Fisher's price was right for shoppers

More than 100 years ago, the people of Kinver would pop into Fisher's for day-to-day groceries including R. White Soda Water, Hudsons Soap and Colman's Starch.

But what was once a quaint little shop, also selling treats such as Fry's and Cadbury's chocolate, today stands empty. The Fishers' great-granddaughter Jean Gray, of Wombourne, today shared her memories of the once-bustling store with the Express & Star.

The former history teacher has been delving into her family tree and only yesterday discovered her relatives owned another shop in the village High Street, Bolton & Thornhill Green Grocers.

Fisher's, which was renowned for its cakes and bread, was run by Miss Gray's great-grandmother Mary Jane Fisher and her second husband George. The pair married in 1896 and their store was a popular destination for Black Country shoppers, many of whom popped in on a daily basis before the days of fridges and freezers.

From her first marriage to Robert Gray, Mary Jane's daughters Sarah Jane and Florence married Jim Bolton and Tom Thornhill respectively and the couples went on to open Bolton & Thornhill, which sold all manner of household goods.

Miss Gray, aged 70, said: "I have really been enjoying looking into my family tree and was absolutely amazed to discover a second store.

"I love looking back over the old photographs. The shops were full of life and character in those days. It's such a shame that it's empty now as it's such a lovely building.

"I don't know who took over the stores after my family moved on but would love to find out.

"Most people in Kinver will know Fisher's as a pet shop, which was still open as late as 2000 but is now vacant.

Mary Jane, who was born in 1848, had seven children with her first husband, including Jean's grandfather James. After George's death, she left the shop and moved to West Bromwich, where she died on March 21 1921.

Jean taught history at Smethwick's Shireland Collegiate Academy and she said she loved delving into the past, especially the Romans and the 14th Century.

By Elizabeth Joyce