Does anyone remember the wallpaper shop Blaskeys , my Mum used to work for them in the 1950's

Does anyone remember the wallpaper shop Blaskeys , my Mum used to work for them in the 1950's
I remember Blaskey's on Attercliffe. We used to go there for all our wallpaper. I especially remember the time I got my 'Hollie hobby' wallpaper for my bedroom. It looked beautiful. My mum had had to save for ages to get it for me and I loved it!

My sister worked there in the late 70s early 80s.

I think that there was also a Blaskeys on London Rd, at the side of the Heeley Coliseum.

my auntie used to work in the one that was near the old ABC, then she moved to the one under the hole in the road.I can remember getting a rabbit to hang on my wall that was made up of lots of melted pieces of plastic from there, must have been about 1975 ish

and I think there was one on Middlewood Road, Hillsborough opposite Woolworths

Who remembers Hedleys sweet shop at bottom of Dykes Hall Road Hillsborough in the 60/70's. They had a laser beam in the doorway at knee height which activated a buzzer when you walked in to alert them they had a customer! - very high tech forthe 60's

Used to be one on Spital Hill, left hand side going up.

Blaskeys had a shop on Duke St in 1936 Long time ago

Does anyone remember the wallpaper shop Blaskeys , my Mum used to work for them in the 1950's

I was working in the house of a Jewish lady over here in Canada.
We got to talking and when she heard I was from Sheffield ,she said" My son / daughter (I cannot remember which) married one of the Blaskey children"

Definately one in Hillsborough.
Anyone know what happened to them?

Many long years ago I worked for the National Coal Board. The office was in a large house on Snaithing Lane. We passed the house that the Blaskey's lived in to get to the office, one year about the middle of October the Blaskey's placed a rectangle of used railway sleepers on the back patio and subsequently threw into the middle of it other stuff to burn on the 5th. November, we could not beleive our eyes as it was very close to the french doors. As you can imagine when we went to the office on the 6th. November the back of the house had been on fire and the fire brigade had been in attendance.

Cynthia.

There is still a Blaskeys on Stanniforth road, Darnall.

Does anyone remember the wallpaper shop Blaskeys , my Mum used to work for them in the 1950's It must be one of the oldest firms in sheffield and must have made their pile a very long time ago because my brother had a part time job as a chauffeur in the 30 ties driving Ben Blaskey in a very large limo; with a figure that was luminous at night fixed on the bonnet,he must have lived to a good age , he managed the shop in fitzalan sq till about 1950 Ibelieve Cheers Arthur.

There was a Blaskeys on London Road, opposite the end of Alderson Road. Spent many a happy hour trimming the end of the rolls of wallpaper my mother bought from that shop.

Sheffield was known as the wallpaper center of the World at one time. Just joking.

There was a Blaskeys on London Road, opposite the end of Alderson Road. Spent many a happy hour trimming the end of the rolls of wallpaper my mother bought from that shop.



I remember Blaskey's in the Thirties,THE shop for wallpaper. Do you remember
the cut price shop on London rd Highfields. Probably the first cut price shop
in Sheffield selling groceries.

I remember Blaskey's in the Thirties,THE shop for wallpaper. Do you remember
the cut price shop on London rd Highfields. Probably the first cut price shop
in Sheffield selling groceries.Yes i remember that shop so well not much room inside ,dad insisted all shopping was to be done there.

My mother knew the Blaskey family. I believe one of their son's was lost in the war, he was a fighter pilot.

Maybe someone could tell us more about this old respected Sheffield family.


Happy Days

I remember about Blaskeys. My sister used to work for them at the house She did cleaning and ironing also. I was only young but I remember she said they worked her very hard and paid very little.

I remember Blaskey's on Attercliffe. We used to go there for all our wallpaper. I especially remember the time I got my 'Hollie hobby' wallpaper for my bedroom. It looked beautiful. My mum had had to save for ages to get it for me and I loved it!

My uncle worked at this branch in the fifties, I'm not sure if he was the manager, his name was Jim Price

My late mum and late aunt used to go to Blaskeys in Rotherham in the 40's and 50's as I recall.

I was born in 1941, and of course was too young to go wallpaper buying with em, so I can't recall where the Rotherham shop was sited.

I also have a memory of them travelling to Banners on Attercliffe, and I think they would go into Blaskeys there, as well as Banners.

It made a "girls" afternoon out, away from the children, I reckon.

I'm not trying to change the topic at all, but I also remember as a very young child being taken to Davy's Cafe in All Saint's Square in Rotherham, wicker chairs/tables etc). My mum and aunt used it on occasions when out shopping in my early days (when finances allowed.....which was not often in those days).

