Heritage.

Since work began on transforming the former Grants department store building into a cinema and nightclub complex, many of you have written in with your fond memories of the much-loved shop.

Christine Wise, from Woodmere Avenue, Shirley, writes: "Being in my 84th year and still considered sprightly, I am saddened to see the demise of dear old Grants.

"I was employed at the store in 1929 after an interview with William Grant, one of the original Grant brothers, to serve a three-year apprenticeship. My mother paid a fee of £50.

"My sister, one year older, was already serving a two-year apprenticeship in the counting house, paying a fee of £25.

"The first year I was paid the sum of seven shillings and sixpence per week, the second 12 shillings and sixpence and the third year 15 shillings.

"After this period I became fully fledged and earned the princely sum of 25 shillings per week, plus commission."

Mrs Wise continues: "My fellow apprentices at this time were varied local lads and lasses but also from the provinces and London.

"These were sons of other large department store owners learning the trade.

"Grants of Croydon had an excellent reputation for this training and it was well-known that an apprenticeship with Grants was a passport to higher ranks in the rag trade such as a buyer's position in London or the provinces.

"Grants had their own large sports ground at Hamsey Green which most of us took advantage of on Wednesday afternoons, early closing day, and Sundays.

"Grants were very generous to their staff. I can only conclude that had it not been for the second world war I would have continued my career with them.

"In 1942, after two years deferment at Grants's request, I was whisked off to do my war effort.

"After the war ended, my career changed direction. I kept in touch with my colleagues for many years and shall never forget the happy 13 years I spent there."

Celia Bailey, from Oakfield Road, Croydon, adds: "All my childhood shopping memories are of Grants. Our school uniforms were bought there. In the children's department there were painted shields showing all the school badges. I'm sure other readers would remember them.

"I always felt proud to see the badge of Oakwood School where my sister and I attended. I think it would be a good idea, if they are still there, for them to be rescued when the building is re-developed and put on display in the museum or library." Developers please take note!

These pictures show Grants in its heyday. Many of you must have fond memories of the great old store, and we'd love to hear from you.

If you want to get in touch with us on this or any other aspect of the borough's heritage, please write to: Gary Taphouse, Heritage Column, Croydon Guardian, Guardian House, Sandiford Road, Sutton, Surrey SM3 9RN. Remember, if you have any photos or

memorabilia, we'll gladly return them.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.