Harrogate, The Stray 1902

Photo ref: 48967

What was the name of the Grocers shop next to Blamey’s the Florist in the Market Place? I think it was something like Bentley’s, and was run by a lady called Doreen.

My father (Snowy) was manager at the Alex from the early 50's until 1962. I remember how huge the bars seemed to me as a small child and how small they seemed compared to what I remembered when I returned for a brief visit in the early 80's. As a small child exploring all the old hotel rooms was a fascinating experience. I do remember that when the Caledonian bar opened on the first floor a man was hired to cut several ...see more

I spent some of the happiest years of my life in Harrogate, working in "The Grange" hotel (an old peoples home basically, along West Stray), I also worked in "Blind Jacks" behind the Prospect Hotel (we sold Old Peculiar ale and wow it was potent stuff - I was warned not to sell too much to people and keep an eye on them as it was so strong and tended to take people by surprise lol), and in both the Stalls and ...see more

I was there 1957 to 1961 Mrs Gray and daughter Mrs Wayman ran it,wonderful teachers,Mrs.Brittain/English /Miss Leathead/maths.played sports in the Oval.pupils Chris Smith,brother Colin,William Watson,John and Maggie Thompson still see William occasionally,tipped our caps to pupils parents outside the school gates. Harold Styan taught us PE.and juggled his clubs on school sports day.lt was a great school got me through my 11plus and taught us manners,great memories. Gordon Lund