My mother's maiden name was Joyce Lillian Douglas. She was born in Willesden. Her family were evacuated in the war. Initially some of the family went to Long Buckby to live whilst mum moved to Finedon, but all the family were eventually re-united and lived in Ewenfield Road. Dad lived with his parents in Regent Street. He met his wife to be at Star Hall in 1947:there were regular dances there then. Mum's mum and dad's mum were big friends My mum and dad were married at Finedon Parish Church in 1948. Mum worked at Gammidges in the closing room whilst dad was a clicker at the same factory Pop groups, such as the 70's Showaddywaddy had their shoes made at Gammidges. My roots are here in Finedon. We moved to our new house in Finedon in 1951. When I was a child I was taken to Butlins Holiday camps by my parents. I recall that there used to be a tannery on The Green when I was a child. We would watch the big wheel with all the leathers hanging from it. I also remember Bowles bike shop, which was next to the Quaker House then. At the back of the shop was a sawmill. Just down from this shop there used to be a draper's where Lovedays restaurant is now. I think that it was mostly men's outfitters. I always looked forward to Finedon carnivals. Dad was in Finedon Town Band. At one time bands would come from all over to play including Lincolnshire, Derby, Melton Mowbray as well as Wellingborough and our band from Finedon. I know that everyone loved the carnivals, they used to do it for charity fund-raising. I believe that we have to encourage young people to take an interest in F3, perhaps forming a committee. Maybe, this would bring new life here. and help the town to flourish again. Of course we could do with a by-psd9 to ease the traffic that passes through the town.
