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Grocer's Shop

1986 , Saffron Walden (Essex)

Cat no. 203152

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Due to the rise in popularity of supermarkets, J F Penning & Sons grocery shop in Saffron Walden is forced to close its doors.

Eddie Anderson narrates a nostalgic report on the final trading days of a local institution - "J F Penning & Sons" grocery store in Saffron Walden. The camera tracks down a street in what Anderson calls a "quaint, cosy, country town" to the outside of the grocery store. Inside, an elderly couple enter the well-stocked, traditional, grocery store. In shining brass scales, James Penning measures out their order of crystallised ginger. A gentleman has a casual chat with the shopkeepers. Vintage advertising placards for Robertson's and Golden Shred show the shop's commitment to retaining traditional methods. A female customer laments the decline of the shop, especially the personalised service. Brothers Leslie and James Penning admit they will be sad to close but the gradual downturn in profits has left them with no option. They cannot compete with the younger generation's preference for supermarkets. Two sales assistants pack a delivery into an unmarked cardboard box, with Leslie remarking that the elderly customers who receive deliveries will be worst hit by the closure. A heartfelt retirement celebration is led by "one of the oldest customers" of the shop. The Pennings are presented with a sizeable cheque. Visibly moved, the brothers thank the assembled crowd and their staff. The final few shoppers peruse the wares as Leslie balances his books for the last time.

Keywords

Shops; Shopping; Saffron Walden; Grocery Shop; J F Penning; Bygones; Nostalgia

Background Information

Bygones is an Anglia Television documentary series exploring East Anglian history and traditional rural crafts first aired in 1967. The series was discontinued in 1989, but briefly brought back by Anglia TV in 2007 following an overwhelming vote from viewers on a programme they wanted reinstated. Wikipedia. J F Penning opened the store after the Great War and bequeathed it to his sons, James and Leslie.

Manifestations

Grocer's Shop

  • Sequence Details:
    • Group 1:
      • Part Number: 18
      • Parts Unit: Series
    • Group 2:
      • Part Number: 8
      • Parts Unit: Episode

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