stevecann.co.uk

Hi Paul,

Thanks so much for your comment, and taking the trouble to look at the site - it's so good to hear from you, and your memories.
That's interesting about the slaughterhouse - I'm not sure where exactly I got that info from, but I guess I believed it to be right when I wrote that a few years ago. Maybe I'll update that bit in the light of what you've said.
I think I'd find that quite disturbing - I don't like any cruelty to animals, but I'm only too aware things were a bit tougher back in those days.
It's great you can remember so much, despite moving away at such a young age.
I do go back occasionally, and I know what you mean about it looking so bland - it makes me feel a bit sad when I see it.
The Iron Duke pub on the corner has an uncertain future too I've heard, which is sad to hear too - I always make a point of popping in there for a pint when I visit.

Thanks so much again for writing - have a great day.

Steve

Paul Liversuch says...

Hi Steve, I've just enjoyed reading through your page 'In The Beginning' after googling 'Cann's Butchers of Chiswick'.  We used to live opposite the slaughterhouse entrance in Devonshire Place (Now Fraser Street) and I remember my mum (Laura, nee Philo) mentioning your ancestors, Cyril, etc.  Just one point - you mention that the slaughterhouse wasn't used after the war but I'm sure I remember animals going in their as a child - I was born in 1946 and we moved in 1954 after the council, in their wisdom, decided to demolish our house and build some lovely looking flats instead!  My mum, brother and sister also mentioned the animals, including squealing pigs.  I didn't realise what was happenning at the time, thank goodness! Whilst I was only 7 when we moved, I clearly remember the picture of the shop complete with overhang - I have walked down there a few times since and the premises don't have any character now - very bland!  I believe the Bakers on the corner was Crist's (Not sure of the spelling!),  best regards, Paul