02-05-2016, 04:57 PM
(02-05-2016, 08:04 AM)Raditechman Wrote: Doodlebug,Thanks for all that John, all very interesting.
I seem to remember that John Gilberts shop was not very big. Not so much a surplus shop but components and amplifier gear.
To update you on the area.
The market is still there but has changed a lot and if you remember the pie and mash shop on the Goldhark Road (near the market entrance) that closed last year. There had been a pie shop there since 1891. Cookes were the last owners.
The two small watch/clock spares and repair shops at the market entrance (Goldhawk Road end) I think are still there.
Shepherds Bush Empire still open but part of the ceiling fell down last year and it closed temporarily for repairs. It was for many years the BBC TV theatre.
The small cinema next door became a pub. but has since closed and is threatened with demolition.
The large Odeon next door to that has been gutted and is now an expensive hotel.
The area is going upmarket since Westfields Mall opened (that is being made even bigger) and the White City TV centre is being converted into luxury flats. I understand a couple of the studios will be brought back into use.
Along the Goldhawk Road there used to be a valve shop, I think it was Colomor valves. I often went there for valves as they were a cheap brand. I wonder if you remember them.
I guess the internet had taken over, but it was nice when we had all these little special shops.
John
No, as you say, Gilberts shop was very small. He gave me 2 bob for helping him serve
the customers every Saturday. Immediately spent it with him on components !

We used to play as kids on the Odeon site when it was hit
by a V1 in the war. One end was all exposed and we went in there. Never thought at the time
that it would become an expensive hotel ! Laid on for big wigs visiting the Beeb in Wood Lane no doubt.
My parents always took me to the Bush Empire every week (2/6d seats) to see the variety acts of the time.
Colomor valves, yes remember them too.
I had many a happy meal in the old pie shop. Just along the road where we lived at
Pennard Mansions.
Thanks again John for your interesting Bush update.