The Blaskeys lived on Millhouses Lane in the 60s. A large bungalow with tennis courts & a lake at the rear.I worked there for quite a while decorating it through for a company called Stan Collins. Mrs. Blaskey was a tyrant to work for unless she had confidence in you. Tradesmen only, or you went through the door! She originaly came from a large decorating company in Bradford,so she knew exactly what the 'score' was.
Blaskey's offices were at Highfields corner [now a restaurant] & i have fond memories of the arguments Lionel & his brothers had in the boardroom there, but they were always resolved before they left the premises!

There was a wallpaper shop on Norfolk Street called Blaskeys,where the Crucible is now.

My late mother worked at Blaskeys until the hole in the road got filled in, she really missed the place when she stopped working. She loved the place and the girls who worked there. It was also called Fads, and Decor 8.

There was a wallpaper shop on Norfolk Street called Blaskeys,where the Crucible is now.
I worked at Blaskeys (top of Water Lane)about 1953 while the big High St shop was being build, then moved to new shop. Norfolk Street wallpaper shop was owned by Gordon Gee and was Gee's Decorators Merchants which was also a trade shop,at the back of the wholesale dept was the old blacksmiths. I worked there after I left Blaskeys.

There is still a Blaskeys on Stanniforth road, Darnall.
Think this one is now closed, remember it well though, my mum used to go
in there

I remember the Blaskey's in the hole in road. Wednesday were having one of their bad spells and Save our Owl stickers were everywhere. We went York and they had to win to stay up, they lost 2-0, but not before the big plastic guide dog (outside Blaskey's) and it's bowl of water and the whole shop window had been plastered with save our Owls stickers.

i remember the hole in the road branch.when i was around 13 carrying a huge tin of burnt orange paint for my gran and we called at the little news agents that was attached to presto near the gallery towards pond street and i dropped the paint !!!!!!! i just grabbed lots of star newspapers and put it on top of the paint that was everywhere....every one in the queue had orange shoes (it was a saturday afternoon and a long queue!!) and we were all sliding in it ! my gran was furious, so was the shop assistants as id helped myself to the newspapers trying to stop it getting everywhere .......and the people wilth orange shoes.....well .......:o :(

i remember the hole in the road branch.when i was around 13 carrying a huge tin of burnt orange paint for my gran and we called at the little news agents that was attached to presto near the gallery towards pond street and i dropped the paint !!!!!!! i just grabbed lots of star newspapers and put it on top of the paint that was everywhere....every one in the queue had orange shoes (it was a saturday afternoon and a long queue!!) and we were all sliding in it ! my gran was furious, so was the shop assistants as id helped myself to the newspapers trying to stop it getting everywhere .......and the people wilth orange shoes.....well .......:o :(
lol !! I'm sorry for laughing but I just had a vision of all these people sliding around with orange shoes!! I mean, they probably had to get on buses with their orange shoes on too!! I bet you were really popular that day! :hihi: :hihi:

There were orange foot prints all along the bridge to the escalators and down them ... i walked around that area and up to fargate the long way since that day!!;)

Brilliant!

they were brilliant..... orange lol hey sssssshhhh if any one asks .it wasnt me !!:thumbsup: )

I remember about Blaskeys. My sister used to work for them at the house She did cleaning and ironing also. I was only young but I remember she said they worked her very hard and paid very little.
do they call her mary by any chance from grimesthorpe

Blaskeys had a shop on Duke St in 1936 Long time ago

Did this move onto Park Hill Flats shops or was there two of them on/around Duke Street?

I recall the one on Park Hill very well but I reckon it disappeared in the late 70's. I think the unit then became a Post Office.

I worked at Blaskeys (top of Water Lane)about 1953 while the big High St shop was being build, then moved to new shop. Norfolk Street wallpaper shop was owned by Gordon Gee and was Gee's Decorators Merchants which was also a trade shop,at the back of the wholesale dept was the old blacksmiths. I worked there after I left Blaskeys.

I worked at Gee's 1960 to 1964.
I worked in the offices and also as relief telephonist next to the trade counter.
Gee's then moved from Norfolk Street to somewhere near Leadmill Road.

Happy days.

wasn't there a blaskey's at the bottom of Dixon Lane nr the old sheaf market? I seem to remember a wallpaper shop there.

