Genealogy Chat

Does anybody know exactly where in Aldershot Currys electrical shop was located? I'm fairly certain that it was in Union Street but if anybody can come up with a street number for the shop it might just help me resolve a mystery concerning my great grandmother! Thanks in advance. David

I notice that there is not a Curry's in Aldershot any more. WHat sort of years are you looking at? Perhaps there is a relevant Kelly's directory or old phone books at the library that you could look at? You could try looking at www(.)pastplaces(.)com to see if they can help. Sorry I can't give a more helpful answer Alison

Alison Many thanks. I'm looking at sometime between 1910 and 1930. My great grandmother owned a shop in Union Street which later became Currys. I'm particularly interested to find the building number. Thanks for the tip about past places - I'll give it a try before trying to unearth a trade directory. Thanks again. David

David, It might be worthwhile contacting the Aldershot News group of companies. They often print pictures of olden days. They will have a website. If you can't find it I will try to find their address. Regards Sarah.

Thanks, Sarah. I'll definitely give that a try and will let you know how I get on. Regards David

David I don't know whether the following link might be of interest to you. Removing the brackets of course http://www(.)geocities(.)com/alderweb/index(.)html Best wishes Ann (born in Aldershot! now in Wales)

I don't have an exact address, David, but..........at 2a Union Street was a solicitors office and Curry's was just a few doors down on the same side, so probably numbered about 10 or 12. They were still there when I left Aldershot for Canada in 1996. Patsy

David, The newspaper that would probably help is the: The Star Victoria Rd Aldershot Hants if you write to them, they maybe able to help. Have you tried phoning the library in Aldershot, they may have some records 01252 322456. regards Kim Sandhurst

Kim suggested phoning the library. I've found Aldershot library really helpful - they even found me two photos of my grandfather's greengrocery shop (in Union Street!) and gave me permission to put them on my web site. Judith

Judith, That must have been really great for you, I'm really pleased, what a boost to be given a photo that was probably stored away with everyone thinking that it didn't matter, but to you it is a jewel. Too be honest I would think Union Street has not changed that much over the last 100 yrs, as it is extremly old looking (or it maybe just wear & tear!), the shops are quite small and drab looking now, apart for the ones that have been given a lick of paint, but whenever I am there (now don't boo!) it's quite nostalgic, ok some parts are built up and the barracks are vast, but the history is there. Sorry to go on, but round here it seems everyone takes it for granted and I love the place!!!! Kim

Thanks to everybody for the helpful suggestions. A few more avenues to try - I'll get there in the end!! David

Hi Kim, Yes it was a boost to get the 2 photos. The part of Union Street where my grandfather's shop was has been redeveloped and is now housing so looks totally different, so I'm really pleased that I have the photos. Judith

If you're interested in the history of Aldershot, this is a very good book....."Bygone Aldershot" by Tim Childerhouse. I don't even know if it's still in print (I bought my copy about 15 years ago), but Aldershot library would likely have a copy. There are some good photos of Aldershot town centre and surrounding area at the turn of the century, you can even make out the names above the shops. There's alot more to Aldershot than soldiers! Patsy, Canada

Patsy Thanks for the tip about the book. I spent many years in Aldershot as a child so it would be good if I can lay my hands on a copy. As you say, there is/was definitely more to the town than soldiers! Thanks again. David

Another good book is "Images of Aldershot", co-written by the senior librarian at Aldershot Library (grandfather's shop is on page 38!). Both books are listed on Amazon. Judith

Thanks, Judith - another book to add to my shopping list!!! David