Ethel Austin, "As Waz".

I'm not sure if it is a universal trait, or even if it still persists, but back in the mists of history the local women would often refer to some one as e.g. "Alice Kane, y'know, Alice Murray as waz".

We were around town today. Somebody, recently, put forward the suggestion that us "Old uns" should be served an ASBO if we were not seen on the streets of town at least once per week. :¬))
I ought to point out that we did have reason other than avoiding said ASBO.

On the one side we had this and on the other a notice in the window which read...
"Due to retirement the shop is now closed.
Many thanks for your custom over the years."
Thing is he's "nobbut a youth", certainly WELL below 65.

I have mild fears that the day is, rapidly, approaching when we will be faced with a choice.
1. Supermarket.
2. Cheap Bargain shop.
3. Charity Shops.
4. Online sales.

Goldsmiths closed, not that I'm bothered, but the next nearest is Newcastle or Barrow.
Bon Marche closed, ditto, the nearest is Carlisle.
Woolworths became B&M "Pile it high, sell it cheap."
Ethel Austin is now at Preston, Liverpool, ST Helens, etc.

At a chamber of trade meeting once, a member informed the assembled company that people visited Penrith especially for the quality of its charity shops.

:¬((
Moan over.