There window displays were marvellous. Must have taken hours to hang up all the rolls with a stretch of the pattern showing.
The wallpaper in those day, 1950s, had to be trimmed on each side. My Dad had a little cutter that he rolled along the edge and Mum stood rewinding the roll at the other end of the table.
The wallpaper always came from Blaskeys.

My mother who's in her 80's says that the Blaskey family had links (maybe owned?) the Heeley Coliseum.

I worked at Blaskeys (top of Water Lane)about 1953 while the big High St shop was being build, then moved to new shop. Norfolk Street wallpaper shop was owned by Gordon Gee and was Gee's Decorators Merchants which was also a trade shop,at the back of the wholesale dept was the old blacksmiths. I worked there after I left Blaskeys.

My Mum worked at Blaskeys before and after i was born in 1953 Her name was Betty just wondering if you knew her She was a Crookes before she married in 1952 and her married name is Dyson if so can u contact me toptourist@iinet.net.au
thx janet

I worked at Gee's 1960 to 1964.
I worked in the offices and also as relief telephonist next to the trade counter.
Gee's then moved from Norfolk Street to somewhere near Leadmill Road.

Happy days.

Was the wall paper shop in Snig Hill just below Castle House Coop a Blaskey's ? My Mum let me choose my bedroom wallpaper for the first time there. It was blue, and guess what she didn't like it, she said it was cold, but she let me have it anyway and it stayed in my bedroom 'til I married in 1960.

I worked at Blaskeys (top of Water Lane)about 1953 while the big High St shop was being build, then moved to new shop. Norfolk Street wallpaper shop was owned by Gordon Gee and was Gee's Decorators Merchants which was also a trade shop,at the back of the wholesale dept was the old blacksmiths. I worked there after I left Blaskeys.

I worked at Gee's between early 61 and late 65, during which time they moved from Norfolk Street to Shoreham Street. Do you remember the likes of Stan Marsh, Stan Ogden, Pete Smith, Charlie and Brian Grant, Harry Bennett, Joyce Fletcher, Edna? Dransfield, Ada the cleaner and tea masher etc...etc, Good days!

It must be one of the oldest firms in sheffield and must have made their pile a very long time ago because my brother had a part time job as a chauffeur in the 30 ties driving Ben Blaskey in a very large limo; with a figure that was luminous at night fixed on the bonnet,he must have lived to a good age , he managed the shop in fitzalan sq till about 1950 Ibelieve Cheers Arthur.
My father also knew the Blaskeys. The first member of the family to set up a decorating business in Sheffield was Jacob Blaskey (formerly Blaski) who was born in Russia and came to England in the 1880s to escape the persecution of Jews. I think Ben Blaskey was his nephew, and he took over the business when Jacob died in 1933. The first Blaskeys shop was on London Road; by the 1960s they had about a dozen branches in Sheffield including the one in Middlewood Road that "felinolder" mentioned - this later became a branch of "Decor 8" before it closed.
Who remembers Hedleys sweet shop at bottom of Dykes Hall Road Hillsborough in the 60/70's...
I knew Oswald Edley 35+ years ago when we lived in Dykes Hall Road. He was a great bloke, and before he retired in 1974-75 he also sold home brewing materials - I made lots of beer and stout from stuff I bought there! He went to live in Devon and died in 1979 aged 70. Louis Colletta bought the business, which became "Colletta's Sweet Centre" but sweet shops were already on the decline and the shop closed, maybe 20 years or so ago.

In the 40's I passed my scholarship and went to a school in Bents Green.
One of the Blaskey's was in my year. I think her name was Janet Blaskey.
She was a very nice girl but what I remember about her was that she invited one of her classmates to come home with her for "High Tea"
Never having heard of such a thing I hurried home to Attercliffe after school and asked my brother what "High Tea" was. Being a typical brother he suggested they maybe sat on the roof.

She was a very nice girl.

My mum worked in Blaskeys on Snigg Hill in the late 50's

I worked at Gee's 1960 to 1964.
I worked in the offices and also as relief telephonist next to the trade counter.
Gee's then moved from Norfolk Street to somewhere near Leadmill Road.

Happy days.

I worked at Gee's between early 61 and late 65, during which time they moved from Norfolk Street to Shoreham Street. Do you remember the likes of Stan Marsh, Stan Ogden, Pete Smith, Charlie and Brian Grant, Alan Elliot, Malcolm Linley, Harry Bennett, Joyce Fletcher, Edna? Dransfield, Ada the cleaner and tea masher etc...etc, Good days! I remember Val on switch, and Susan Lunney who used to stand in.

Well, fancy that earlybird8.

I am one of the people you mentioned - guess which one.

