It made my day to read the comments about George Street and remembering the memories of the stores, I went to George Street school for 2years from 1957, certainly remember Mr Jones, I visited the street 2 years ago, although the street is lovely and modern, it was sad to miss the school. But I walked through into the car park to help me with the lovely memories and I certainly could feel them as I stood in what I felt would have been the playground. I feel it would have been coming up to a hundred years old now as I remember being there and celebrating its 50th birthday, I loved DeMarcos coffee shop, and the store that ground the coffee beans, always remember the smell, I bought my first record of Elvis Presleys at the record store, my mother worked at the greengrocers that was halfway up the streeton the right hand side going up. I remember George street being painted and done up for the Queen's visit. As I now live in Australia, I often jump on the net to look up Hove to reminisce. It was certainly lovely to read the comments and reminisce about George Street. Keep it up.

It is delightful to read these comments about old George Street. When I first moved to Hove in 1991 I found it neglected with a lot of closed shops and wall-to-wall traffic. Now it's a pedestrian paradise. The street has been reclaimed by local residents and shoppers as an attractive place to walk, shop, eat, drink - or whatever! Many of the newer shops like Coffee Republic, the Sausage Shop, Puccino's, etc have added to the existing mix of interesting independent shops. I was a ward councillor here from 1996 to 2003 and our vision of pedestrianisation was not one shared by everyone at the time but now I think everyone agrees the street looks great. Two friends of mine got engaged in George Street, which they insist couldn't have happened without the kind of café culture that's been created there!

I replied to Tim Sharman direct yesterday via his Yahoo! mailbox (like probably many of you, he's also a subscriber to the My Brighton and Hove email group, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mybrightonandhove) about his comments here on 18 June. Today I decided there's no reason not to share my thoughts with the rest of you!

I told Tim that I too had been a guest of Derrick Stewart-Baxter in the upstairs room at Wickham, Kimber & Oakley but that I'd found him to be a bit too much of a purist for my tastes given that I, like most of my friends at the time, knew nothing of rhythm 'n' blues other than what we'd been exposed to on Radio Luxembourg - that is people like Little Richard, Screamin' Jay Hawkins and Bill Doggett! A slightly more tolerant and realistic mentor to those of us who wanted to delve deeper into the idiom was the great Don Sollash at Dobell's, who would gradually feed us snippets from people like Red Prysock. Derrick on the other hand rather preferred that we concentrate on the likes of Lightnin' Hopkins!

Oh yes! Wickham, Kimber and Oakley, with Derry Stewart-Baxter, the man who introduced me to the magic of Billy Holiday and Jimmy Rushing. DeMarcos ice cream parlour. The coffee shop and, was it Cobleys, where my parents bought my Hove Grammar school uniform?  George Street was a vibrant and exciting place back in the 1950s. A group of us young jazz fans would meet at the record shop and would also frequent Dobells in Western Road, where the inimitable Don Sollash reigned. We also spent many happy hours in the local jazz clubs: The Chalet Club, with the Ted Ambrose band, The Coneyhill, with Les Wood producing carbon copies of the great George Lewis, The Chinese Jazz Club over the Aquarium, where I listened to Tubby Hayes, Phil Seaman and other British jazz greats and The Vanguard in New Road, with the Les Jowett band. We also used to trek to Crawley to hear Kenny Ball, Ken Colyer and Acker Bilk. How about the concerts at the Dome? Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, Dave Brubeck and Gerry Mulligan plus, of course, the Chris Barber Band with Ottilie Patterson. I remember the Modern Jazz Quartet at the old Essoldo in North Street. Great days !

Mum and I went shopping every Saturday up George Street. We started at the top in Woolworths on Blatchington Road and then over to George Street for the butchers and fish shop (Macs). And after shopping a lovely ice cream or Horlicks in the cafe.

Surely the fish shop was Coe's! I don't remember a MacFisheries in George St, but I could be wrong. I remember the roast coffee aroma from "Importers" I think it was (and may still be).

I attended George Street school 1946-1949. The fish shop was Coes and my friend's dad drove the mobile Fish and Chip shop that serviced the Hangleton council estate where I lived. I remember well the George Street shops especially 'De Marcos' ice cream and the bike shop where I got my bike repaired. At the top was a Sainsbury's where my sister worked. Does anyone remember Cowells hardware shop? My granny used to send me there to buy paraffin (what a stink!).

I remember so many things about George Street - yes, the smelly coffee shop, the smelly delicatessen (I was a little girl at that time), the little Sainsbury's, and the lovely smell of fish and chips. A trip to Broadley's every summer holiday to buy a blazer eight sizes too big to last until you left school! De Marco's  -I always longed for an ice cream coated in the crumbs from the Flakes used in the "99s", but for some reason mum would never let me (maybe Paul will remember). It was always a plain ice cream, but sometimes with a flake. I still love George Street nowadays, it has moved well with the times I think.

