#098

The town centre end of Ley Street has had a commercial strip for over a century. As if signalling the start of the parade, Pithers bakery stood on the corner with Hainault Street from the 1960s making way in the late 70s for Hainault Roofing which is seen in this episode. Also featured is veteran pharmicist H.L. Wade which traded beside the bus stop for over 70 years. With thanks to Ilford Historical Society for background information on Park Cottages and the chemist.

[@rajnirvan3336]

Magical memories

[@IlfordRetro]

will never fade.

[@peterb514]

The son of the baker, Gary Pithers was in my class at junior school! My first memory of the area was being in the car and looking at the redundant trolley bus poles and wires… they went along Ley Street and terminated at the Fulwell Cross end of Barkingside High Street next to a small wood which is now occupied by the library and swimming pool.

[@IlfordRetro]

I can just imagine the scene. It must have been fascinating as a youngster to see all that, and later realise you were witnessing change. I've not come across any photos of that little wood by the roundabout, they really would be nostalgic.

[@SsickMusic]

great content 👍🏽

[@IlfordRetro]

Thank you!

[@thebohemian.]

It’s Mr Goldie (Gilbey’s of Wood Green) again!😊

[@IlfordRetro]

He's probably the most mentioned person who's never been the focus of an actual episode!

[@alangiles2763]

I used to work at M & S Shipping at 98/100 Ley Street (long gone - since 1979 I think) and I used to get rolls every day from Pithers - and very tasty they were. Totally different to the Pollyfilla Greggs sell today.

[@IlfordRetro]

Lovely to still remember the rolls from Pithers. Good food doesn't get forgotten. "Pollyfilla" made me laugh out loud! 😂

[@davidpope4138]

It’s a pity the 169 bus is blocking the view of Adelaide Road.
As I can’t see if Newlite windows was on the far corner and Shaun the Barber on this corner.
It looks awful now!!

[@IlfordRetro]

Newlite Windows rings a bell..... Yes a shame that things get obscured but at least we have 'something' on record of that little stretch. Sounds like there's been a barber on that corner for quite some time.

[@jeffreykenny988]

If it wasn't for the bus spotters of yesteryear, we wouldn't have a lot of these photos.

[@IlfordRetro]

@@jeffreykenny988 Very true.

[@awsanteina5152]

Ilford looked so much colourful and vibrant back then; it's now just bland and dull. A sign of the times

[@IlfordRetro]

I do feel the shabby nature and poor upkeep of the Victorian stock gives the place a downtrodden feel. Some care from landlords about our rich heritage buildings wouldn't go amiss.

[@clint6394]

What an ugly sight it is now!

[@IlfordRetro]

It does look rather shabby unfortunately