Which department did you work in?

They were indeed very happy days. Oh how I wish the 60's times were here now.

I remember all the people you named. Sadly some of them are no longer with us.

Well, fancy that earlybird8.

I am one of the people you mentioned - guess which one.

Which department did you work in?

They were indeed very happy days. Oh how I wish the 60's times were here now.

I remember all the people you named. Sadly some of them are no longer with us.

If you worked on the switch as a stand-in, then I think you lived on Hackenthorpe as I did also, and you must be Susan. Can you guess who I am. I worked on the vans for a couple of years and then came in the warehouse. No, I'm not John Firminger but I'm still in touch with him. One or two more names to ponder over - Malcolm Linley, Alan Boden, Bob Reid (Jnr & Snr), Joyce Hunt (I was sweet on her!), Gloria ?????, Brenda ????, Miss Roebuck, and of course the famed Sharon Deuce!

One of the Blaskey girls used to own/run the Shack on convent Walk. My Mum worked for her in the seventies. She was known to the staff simply as "Miss Blaskey" :P

i was actually talking to a lady today who worked at blaskeys years ago, her name is anita.

One of the Blaskey girls used to own/run the Shack on convent Walk. My Mum worked for her in the seventies. She was known to the staff simply as "Miss Blaskey" :P

That would be Sonia Blaskey - as far as I know she's still going strong at 92!.:)

If you worked on the switch as a stand-in, then I think you lived on Hackenthorpe as I did also, and you must be Susan. Can you guess who I am. I worked on the vans for a couple of years and then came in the warehouse. No, I'm not John Firminger but I'm still in touch with him. One or two more names to ponder over - Malcolm Linley, Alan Boden, Bob Reid (Jnr & Snr), Joyce Hunt (I was sweet on her!), Gloria ?????, Brenda ????, Miss Roebuck, and of course the famed Sharon Deuce!

I am indeed Susan.

Now, as to who you are? Hmmm?
Are you Tom?

I'm trying to remember Joyce Hunt but cannot put a face to the name. Oh hang on - Miss Hunt? Did she work in the same small office as Miss Roebuck?
Malcolm went out with Diane, who eventually married Brian Grant.
Sharon was playing a character in Coronation Street earlier this year.

You've not mentioned Melvyn Booker - Pat Mac (Macgillicuddy sp?) & Jean Thorley in pricing department. Marion ?

This topic has brought so many memories back to me.

I can still remember the taste of toasted teacakes from the sandwich place round the corner on Shoreham Street. They were a little soggy by the time they came back from there but none the less - delicious.
Do you remember the rooms we used to eat in? There was Ada and her kettle in the centre room with the men in a room at one side of her and the women in the other. How strange that would be today.

Oh - and the Russian Slice at the cake shop next to Gee's on Norfolk Street. I've not been able to find anything like that moist delicious cake.

I am indeed Susan.

Now, as to who you are? Hmmm?
Are you Tom?

I'm trying to remember Joyce Hunt but cannot put a face to the name. Oh hang on - Miss Hunt? Did she work in the same small office as Miss Roebuck?
Malcolm went out with Diane, who eventually married Brian Grant.
Sharon was playing a character in Coronation Street earlier this year.

You've not mentioned Melvyn Booker - Pat Mac (Macgillicuddy sp?) & Jean in pricing department. Marion ?

This topic has brought so many memories back to me.

I can still remember the taste of toasted teacakes from the sandwich place round the corner on Shoreham Street. They were a little soggy by the time they came back from there but none the less - delicious.
Do you remember the rooms we used to eat in? There was Ada and her kettle in the centre room with the men in a room at one side of her and the women in the other. How strange that would be today.

You've got it!! I am Tom Porter. Shame on me for not mentioning Melvyn as you were courting him. I can't remember if it went further as it's a long time ago. I left in 65 so that's 44 years, makes me feel old! I retired in May 2004 to prepare for OAP status, which I achieved in April of this year, so I'm now an expert, having had five years practice. Are you still working?

I do remember the other people you mentioned, there was also Harry Bennett, Peter Jackson, Colin Craft, Reps Ron Stanley, Bill Fraser (Och Aye!) and Brian Rattigan, who replaced Stan Marsh as Manager. Oh, and there was Mr Whittaker. And Frank Miles, who played guitar with Dave Berry. Have we missed anybody? I'll keep jogging the old grey matter. Do you still see any of the people we've mentioned? I'm hoping to see John Firminger before Xmas. I did see Joyce once in Rotherham, but thats a number of years ago. Just remembered two more names, Kevin, whe driver who had a bad accident, and Charlie Fenton, another driver. Oh, and then there was Megan, her husband was called Jack. Surely we've not missed anybody, or have we? Yes, Ron Batty, the wee diddy man who had a little yellow bubble car. Where will it end?Not thought of anybody else - YET!

Wow Tom! Your memory is a lot better than mine. I do remember most of those names though, now that you'd jogged the old matter in my brain.

Who was Joyce Hunt? I thought that was the person that shared an office with Miss Roebuck - but just remembered that was Betty somebody.

Frank and his lovely wife Barbara, used to give me a lift home to Hackenthorpe sometimes.

I haven't lived in Sheffield for many years. We left there in February 72 to live in Zambia. My husband was seconded by the British Government, to work for the Zambian Government.
We were there for almost 6 years before coming back the UK. Eventually settling in Essex.

I didn't work for 16 years, after leaving Lombard Banking (where I worked after Gee's) as I was bringing up my two sons.

I packed in work in 2001 as I'd just had enough.

Anyway, enough of me, how are you?

John Firminger - was he the lad with the white hair, lived in Hackenthorpe also?

The was a short girl who had a very tall husband and he used to pick her up from work in one of those funny tandem sitting Messerschmitt cars.

Stan Marsh was very father-like to me. I really liked him. Couldn't stand Brian Rattigan when he took over. He used to be a rep there didn't he?

John Firminger - was he the lad with the white hair, lived in Hackenthorpe also?

The was a short girl who had a very tall husband and he used to pick her up from work in one of those funny tandem sitting Messerschmitt cars.

Stan Marsh was very father-like to me. I really liked him. Couldn't stand Brian Rattigan when he took over. He used to be a rep there didn't he?

You got it right with John Firminger. I can't remember anybody else having a bubble car apart from Ron Batty who I mentioned. I'll wrack my brain and maybe ask John as well. Well, we obviously both have the same sentiments re Stan Marsh and Brian Rattigan. I hate to say it but I would think that Stan is no longer with us, as will be the case with quite a few of the names mentioned. Joyce Hunt was quite small and well built (I don't mean fat). I did take her out a couple of times but that was all. Another name that just came to mind is Terry Mills, another driver.

I left Gee's in 65 and went to work at Bramah's in Halfway in the X-Ray Dept. inspecting aircraft components. I worked in aerospace right up until retiring and finished up in charge of the Non-destructive testing department at a subsidiary of Rolls Royce.

I got married in 1967 and am still married to the same lady, and guess what, I am now a great-grandfather. We still live local to Hackenthorpe, in Wales. That is Wales near Kiveton, not land of my fathers.

I seem to be reminiscing quite often at the moment, as I've only just got back in touch with John Firminger after a few years. We're also off to a reunion of my old Grammar School (Tapton House in Chesterfield) tomorrow evening, so I'm quite looking forward to that. I'm also off out next Friday to sink a few bevvies with an old work-mate from Bramah's. They were all good times with good people, a far cry from today. Just before I sign off, did I mention Doug James, the transport manager, and his fancy piece Wendy Dyer.
Well, guess what, more names have just come to mind - Don Gratwick, Ray Bamforth, Brian Moat, Don Staves (Gee's Pavarotti), Norman Driver (who was a driver), and another Norman who drove.

Remember the tea room at Norfolk Street, right down the back through the paint shelves? And yes, I do remember the cake shop next door, and the fabulous Xmas parties up in the offices.

Tom - I'm going to PM you as we've deviated from the Blaskey's title.
So check your PM box.

Well I was going to - unfortunately private messages only allow for a certain number of characters. I'd have had to have broken it up into about four messages.
So will have to put it on here.

Tom, you will be at your school reunion right now. I hope you’re having a good time. I imagine you will have a lot more memories brought back this evening.

Crumbs, a great-grandfather! That’s unbelievable. I still visualise you as being tall, dark and about 19 years old. We wish eh?
So, from Gee’s warehouse to aerospace & Rolls Royce. That’s some jump.
My husband is very interested in aeroplanes. He actually built and flew – no, not a jet- but a Rans Coyote Ultralight. I only ever went up in it twice. The first time was an early evening flight and the sky was overcast. Quite a pleasant flight. However, the second time I went up was when he suggested flying down to Kent for lunch. The sky was blue with fluffy white clouds – not good! Well, not for flying. The turbulence was horrendous clutching my seat for dear life, I screamed to him to get me down. I was so pleased when he sold it. It's an expensive hobby.