Yes you are right it was called Coes fish shop, there was a funeral parlour there too, I went there with an uncle once too book his funeral which I thought very strange at the time, but it was 40 odd years ago and I was only about 8 at the time. I went back 2 years ago what a change!

Was the funeral parlour "Bungard and Son"?

My mum and I used to shop in George Steet when I was tiny, about 1960. There was sawdust on the floor and blue tiles with animals on the walls in Sainsbury's , and our very own pocket supermarket -Victor Value. I bought my first record "She loves you" in Wickham Kimber and Oakleys, but I'd forgotten the name!

I used to love George Street. Ice cream from DeMarcos, my first 45 record from Wickham Kimber & Oakley, wool from Bellmans. Does anyone remember buying broken biscuits (not pre-packed!) from a shop half way up the street. I remember Woolworths opposite the top of George Street and a little shop near it which sold china and glass etc. Those were the days!

I am another survivor of Wickham, Kimber and Oakley's small upstairs room mentioned by Tim Sharman. I worked in Shoreham in the 1950s but attended the old Brighton Tech on day release. So every Wednesday lunchtime I got myself to Church Street as quickly as I could and spent a happy forty five minutes with wonderfully informative Derrick Stewart-Baxter. I was already biting so he sold me my first EPs and really turned me on to the joyous delights of New Orleans music. I have never looked back and have managed to visit New Orleans three times in my life. Thank you Derrick.  All power to Hove, Church Street, WK&O and that splendid old character DBS.

Just a footnote re Wickham Kimber etc record shop:
A lady called Hazel worked there under DSB for years before retiring to Steyning. She was a huge fan of Fats Waller and followed him round much of the UK during his one tour, even becoming a good friend - she had a little album of autographs and photos to prove it. She had a brief moment of fame a few years ago when 'The Oldie' magazine interviewed her about Waller for the 'I Once Met' column. Sadly she died some time ago. Her interviewer, Campbell Burnap the trombonist and broadcaster, died last week too.
DSB in his lair upstairs could be intimidating but with a heart of gold. I once got a lift with a minibus he had hired to travel to an Alex Welsh session at the Fox in Haywards Heath. He was complaining about his Mynah bird. It refused to say 'Lady Day', a reference to Billie Holliday. All it was capable of was defecating, even on the roof of its cage FROM THE INSIDE! Great days.

I went to George Street School from about 1949 to 1952. I too remember the broken biscuits shop, often buying a bag of such at a bargain price. I also remember the strong smell of coffee in the street. From the pics, it sure looks as though the street has been improved a lot. Anybody go to George Street school the same time as me?
Contact me at swameejee@netzero.net

If I may ask, I'm from a younger generation and remember virtually every shop that was down George Street & Blatchington Road in the 90s. For anyone who's lived near there all there life, when did the ice-cream shop close down because I remember it very clearly. Also I'm curious about George Street School which once existed. Where was it located down George Street and when was it demolished?

I lived in George St from 1944 to 1955. My Father owned the car showroom at no. 85 which is now a bistro. I went to George St school from 1947 to 1953. The school was on the right hand side of the alley that now leads to the rear of St Andrews church from George St. There was a pub near the school called The George. In response to previous comments, the original fish shop was Coes which was on the right hand side near the top. In the early 50s another fish shop called Hayes opened about a third of the way up on the right. The coffee shop was called Importers. The bike repair shop was Pumphries. The best fish and chips ever, were sold in Shippams. I used to buy 1p worth of crispy bits - mmmm! I still love George St and shop there frequently.

Like everyone else the smell of the coffee will always be with me. I also worked in the Tescos in Blatchington Road which is Icelands now. I was working there during the 1966 World Cup Final and watched the game on a tv in the shop above the freezer cabinet while I pretended to move frozen chickens about.

I was very interested in the comments as I was brought up in Hove and spent many a time walking up George Street with my mum. Then I grew up and moved to Sackville Road where I used to shop in George Street. Yes I remember Woolworths, the coffee shop, and didn't the Body Shop have their first shop there? The ice cream parlour, Boots, now my kid's shop there and I am in Cornwall. I miss those days, happy memories.

I remember most of the shops mentioned, I seem to remember a food shop, I think it was Liptons, they always had a chair by the counter for which I was very grateful when I was pregnant with my eldest daughter, now 51yrs old. Does anyone remember the Ballerina cafe it was a great meeting place for many local youngsters, we bought one coffee and stayed all evening.

