One of Ipswich’s largest former department stores featured in a recent Days Gone By and for many readers it has provoked a walk down memory lane, writes David Kindred.
For more than a century, Footman’s, which was in the former Debenhams site, sold items ranging from groceries and furniture to the latest records.
• Footman’s was a store where you could buy almost anything
Eric Pearce, from Ipswich, wrote in to say he worked at the store for 16 years in the bedding workshop repairing spring interior mattresses.
He said: “I worked with Mr Proctor, Don Pearce and Joe Denny. I started in 1950, then was called up for National Service in 1953 to 1955.
“I returned to Footmans and transferred to the furniture department where I worked for Mr H Hall and Mr Raven, then after a short while moved to the transport and removal department. I can remember names, such as Billy Bennet, Roy Smith, Ray Lister, Kenny Chalcraft, Noel King, Ron and Reg Davis and Ald Revins.
“I also met my wife Margaret who worked in the restaurant.”
Lyn Stammers, from Woodbridge, has fond memories of Footmans and visiting the restaurant for tea and cake.
“I was always envious as I watched Knickerbocker Glory being made knowing I could not have one,” she recalled.
“Albert was the lift operator. I liked to watch the assistants slicing the ham and preparing the cheese in the food hall. It was a wonderful place.”
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