THIS OBJECT IS PART OF THE PROJECT 'A HISTORY OF CORNWALL IN 100 OBJECTS'.
TAMAR VALLEY PROTECTION SOCIETY. How we used to shop. Open all hours rather than 24-hour opening, personalised not self service and definitely no buy one get one free offers! Elliot's shop - a Cornish shop frozen in time - was handy for the ferry and railway, but bypassed when the Saltash Bridge was built. It closed its doors in 1973 after 70 years of trading. Decimalization and high business rates were to blame according to Frank Elliot, the last shop-keeper.
From old gaslights, a grocery delivery bike, and Fry's emergency chocolate rations to gaudily decorated Tunis cake and Babycham, Elliot's shop is a place where memories are stirred. After the shop closed Frank Elliot and his brother ate their way through the stock. Tins of meat were opened at the bottom, then carefully washed out afterwards and put back on the shelves. Jars of jam were left - clearly not a favourite of Frank's.
Photo: Bernie Pettersen
Share this link: