Daddy's Shop

Here is my first home — mum and dad's shop in Argyle Street, Bognor Regis. That's little me in the pushchair, probably being propelled by my cousin Margaret.

Within a couple of years, mum and dad had sold up and moved to Newquay, and a further 52 years were destined to pass before I returned to Bognor Regis.  By then, the shop had become an Indian Restaurant, and very good it was too.  When I showed them this photo and told them the story, they gave me a free aperitif with my meal.  Lovely folk!

It didn't take me long to decide that St Petrock must include a model of dad's shop, with his name proudly displayed over the front door. I've changed the proportions of the building slightly, to fit the available space but, despite my questionable modelling skills, it is, I hope, easily recognisable. To dispel any lingering ignorance when folk visit the layout, a print of the original photo hangs on the wall above it.

I will eventually get round to bedding down the building properly, to get rid of that 'orrible black line at pavement level. One of next door's chimneys needs attention too, I see. It, by the way, together with the rest of its building, belongs to that august firm of St Petrock solicitors, Messrs Swindle & Cheatem. Personally, I prefer to spend my time in the Cornish Arms, across the road. With beer at one shilling a pint, who wouldn't?