Just popping out to the shops was so different in Bognor Regis

Do Comet, Dixon's, Leatherworld, Tesco and Homeworld conjure up the same sort of magic as those of the past traders in Bognor Regis?

Let us take a stroll, and have a nostalgic look back at some of our traders through the years.

First let us remember D&M Wood; they were situated in London Road, next to the Odeon cinema, now a bingo hall.

From 1928 until the 1980s they sold drapery, general furnishing and clothing. A shop that appeared to always have a sale '“ that is, according to the recollections of customers. Flannelette sheets were 5/- (25p) in 1938 and ladies' raincoats were reduced to 10s 11d (60p) in the 1939 sales.

Another of our shops that always seems to spark such an interest was Edward H Isted, also in London Road.

This shop evokes its memories with its particular smell as soon as you entered. They sold vegetable seeds, broccoli, cabbage and an even wider range of other vegetables.

Their seed potatoes covered a wide variety, such as Midlothian, Sharp's Express, Sir John Llewellyn, Red King and others.

Can anyone tell me where you could buy such a variety of seeds and plants today, and if indeed these types of potatoes are still available?

Where have I found this information? In their 1945 Seed List.

Gardeners could buy 7lb of Arran Banner for 1/-.

This simple catalogue provided all the information required, such as when and how to plant, when to transplant and how to water.

What about The House of Hawkes, at 9 High Street from 1872 to 1970 '“ a shop that sold groceries, wines and spirits.

They also reminded customers they sold 'Empire provisions', whatever they were!

Interestingly they produced a magazine, price list and diary, which was issued 'in the interest of good housekeeping'.

This publication provided a list of all their provisions, including advertisements from their suppliers.

This particular issue also had articles on meals for tiny tots, first aid for children, picnic and party sandwiches. There was even a section called Handy Andies of the kitchen. And this is such a long time before the Handy Andy of today's television fame.

When looking through their prices, Bonio dog food cost 1/-, a tin of Heinz baked beans cost 3d and a 1lb jar of jam cost 9d.

The price of spirits is interesting, with gin at 12/6, whisky costing 13/6 and brandy 16/6.

Another advertising aid used by local traders was the postcard. My favourite is that shown on the right, sent by E&O Carter, Needlework and Wool shop, at 51 High Street from 1925 until after the Second World War.

It was sent to a customer to say her order for 'Sylco' had been received and was ready for collection.

Their advertisements informed prospective customers they sold bathing caps, costumes and waders for the summer. It was also felt important to mention they had a fitting room, something we tend to take for granted today.

Another trader who used the postcard to great effect in the late 1920s and 30s was HA Harnett, a butcher in London Road, near the library.

Can you imagine the health authorities allowing meat to be sold in this manner today?

However, would we want to buy it '“ complete with vehicle exhaust fumes?

It is still possible, for the eagle-eyed among you, to find the faded advertising slogans for these two shops on the sides of buildings today '“ but you have to look high.

Walk to the end of London Road,to number five, where today there is a modern record store.

Within the tiles on the front of the building can be clearly seen the letter P which stood for Pink's. They were listed in the 1930s as family grocers, with their main operation and offices in Chichester.

However, they were best-known for their drinks and in 1948 their advertisements claimed they were 'pioneers of natural fruit, squashes and drinks'.

During the late 1970s, London Road also contained other well-known traders such as Mac Fisheries, and the well-loved Hansfords, which seemed to offer such a wide range of gentleman's clothing. Can you perhaps remember the tea bar in Woolworth's, an attraction that has long since been closed in all their stores? Woolworth's has been in London Road since 1960.

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