seabrook for a while in 67 when we came here, he was an ex WWII fighter pilot.
Alan NZ
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My great grandmother Lilian Seabrook had 11 brothers and sisters so i wouldn't be surprised if some went over! Two of my great aunts, Lilian's daughters, went over to New Zealand but they were not Seabrooks!
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"BINGO"
another ex Abbots Langleyite has contacted me and here is a quote from her message.
"
The Bon Bon was located next door to Dobson's Barber's Shop (where I also had my hair cut until the old man's son (Fred) set up shop upstairs as a "ladies hair salon"!). Dobson's which is now an antique shop (or was when I was back there several years ag) is on the corner of the Crescent and the High Street at the end of a row of shops that starts up by the King's Head.
The other side of the Bon Bon was Dorets - a "haber dasher" shop that sold women's underwear, other "unmentionables", yarn (wool) thread (cotton), etc. Above Dorets was the Chemist's shop (later taken over by Boots) which had wonderul very large glass containers in the window filled with brightly colored liquids, which was fascinating to a small child.
The Bon Bon was bought by Mr and Mrs Lyons sometime around the end of the war, but when sweet rationing was still in place. I can remember spending, what seemed like hours, pondering what selection I could make when it was my turn to choose the family's sweets allowance. They also sold toys and had a display of Dinkie Toys to the right when you entered the store. The sweets display was to the left as you walked in. Another sweet shop in the village was Miss Glennisters on the other side of the road next to the Bricklayers Arms. Right at the top of the High Street - past the church was another little, ancient sweet shop - it was near to a butcher's shop and Miss Busbie's Untertaker's business. Do you remember Pauline Hicks? She lived in one of the terraced houses up there alongside the Harris's who ran the taxi service."
Regards
Alan
Hello! I was very interested to read all the comments about the bon bon as I grew up in Abbots Langley. The Pauline Hicks mentioned in one of the comments is in fact my mum, and she is still friendly with the Harris family.Mum is still living in Abbots Langley and along with her pals could probably tell you quite a bit.
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Hi Deb and welcome to Roots Chat, I spent only a short time actually living at Abbots Langley but was at Langleybury School around 1949-1954 and would be interested in knowing if your family have any connection that school
Regards
Alan NZ
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Hello Alan
Nice to speak to you. My mum went to Langleybury school many years ago. I'd have to speak to her to find out exactly when.
I went to the Francis Combe school so I personally don't have any connection with Langleybury.
I'll talk to her and get back to you as soon as I can.
Regards, Deb
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I spoke to my mum and she reckons that she went to Langleybury when it first opened, 1955 which is a bit later than you were saying. Anyway, she was only there for a year as she went on to the tech. ( Watford Technical High School) Her friend Betty Harris stayed at Langleybury until she left school. Mum said that there was no Alan in her class but she remembers one of the older boys had that name. As you know, the school has closed down now, but there have been a couple of re-unions since. One of my husbands friends went to Langleybury 1969 - 1974 and the school was nick named the prison on the hill. Sounds lovely! ;D Other than that, I don't really have any connection with Langleybury. My big link is with Abbots Langley itself, and of course, the fact that mum is still living there.
Are you still in touch with the person who was asking after mum and the Harris family? You have got them intrigued!!
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Deb, have sent you a pm. (Personal Message)
Alan NZ
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Hello,
UI am new to this board and was attracted to this thread becasue of the enquiry about a village where I was bought up!
The photos shown are not where The Bon Bon was located. The first photo showing two shops has a lady wearing Red, the bit sticking out behind her was the shop know as Bon Bon.
I was born in 1960 and it was still going then and for some years later as I can remember it!!
We lived in The Crescent
Hope that helps.
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Hi lyzzydee!
Thank you for pointing out the correct shop! When i'm down there next i'll see If I can get a better picture of the shop! I can't for the life of me think what that shop is now, I rarely go down that end of the village!
Daniel
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Not been there for a while either so I'm not sure !! just remember that it was my local sweetie shop!
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Well I drove past today and had a look and it's now a funeral directors!
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I hope FamilyBDTC you are able to see this. I know you posted a while ago. My Grandad was Dennis Dobson, him and his brother Fred Dobson took over the Antique shop, Gent's barbers, and the Bon-Bon shop from their father Arthur Dobson. I believe that My Grandad's Mum or her Mum was originally a 'Lyons' I am sure I remember my Grandad mentioning that.
Fred, and their other brother Archie both passed away some years ago.
Dennis, my Grandad passed away in early April of this year at the grand old age of 93. That's how I found this thread, looking up any mentions of him on the internet.
If you are at all interested, there is this post about him in My Abbots News, which says about him working as a barber and having the bon-bon shop passed down. It is on page 14, titled: 'Paying tribute to a local legend' I think you should be able to copy it into your browser.
http://www.calameo.com/read/00196778126ee99e4f10d
All the best.