13th
July 1972
TANSHELF SEES THE END OF ITS SHOPPING ERA
The
last shop at Tanshelf, Pontefract, run single-handed by Mrs Minnie
Holmes for the past 35 years, closed yesterday. The shop is one of 23
empty houses at Tanshelf soon due for demolition. Mrs Holmes bought the
business from her sister just before World War Two after moving from
Bentley with her husband Harold.
At
that time, and with the beginning of rationing, the shop stayed open for
all hours and Mrs Holmes boasts a 12-hour daily service, opening at 8.00
am.
Mr.
Holmes, who retires as a Pontefract Corporation Storeman next January,
was a retained fireman during the war and was presented with a medal for
25 years service. Mrs Holmes, aged 63, remembers serving generations of
families and says she is very grateful to all her customers over the
years. The couple are moving to Long Crest, Churchbalk Estate,
Pontefract.
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1972 Index ]
