Watford FC's Popeye lookalike competition

The sign had turned up in an Anderson shelter in the garden of a house in Sheepcot Drive, Garston. And that, you might think, was that.

But trawling through the archive last Friday, I saw a familiar sight – the self same sign in an article from 1978 headed “Historic Discovery”.

According to this piece, published in the Watford Observer on February 17, 1978, the sign “turned up on waste ground at Mill End”.

It reads: “On Monday, Mr Richard Hardy, of Middleton Road, Mill End, found the old advertising sign dumped on land at the side of the road at Church Lane.

“The metal, enamelled sign, weighing about a hundredweight and measuring 5ft by 4ft, which probably dates from early this century, is in good condition, apart from rust round the edges.

“It advertises the removal service supplied by W.E. Pearkes and Sons, and includes a picture of their solid rubber wheel steam removal van. Their telephone number is listed as Watford 19.

“Mr Hardy, who is interested in antiques and old things, said: ‘I spotted it straight away. It is a nice piece of old Watford and conjures up a lot of old atmosphere. I have never seen anything like this, even in a museum. The steam removal van looks like Stephenson’s rocket.’

“The sign appeared to have been dumped for some time, and Mr Hardy decided it was not the sort of thing that should be left there. He thought it was a shame there was no sort of local museum where such things could be preserved and exhibited.

“The name W.E. Pearkes and Sons will conjure up many memories for older residents of how Watford High Street used to be.

“They were among the leading traders in the town in an age when family businesses dominated the main street and were the forerunners of the modern department stores.

“Their drapers’ and haberdashers’ shop occupied the site of the modern Brentford Nylons and part of the Woodhouse furniture store.

“Pearkes were in business in Watford High Street in the 19th Century and in addition to being drapers they also offered an undertaking service. By the early years of this century they had branched out into the furniture removal business.

“They continued in business in the High Street for some years after the end of the Second World War.” 

So were there two signs? Or is this the same one? And where is it now? If anyone knows, please contact me.

Last autumn, Nostalgia featured a piece on Harvey Road school which was celebrating its 75th anniversary. Among its paragraphs was a plea for past pupils to get in touch.

One who did just that was David Ballard, who attended the reunion last month and wrote to tell me about it.

He writes: “On reading your paper and the article about the 75th anniversary reunion at Harvey Road school, I wrote to the school and received an invitation.

“I was one of the original pupils in 1939, with Miss Cooper as headmistress. I can vividly remember quite a few teachers – Mrs Byrnes, Mr Styles, Miss Hall, Mrs Tracey among others.

“A gentleman spoke at the reunion and he mentioned that when he was at Chater School in Watford, one teacher was Ken Cooper, the nephew of Miss Cooper. I vividly remember Ken as he lived with Miss Cooper at the School House in Yorke Road.

“As a lad of 10 years old, I often went up to Mr G Youngs printing workshop behind 34, Yorke Road, just four houses from where I lived at number 40. Ken often used to help with some of the printing especially the early Saturday football results which were then delivered locally before 6pm.

“I was also able to meet some of the pupils I was with in 1939. John Veysey, Rita Williams, Denise Gibbs, Barbara Grange and Audrey Timberlake among others. So this also made the reunion an evening to remember with many happy memories of our school days together.”

Finally, regular correspondent Ernie Mackenzie wrote last month concerning a previous piece by Tony Quick.

Now it’s time for Tony’s response. he writes: “Many thanks for publishing Ernie Mackenzie’s kind words. I am pleased to hear Ernie seems to be well and good.

“He reminds of an era that has so many happy memories for me especially of my time as an amateur footballer at Watford FC. I did exasperate all the three managers I played for there as I would not sign professional terms. The money was awful and I had a career in the printing industry.

“Besides, I preferred playing in senior amateur football which suited my circumstances then.

“May I offer you one memory of so many from then which may be of some humorous interest. During my National Service on home leave from the Navy, in the mornings I would train with the professionals. Hanging up on the peg in the dressing room, my uniform was always a source of some curiosity though all of the players had served in the Armed Forces, there seem to be no sailors at this time. My cap in particular was always being passed around to try on in front of the mirror.

“One morning after training, Dave Underwood proposed a competition for the best “Popeye” lookalike. Each had to try on my cap and pull a gurney face.

“Eventually, a unanimous winner was declared with Pat Malloy being declared the undisputed champion. In second place was George Catleugh, with big Dave himself coming in a close third. It was a riot. I was frequently to find a pound note discreetly tucked into the lining of my cap which meant such a lot from these kind men. They really understood the meaning of comradeship.”

ONLINE TOMORROW: The arrival of the world's greatest hiker

These stories formed part of the Nostalgia column first published in the Watford Observer on February 21, 2014. The next Nostalgia column can be found in this week’s Watford Observer (dated February 28, 2014 and available in newsagents now, priced just 90p) or read online here from 4pm on Thursday.

If you have anything to add – or would like to tell us anything you think our readers may enjoy about Watford’s history – we are always pleased to hear from you. Contact Nostalgia, by clicking here watfordnostalgia@london.newsquest.co.uk