THIS view from High Street towards The Cross can be dated to between 1924 and 1932 as the tram-lines have gone but tracklesses are still running.

The imposing building on the right housed the Midland Bank.

Behind the cart on the left are the premises of painter and decorator Hartley Smith and ‘Uncle’ Chadwick’s, clothing outfitter, displaying his slogan ‘Always Serves You Well’.

During the Great War, when he ran a large establishment in Low Street, his catchphrases proliferated: ‘We Never Worked For Such Small Profits’, ‘We Are Trying To Help You By Low Prices’ and ‘When You Wish To Dispose Of Diamonds, Watches, Jewellery Or Plate, Uncle Will Give You A Good Price.

The clue to one side of his business lies in the word ‘Uncle’, the nickname for a pawnbroker – three brass balls are visible under the horizontal sign for ‘Uncle’ Chadwick’s.

In reality, pawnbroking was generally mundane.

A survey of 400 such transactions reveals only 20 involved rings, 26 watches and 13 items of jewellery. The majority of ‘Uncle’ Chadwick’s pledges were for clothing and footwear. More than half raised less than five shillings.

After the Great War, a medal fetched 1s 6d, while a set of five in 1919 totalled only ten shillings.