Burges and Cross Cheaping

Hi Kaga, It was once explained to me why it was so called when I asked if there were bunnies there. That is how naive I was. Kaga, I am so glad you did not say 'It takes one to know one' I would add though, I have heard it called that since many times over.

Dreamtime. No I thought you were too young have known the Bunny era.

Kaga, I was around when the pub on the corner was called the Wine Lodge and the landlady was called Johnny, I forget her husband's name but I was only a kid and was not allowed in the public areas.

I went there this afternoon to Gilbert's old shop, never had to think about the shutter situation before, but when it is closed the shutter is down covering the entrance for the floor name. I did photograph the clock, sadly the inner dial is defaced with some Carhartt rubbish, there are still faint traces of what's underneath, something like "Gilbert & Sons" or just "Gilberts", "The City Jewellers". I couldn't get a good picture of that with my cameraphone, I did some editing to try and show it more.

Cliffs postcard from Post 43 has just appeared on FB - talk of that 3-wheeler is that it was a Coventry Victor.

Dreamtime, Yes I partly remember, wasn't she called Johnny from the song Frankie and Johnny, something to do with Leadbelly?

I wouldn't have a clue Kaga, just knew her as Johnny. I do remember that a lot of the upstairs area of the Wine Lodge, as it was known then, was empty except for a big room when she held a Christmas party for some staff and my parents. I am talking about late 40's.

Dreamtime, but wasn't there a piano room with a honky-tonk player in the mid fifties time or before, the Bunnies to me were late fifties, early sixties, but dates are becoming a bit hazy for me now.

No honky-tonk player there in my day Kaga, not on that night anyway. There was a piano in there as I remember having a game of musical chairs with the adults, and I won the big box of chocs which I didn't let out of my sight for the rest of the night.

Dreamtime Do you remember a little jewellery shop in the Burges, sold old Victorian stuff, the doorway was like a V off the pavement - I think it was James or similar. Bought a watch there once, long time ago.

Morning Kaga, I do remember that jewellers very well and somewhere on this forum there is reference to it as my own ring was purchased from there. However, after looking through a family history book (printed for us by my granddaughter), I see that my mother's ring (which I now wear), a splendid solitaire and priced at 6 pounds 15 pence, even has a stamp on the receipt and signed, was bought from Flinn & Co. in 14 &15 Broadgate in 1935. I am thinking as hard as I can!!! and coming up with Silvesters. Having said that I am wondering if Flinn & Co moved to the Burges eventually. Now I know someone with a lot sharper brain than mine will (and I hope they do) correct me if I am wrong. To think I have the receipt for my mum's ring and I no longer have the one for mine, but then my hubby bought it and not I. Whilst you are on here Kaga I would like to say how much I enjoy your posts and would like to think so too the rest of us on the forum love the way you set the scenes up for us a very unique way of portraying your memories. Hope there are lots more to come.

Number 21 Burges was the address of Gilbert's, it is also the address of VICTORIANA in the 1972 directory and as Kaga says the doorway is in the shape of a 'V'. The directory information is VICTORIANA 21 The Burges, Coventry. Tel 22014. Antiques & Curio Dealer.

Heathite, many thanks. It came to me this afternoon, of course it was Gilbert's, very small little place but full of antique goodies. Believe it or not I picked the first ring I clapped my eyes on, rather small fit for me now so I wear my mum's from Flinn's.

Hi Dreamtime, you're welcome, I too remember the shop display with its well laid out jewellery, the antique rings with a rich variety of gem stones. It was very colourful and attractive. I'm sure it was a magnet for many young women [Diamonds are . . .]

Dreamtime, Heathite, I just remembered - after the bombing I was in the area. Louisa James, Victorian Jewellery.