NOW and THEN:REID'S BAKERY 1987, 2012 and 2016

by Dave Roberts
Another of Carole Hughes' collection of photos of Middlewich shops twenty-five years ago, taken by her friend Diane Parr.
We've been thinking about publishing this one for a while, and our theme was going to be something along the lines of: 'here are two businesses which are still going strong twenty-five years on'.
However, another one of those shock developments which seem to be a feature of the Middlewich shopping scene these days has put a whole new complexion on this now vintage scene.
Ironically, on Saturday 30th June, on the very day that the Artisan Market hit town, bringing hopes of a revitalisation of Wheelock Street as a shopping area, Mike Jennings was passing Reid's shop and took this photograph:

Reid's shop on Saturday 30th June 2012

A different colour scheme, and a very different sign over the shop (In fact I've a very strong feeling that there were a few variations on that sign between 1987 and 2012. The small inset window bearing the exotic wording PATISSERIE, however, remained the same.

But what really caught Mike's eye was this notice in the shop's window:

Yet another blow to the Middlewich shopping scene.
There's nothing to be said really.
All we can do is thank Reid's for serving the town so well for all those years and leave you with a few more of Mike's images of yet another piece of old  Middlewich we've had to say  farewell to...

Another Middlewich landmark bites the dust.  I wonder who had the last steak pie?

 My Cousin Albert worked there making those steak pies for over 40 years. I must catch up with him to see what his recollections are, and maybe ask him for the recipe? - Mike Jennings

Facebook Feedback:
Sharon Barnard I can't believe it. My brother worked there for years. I worked there myself in 1986-1987. Gutted!

Ruth Duck Oh, that's such a shame. They had lovely stuff for sale. The rhubarb slices were divine.

Wendy Sproston And their Bavarian slices!

NOTE: In August 2012 it was announced that the shop would be re-opening under new management as a gluten free bakery.

SEE ALSO: THE FOODAMENTALISTS

Photo: Bill Armsden

2016:The PATISSERIE sign finally disappears, but we've a strong feeling it may still be there, hidden by the HOME-POTTERY-GIFTS sign

First published 5th July 2012 as 'Now & Then: Reid's Bakery 1987 and 2012'

Revised, re-titled and re-published 24th January 2018

OUR MASTHEAD FOR FEBRUARY 2017

Our February 2017 Masthead (also used in October 2016)

Our masthead photo for February 2017 (also used in October 2016) features a foggy day in Middlewich captured by Bill Armsden. Bill says that, as far as he remembers, the photo was taken in the winter of 2015.
It's something of a mystery photo as, at first glance, it appears to be a rural scene, perhaps taken on the outskirts of the town on the Shropshire Union heading towards Minshull Vernon? Or maybe on the T&M somewhere near Whatcroft?*
In fact we're looking at a scene which is very urban indeed. This is King's Lock in Booth Lane. Out of shot to the left is the pub which takes its name from the lock - one clue to its nearby presence is those picnic tables which, during the summer, are thronged with people enjoying a drink in the open air. 
Out of shot to the right, on the other side of Booth Lane, is that justly famous Middlewich institution,Etta Mault's chipshop.
And lurking in the mist behind the bush, left of centre, are the utilitarian industrial buildings which were once part of the ERF Service Centre, built on part of the old ICI Alkali Works. 
Perhaps the only real clue as to the true location of Bill's photo is the HGV tractor unit on the right trundling through the fog on its way to Sandbach or the M6 motorway.
They say that every picture tells a story. But the story is not always what you might think it is...

* This would, of course, be impossible. There are no locks on the Trent & Mersey between Middlewich and Preston Brook.

WINTER IN MIDDLEWICH 2016 by Shaun Broad

The dying days of 2016, in Middlewich as elsewhere, produced some excellent photographic conditions which many local photographers were quick to take advantage of. Among them was Shaun Broad who took an early morning stroll in the keen frost and low-lying misty light of 29th December. His atmospheric shots of some iconic Middlewich locations are reproduced here with his permission - Ed

The sun struggles to break through the mist and casts an unearthly light over early-morning Middlewich, draining the scene of almost all colour.

A scene which in Summertime is alive with boats, and colour, and people having a good time, particularly in mid-June when the FAB Festival hits town. In late December the Big Lock, and the pub which is named for it appear to be sleeping. This shot could almost be mistaken for one of those composite 'Then & Now' pictures combining a  very old photo with a modern one. The only colour comes from the subdued red-brick of the pub and adjacent buildings.

Awaiting better days to come, the Town Wharf, once the bustling commercial heart of the town, is also dozing in the misty early morning stillness. There's nothing to suggest that  busy roads choked with traffic are only a few yards away. 

Where the Trent & Mersey and the Shropshire Union canals meet, all is quiet and there is no hint of the busy canal traffic, and even busier road traffic, which normally characterise the area. In the distance, above the blue boat, the dim and ghostly outline of the Kings Lock pub looms through the mist.

Commentary by
Dave Roberts

SEE ALSO: MIDDLEWICH IN WINTER 2017

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