It was the ‘old style’ clothes shop where you could also get a haircut and lunch, writes David Kindred.

Ipswich Star: A brewing company's horse drawn dray passing Ridleys Tavern Street, Ipswich shop in the 1950s.A brewing company's horse drawn dray passing Ridleys Tavern Street, Ipswich shop in the 1950s. (Image: Dave Kindred)

Ridleys shop occupied a prominent site at the corner of Tavern Street and Dial Lane, Ipswich, until closure in 1983.

Ipswich Star: Who was saying goodbye at Ridleys in April 1978?Who was saying goodbye at Ridleys in April 1978? (Image: Archant)

The shop was upmarket and “old style” with personal attention from assistants.

Ipswich Star: Arthur J Ridley's shop as it was in the 1920s. The signs in the window list services of Hatter, Hosier and Shirtmaker. The shop on the left was then Joseph Hunt Dairyman and Baker.Arthur J Ridley's shop as it was in the 1920s. The signs in the window list services of Hatter, Hosier and Shirtmaker. The shop on the left was then Joseph Hunt Dairyman and Baker. (Image: Dave Kindred)

The shop was mens and ladies outfitters, with hairdressers and a restaurant in the basement.

Ipswich Star: Beauty treatment at Ridleys in 1978.Beauty treatment at Ridleys in 1978. (Image: Archant)

Directories from the early years of the last century list the site as “Arthur J Ridley hosier and shirt maker”.

Ipswich Star: Beauty treatment at Ridleys in 1978.Beauty treatment at Ridleys in 1978. (Image: Archant)

In this weeks Days Gone By, I feature photographs of Ridley’s.

Ipswich Star: Who were these two members of staff a Ridleys shop soon before closure in May 1983?Who were these two members of staff a Ridleys shop soon before closure in May 1983? (Image: archant)

If you have memories of Ridley’s shop in the centre of Ipswich write to David Kindred, Days Gone By, Ipswich Star/EADT, Portman House, 120 Princes Street, Ipswich, IP1 1RS or e-mail him.

Ipswich Star: Can you name anybody in this retirement presentation photograph taken at Ridleys in March 1977?Can you name anybody in this retirement presentation photograph taken at Ridleys in March 1977? (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Part of the interior of Arthur J RidleyÕs shop in a photograph probably taken in the 1920s.Part of the interior of Arthur J RidleyÕs shop in a photograph probably taken in the 1920s. (Image: Dave Kindred)