I also married in 1967 (not Melvyn) and am still with the same man. We have two sons and 5 grandchildren. It’ll be a few years yet though, before I’m a great-grandmother. The eldest grandchild is only 13.
I went back to work when our eldest son started his A levels. I didn’t particularly want to get a job but my husband told me I was becoming a cabbage! Cheek! I worked at Marconi Research Laboratories in the accounts department. I left there, to then work for Essex County Council, again in the accounts department. The council sold off the department I worked in and it became increasingly unpleasant to work there. So in 2001 I decided to retire.

The Gee’s times were indeed, as you said, good days. You could walk the streets late at night without fear. Well, when I say late, the last bus used to leave Pond Street at 11.15pm. Today, some people are only just going into the clubs.

So many names Tom – so many memories brought back for me.
Were Pete Smith & Doug James the two who worked in the office next to Stan Marsh’s office? Pete had blond wavy hair? Silly I know but my main memory of that office was the big black Bakelite telephone.
I remember Stan Ogden and Mrs Dransfield sometimes didn’t get on all that well. One day they had an almighty disagreement, culminating in them both being dismissed.
Do you remember Doreen Vipond?
There were two people who didn’t work at Gee’s but used to go into the trade counter - Peter Swan & Tony Kay, they used to do a bit of painting & decorating as well as playing football. Football didn’t pay the silly money it does today.

As I haven’t lived in Sheffield since 1972 I don’t get the chance to bump into anyone from those days. I have often thought about and wondered what happened to some people though.

Crikey, just realised the time.
When I started this, you would have been at your reunion. By now, you’re probably in bed.

Please remember me to John when you meet up with him.

blaskeys on darnall is now closed , we are stuck with extra wallpaper we did not use, they didnt say they were going to close.

Yes I remember the Blaskey's shop that was on London road opposite Alderson road. In later years, probably about '69/'70, I was working sub-contract to a building firm F. J. Glynn & Son. We built a big split-level bungalow for one of the Blaskey family in the Fulwood area, a very nice house with heating under the drive and all top quality fittings. Mr. Blaskey used to come onto the job a lot, he seemed to be quite decent sort and I remember he always had a huge cigar like a log in his hand.I had some good friends and lots of laughs on that site. H

Tom - I'm going to PM you as we've deviated from the Blaskey's title.
So check your PM box.

Well I was going to - unfortunately private messages only allow for a certain number of characters. I'd have had to have broken it up into about four messages.
So will have to put it on here.

Tom, you will be at your school reunion right now. I hope you’re having a good time. I imagine you will have a lot more memories brought back this evening.

Crumbs, a great-grandfather! That’s unbelievable. I still visualise you as being tall, dark and about 19 years old. We wish eh?
So, from Gee’s warehouse to aerospace & Rolls Royce. That’s some jump.
My husband is very interested in aeroplanes. He actually built and flew – no, not a jet- but a Rans Coyote Ultralight. I only ever went up in it twice. The first time was an early evening flight and the sky was overcast. Quite a pleasant flight. However, the second time I went up was when he suggested flying down to Kent for lunch. The sky was blue with fluffy white clouds – not good! Well, not for flying. The turbulence was horrendous clutching my seat for dear life, I screamed to him to get me down. I was so pleased when he sold it. It's an expensive hobby.

I also married in 1967 (not Melvyn) and am still with the same man. We have two sons and 5 grandchildren. It’ll be a few years yet though, before I’m a great-grandmother. The eldest grandchild is only 13.
I went back to work when our eldest son started his A levels. I didn’t particularly want to get a job but my husband told me I was becoming a cabbage! Cheek! I worked at Marconi Research Laboratories in the accounts department. I left there, to then work for Essex County Council, again in the accounts department. The council sold off the department I worked in and it became increasingly unpleasant to work there. So in 2001 I decided to retire.

The Gee’s times were indeed, as you said, good days. You could walk the streets late at night without fear. Well, when I say late, the last bus used to leave Pond Street at 11.15pm. Today, some people are only just going into the clubs.

So many names Tom – so many memories brought back for me.
Were Pete Smith & Doug James the two who worked in the office next to Stan Marsh’s office? Pete had blond wavy hair? Silly I know but my main memory of that office was the big black Bakelite telephone.
I remember Stan Ogden and Mrs Dransfield sometimes didn’t get on all that well. One day they had an almighty disagreement, culminating in them both being dismissed.
Do you remember Doreen Vipond?
There were two people who didn’t work at Gee’s but used to go into the trade counter - Peter Swan & Tony Kay, they used to do a bit of painting & decorating as well as playing football. Football didn’t pay the silly money it does today.

