SOME people of more mature years might recollect an accomplished pianist — Semprini — who was often on the radio some 50 plus years ago, playing what he termed 'Old ones, new ones, loved ones and neglected ones'.

Such a description (with the exception of course, of 'new ones'), could be ascribed to Linda Elliott's fascinating and minutely researched 'The Traders of Tavistock, 1870s to 1970s'.

A local lady, the author of this publication combines a deep knowledge and understanding of the subject with an economical, focused yet attractive style of writing which eschews surmise and opinion, rather giving readers what they want — the history, relevance and impact of some 30 diverse shops trading in Tavistock during the century mentioned in the title.

The format is both straightforward and reflective, with each business having a two page spread — one devoted to a photograph, usually of the premises with owners and staff standing before it, the facing page containing Mrs Elliott's succinct, but invariably informative history and description of the nature of the shop and of those who founded and ran them.

The vast majority of the names have moved from over shop windows into memory, with only the rightly famed 'Crebers' remaining in the hands of the family which founded it. The shoe shop 'Wilkins' is still to be found in Brook Street, but it moved from the Wilkins family in 1963, while 'Carrs Garage', though still in the Carr family, is now located at Lamerton.

When readers peruse the traders listed alphabetically very early in the book, there are many they will remember — 'old ones' and, in numerous instances, 'loved ones' also. Sweets ladies and gents tailors and drapers, also barbers, hairdressers and confectioners, was a shop which fulfilled both, right up to the time the family business was sold in 1972. The long remembered Tommy was a charming, warm-hearted man ever, in keeping with his name, in charge of a bag of sweets which he kept on the counter and offered freely.

Perraton's Café (now the NatWest bank) was another well known name, along with grocers such as Sargents and Underwoods, and Friends, pork butchers — whose sausages were famed far and wide. Many other shops and stores — covering the wide range of wares and products necessary to supply a vibrant, growing community — are featured, some which will be remembered, others, the 'neglected ones', which possibly will not.

All though, get from Linda Elliott, equal coverage — an illuminating synopsis which brings them to life, and does so in such a way that those in the area who have memories of some of the businesses will be able to picture them once again, while those who do not, will be captivated by her vivid illustration of a thriving commercial world of locally owned and run shops, sadly, rarely to be found in modern life.

Yet, not all things change, for the author includes a letter written for publication in the Tavistock Gazette, complaining about folk going to Plymouth to buy, causing the closure of many town shops — it was penned by a local trader in 1932.

'The Traders of Tavistock, 1870s to 1970s' by Linda Elliott, priced at £6 — available from Book Stop, Tavistock and from the author on 01822 615211.

TED SHERRELL