Does anybody remember Bull's the sweet shop in George Street? My Aunt used to work there in the 1960s.

I have a very old photo with Foreman, George St, Hove printed on the back. The photo shows a lovely park with a bandstand in the background. The bandstand appears to have a grass or thatched roof. In the foreground is a minuture church/cathedral, made of plants and surrounded with low flowers. I would love to be able to date this photo.

Dose anybody out there remember the name of the coffee bar near the top of George Street on the left hand side in 1966? I think it was where New Look is now.

Re the Ice CreamParlour in George Street Hove; this was owned by my lovely late Grandfather Agostino and later by his son Gerry. It was an old fashioned shop but well respected and it was a very sad day when the cafe closed after the very sudden death of Gerry.

I remember so much about George Street as a child. Sainsbury's - buying blue bags of tea and sugar. Watching the lady in the white hair net patting the butter into half pound bars. The broken biscuit shop - a window piled high with stock. Freeman Hardy and Willis for shoes. I also bought my first record in Wickam, Kimber and Oakley. " What do you wanna make those eyes at me for?" by Emile Ford! We would go to Cobley's at the bottom in Church Road for my school uniform, and later for that of my two daughters! I too remember the Queen's visit and have photographs somewhere. My mother would shop at Coe's the fishmonger and butchers too. The Wimpy bar later on for coffee and one of the first burgers ever. The body shop was there, but not the first one. That was in Kensington Gardens. However Christine (Max Bygraves daughter) opened the one in George Street. Later on I found myself in partnership with a good friend in The Jewellery Shop at number 22 which is now The Body Shop. What goes around, comes around! Happy days!

I remember Driscolls at the corner of George Street and Church Road. My mother worked there making curtains, cushion covers and nets. It changed from Driscolls to Stuart Norris and then to Army & Navy Stores. My mother was there throughout the changes till she retired.

Like Pete Wilson, I too went to George St. school from 1946 until 1949, and remember many features of the old street. On the south east corner was Shaw's Stores, the first supermarket that I can remember, and the owner's son was also at the school. The record shop opposite was where I bought my first 45 r.p.m. record, and when I got it home my father sent me back to change it for a proper full size record. De Marcos ice cream parlour was a great place for a cheap cornet (3d); later it took to selling Eldorado ice cream and lost it's individuality. I remember getting the cane at school by Miss Evans, I moved my hand away and she hit her leg, so I was given six of the best instead of just the one. There were two fishmongers: Coes and Blackmans, and I recall my Gran going into Blackmans, and in front of her in the queue a lady called a worker there Bob, and she said to him "what have you got good under the counter?". When she went, my Gran said to the worker "Bob what have you got under the counter?" He said to my Gran "Do I know you?", and she said "no", so he replied " you can have something special for your cheek". I still think of my first school in Sussex with affection (my family moved there from London after the war). Mr Whiting was the headmaster, and it was a sad day when the old school site became a commercial property, but unfortunately that's the way of the world.

Well that certainly evoked some long forgotten memories. The coffee shop dominated the air, the hustle and bustle , the mixing of cars and pedestrians. Great place. I used to go there shopping with my mum many years ago. A friend‘s father, owned a green grocer called Cooks which was about half way down on the right side. McFisheries was near the top on the left and I can remember no more.

As a young student, I have been given a geography task to find out the changes in shopping/retailers over the years in George Street. I was wondering if anyone could help me with information about which shops have done what and how they've changed. Can anyone help me?

Bought back happy memories, I was always in the Ballerina coffee bar.

I often used the Ballerina 1964-1966. I do know John had some connection (aka Disco John). Still local, I do know young Tony Diamond and the lovely Eileen Misslade. Hiltons shoe shop just opposite where Susan Carter and Jacky Almond would work. We would go bowling at the old Odeon at Hove station on our scooters driving straight in to the foyer. I remember Kenny Holden on his super moped and Trevor Jones. Anyone care to join in?

Can anyone tell me about Dove's shoe store that was located at 24 George Street? Fifteen years ago my wife and I purchased an old cash register in New Orleans for $10 because the crank was broken and the drawer would not open. I fixed the crank and when I opened the register, a few keys were in the till, the sales tape was still on the roll (showing it belonged to Dove's Shoes), and there is a certificate showing the owner to be I.T. Dove. It has little handles to select pounds, shillings, etc., and letters that I assume are shoe sizes (??), and although undated looks like it could be 1950s. How it got to America I cannot say but it is a centerpiece in our vestibule. Bob Mansfield (mansfieldbob@comcast.net)

So interesting to read all the comments about George Street which was always great to visit. Pleased to see that it is coming back into it's own! Anyone remember the Hove Table Tennis Club that was in a small hall behind the George pub? It supplied the Brighton League and the Sussex County teams with a lot of star players, unfortunately, I wasn't one of them!