As I haven’t lived in Sheffield since 1972 I don’t get the chance to bump into anyone from those days. I have often thought about and wondered what happened to some people though.

Crikey, just realised the time.
When I started this, you would have been at your reunion. By now, you’re probably in bed.

Please remember me to John when you meet up with him.



Susan – It was great to get your reply, although I’ve been out most of the day hence the delay in replying. Firstly, I did enjoy my school reunion last night and caught up with a few old acquaintances. I only got to know about the Old Taptonian’s Association about 12 months ago, and I just missed last years, but they also have a picnic up at the old school in June, so I managed to get to that. They open up the old house on that day for us all to go round. The changes are unbelievable, and of course quite sad in our eyes, as the old place is now part of Chesterfield College, and nearly every room has computers in it. It was still worth the visit though, so much so that I shall be going back next year. Tapton House was the home of George Stephenson (The ‘Rocket’ man), and the Markham family.
It seems like my past is creeping up on me all at once! However, it is enjoyable to relive your youthful years, but so long ago, it’s frightening how the years roll by. I can’t remember where the offices of Stan & Doug were at Norfolk Street, and I think Doug had left when we moved to Shoreham St. Pete Smith was in the first office on the right hand side as you walked in the front entrance at Shoreham Street. As I recall, he took it over from Mr. Whittaker when he moved to Doncaster, and I think Joyce Hunt went to work for him when she left. I remember I took her home after her last day at Shoreham St.
Yes, I do remember Doreen Vipond. She lived at Richmond Park. I also remember the footballers, but I don’t think I would have without your prompt. Do you remember Andrea with ginger hair, who walked with a limp, and Valerie from Eckington? They both worked in the shop. And I remembered the surname of the other Norman, it was Mills. And I remembered another driver called Charlie Fenton, who had fair hair and glasses. Well, surely we must have covered everybody now, or have we?

That would be Sonia Blaskey - as far as I know she's still going strong at 92!.:)

Your joking,, really? God bless her. How do you know her.

Your joking,, really? God bless her. How do you know her.

Hi andrejuan - she was a neighbour of my brother's when he lived at Totley. I haven't seen her for 4 or 5 years but I think she's still around!.:)

Does anyone remember that Gee's had a shop on Ecclesall road? It was next(?) to Vernons bakery. One of my old neighbours I am fairly sure worked for Gees as a rep? His name was Len Hunt, also (again not too sure !) John Arrowsmith/ Ring any bells? This has to be the very early 60's

I worked at Gee's between early 61 and late 65, during which time they moved from Norfolk Street to Shoreham Street. Do you remember the likes of Stan Marsh, Stan Ogden, Pete Smith, Charlie and Brian Grant, Harry Bennett, Joyce Fletcher, Edna? Dransfield, Ada the cleaner and tea masher etc...etc, Good days!Hi earlybird8 i worked at gees and know most off the people you named and a few more and what happenedto some off them,as this thread is quite old,i will wait and see if you get back to it

there was one at Firth Park as well (Blaskeys that is):D

Hi earlybird8 i worked at gees and know most off the people you named and a few more and what happenedto some off them,as this thread is quite old,i will wait and see if you get back to it

Hi or-b-son, nice to hear from you! This thread is quite old, nevertheless it'd be great to hear what you know about some of the folks mentioned previously. I've actually been in touch with two ex-employees, Sue Lunney and John Firminger. You can either PM me or reply on the Forum. Thought I'd just let you know that I've seen your message. At this stage, I'll leave you to try and guess who I am. Only clue is I'm a male.

hi earlybird8 i know who you are as i have seen the earlier posts but cannot pm you because i do not have enough posts,but off the names you mentioned,stan marsh,stan ogden,charlie grant and harry bennett will have passed away just because of age,also brian grant,alan elliott,wendy dyer,colin craft,peter ellis(Valy Ellis's Husband) Have passed away i will think about other names and send another post,i think i need to send five then i can pm you,bear with me as i don't go on these sites often,still trying figure it out,or-b-son

hi earlybird8 i know who you are as i have seen the earlier posts but cannot pm you because i do not have enough posts,but off the names you mentioned,stan marsh,stan ogden,charlie grant and harry bennett will have passed away just because of age,also brian grant,alan elliott,wendy dyer,colin craft,peter ellis(Valy Ellis's Husband) Have passed away i will think about other names and send another post,i think i need to send five then i can pm you,bear with me as i don't go on these sites often,still trying figure it out,or-b-son

Sorry, I forgot that you'd know who I was from my previous posts. Was Val Ellis the switchboard operator? I remember two Vals, the other one worked in the showroom, quite a looker and she lived in Eckington. There was also Andrea who worked in the showroom, lovely girl with ginger hair and walked with a limp. Remember Miss Roebuck and some of her girls, Joyce, Brenda, Gloria, Marion. What about Stan Whittaker, remember him? Don't know off hand if I've previously mentioned Bill Fraser, Brian Rattigan, Ron Stanley and another rep whose name escapes me, Gordon?? I'll keep thinkin............. Give us a clue as to your ID, please.

Still best wallpaper and chepest, still got some on walls with emulsioned.
From 1992 hihi

Sorry, I forgot that you'd know who I was from my previous posts. Was Val Ellis the switchboard operator? I remember two Vals, the other one worked in the showroom, quite a looker and she lived in Eckington. There was also Andrea who worked in the showroom, lovely girl with ginger hair and walked with a limp. Remember Miss Roebuck and some of her girls, Joyce, Brenda, Gloria, Marion. What about Stan Whittaker, remember him? Don't know off hand if I've previously mentioned Bill Fraser, Brian Rattigan, Ron Stanley and another rep whose name escapes me, Gordon?? I'll keep thinkin............. Give us a clue as to your ID, please.

Hi Earlybird8 here are some more names,len? dieghton,????? millward,ron wheatley,don staves,and i could be male or maybe female?

My sister worked in the one on Spital Hill in the 60s and i worked at Easyfit Shoe Shop on there. Loved it there.

i use to look after michael blaskey as a carer

if i remember rightly, my ex boss bought blaskeys house back in the early 1980's

Blaskey's opposite Banners in Attercliffe........Tony Whyte worked there, the club entertainer.

I remember going to blaskeys with mam when i was a kid (a long time ago)The rolls of paper had about 1/2" of plain paper on the edge trim they called it the assistant would bang it on the counter to break it off.dad would only use Valspar paint from Blaskeys.

Hi Earlybird8 here are some more names,len? dieghton,????? millward,ron wheatley,don staves,and i could be male or maybe female?hi earlybird8 thought off somemore names,norman driver,raymond howe,vincent elvin,brian moat and jenny burgin,let me know if any off these ring a bell and then i will send you another clueto whom i am,bye or-b-son

hi earlybird8 thought off somemore names,norman driver,raymond howe,vincent elvin,brian moat and jenny burgin,let me know if any off these ring a bell and then i will send you another clueto whom i am,bye or-b-son

Hi or-b-son, I remember Norman Driver, Brian Moat, Les Deighton, Ken Millward, Ron Wheatley, Don (Pavarotti) Staves, but can't bring to mind Raymond Howe, Vincent Elvin or Jenny Burgin. Remembered the name of that other rep though, Ken Simmonite. Will reply to your PM. Cheers earlybird8

Does anyone remember the wallpaper shop Blaskeys , my Mum used to work for them in the 1950's

There was one on Spital hill,one on Bellhouse road,I have been in both of them.I think they was bought out at some time

I started painting and decorating in 1943 for WW Axe and Sons in Netther Edge, I then worked for other firms later but after National Service that shop on London Rd. was empty and I had a look at it thinking I might sell paint and stuff but I just couldn't raise enough cash. Stokes offered me a wonderful contract on their paint.

I started painting and decorating in 1943 for WW Axe and Sons in Netther Edge, I then worked for other firms later but after National Service that shop on London Rd. was empty and I had a look at it thinking I might sell paint and stuff but I just couldn't raise enough cash. Stokes offered me a wonderful contract on their paint.

I see you live in Florida,I have a niece lives in Jacksonville, Small World

Oh - and the Russian Slice at the cake shop next to Gee's on Norfolk Street. I've not been able to find anything like that moist delicious cake.

That would be The Sandwich Box, their apple charlottes were to die for, their Russian slices were very good though.

Ian Blaskey runs a student letting business from an office on Ecclesall Road, he married one of the late Cyril Caplan's daughters.

there was one at Firth Park as well (Blaskeys that is):D

I remember that one Denlin my mum used to get all the wallpaper and paint for our house there. I remember having some with ponies on for my bedroom and my brother had footballers. My mum always wanted "a nice flock paper for the chimney breast" but unfortunately (or should that be fortunately?) she could never afford it.

blaskeys at darnall across from alan cycles(another old name) i can remeber my dad taking me there and eventually buying stuff from there myself shame it closed they were always helpful