How wonderful to read about Derrick Stewart-Baxter and the long-gone Wickham Kimber & Oakley record shop in George Street. I too was an habitué in the mid 1950s, spending what little I had left of my weekly wage at Allen West. I learned so much from Derrick about Jazz and Blues. After I moved up to London I would send him blues records from Doug Dobell's shop in Charing Cross Road. I still have my 78s and EPs and intend to put them on CD one of these ol' rainy days. Have mercy Mr Percy!

Great to read all the comments about George Street - brings back memories of going shopping with my mum as a small boy in the late 60s/early 70s. Whilst looking for images I found this Pathe news reel from 1962 of the Queen's visit. http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=42794

Happy days! I bought my first jazz record from WKO and Derrick Stewart-Baxter and Jeff Rigby, directed me to the John Coltrane/Dizzy Gillespie concert at the Dome around 1963, as well as to Jazz at the Ship, near Brighton Tech. All the big names came down from London, e.g. Tubby Hayes, Don Rendell, Bill LeSage etc. and we all bought our instruments, charts and reeds from 'Windo' Martin in Gardner Street.

Does anybody remember the soft scoop ice cream parlour with all the flavours -my one was mint chop chip - also the smell of fresh ground coffee?

I loved George Street and bought lots of things from the Army Surplus Store that was near Currys on the right hand side going down. Wasn't there a Radio Rentals also ?

My Mum used to work in the supermarket at the bottom end of George Street in the 70's. It was then Priceright.

My Mum just reminded me of the clothing store "Ann Logan " where she used to buy our kids clothes from. She used to save up her wages to buy us the latest fashion.

Can anyone tell me what the original use of the building on the western side of George Street was? It is now Georgie's Bistro and has the coat of arms of Hove Borough Council at the top of the building? I remember an embroidery and wool shop on the western side also I think there was a fishmonger called Watts.

Hi Ann, the building was previously used as a Fire Station by the Hove Volunteer Fire Brigade until the late 1920s, after which it became an auction house. It thereafter was used for varying commercial purposes; greengrocer's, butcher's, Wimpy Bar, etc. Regards, Andy.

I had a very unique experience on George St. A friend was staying with us, and on a Sunday in the early fifties, I took him up George St. Only one shop in the entire street was open. Belcher's sweet shop about two thirds up on the right. In the heat of a balmy summer, the sunny street was utterly and totally deserted, except for us two. We bought some of those sherbert bomb things, and some Palm toffee. It'll never happen again.

Does anyone remember the Army and Navy? I think it was either where Coffee Republic is or where Barclays is. I remember going in there all the time when I was a nipper (early 80s).

I was shopping in George Street yesterday after visiting Tesco. My wife, daughter and I often go there for the charity shops which are great fun and usually have some good bargains. I've known it for many years as I used to have my business account with the bank at Williams and Glyn's at the top on the right side when Mr M.A.P.Thomas was the manager.

Well done Steve Ritter for buying your first jazz record here. I remember when I was secretary of the Brighton Jazz Club and Stewart Baxter used to come to our gigs at the Richmond Hotel where we played each fortnight on the first floor. Ted Ambrose was the band leader and it was circa 1948/9 while I was studying at the Brighton College of Art & Crafts - opposite the King & Queen pub - on Grand Parade. Anyone remember this?

Great to read past stories about George Street. I have worked in the street for 30 years at 'The Body Shop'. Remembering when the first small shop opened in 1978 selling incense, flip flops, kiminos and, if like me, had your ears first pierced on their high chair in the window, taking in all the different perfume oils around! I have seen a lot of changes in the street including the changes in 'The Body Shop' but it still remains a unique and big-hearted community street. Where has that time gone? Happy Easter!

Fantastic stories - I lived in Montefiorie Road but would hang around George Street waiting for the church jumble sales or endlesssly browsing charity shops for 'retro' garments to wear myself or sell on on my parents totters stall on Portobello Road. Something which I still do now much to my daughter chargrin, although she's keen for a bargain if its from beyond retro! Must remember (note to self) to keep it as fashion comes around again and again. But I do remember 'new' shops opening coming from Kensington Gardens such as the Body Shop. But still have yet to find anyone who can remember 'Spaghetti Junction' in Blatchington Road, a unique new takeway offering more than fish and chips! No-one seems to remember this take away. I can remember eating great jacket potatoes and bolognese. Quite exotic for late 1970s. John, Belfast Street, where are you?

I grew up in Hove in the 50s and my sister worked in Sainsburys. I remember all the old shops. What a wonderful community George Street was.