Jack Kaye Walk connects Ella Street and Goddard Avenue. If this bridge or tunnel looks a bit odd for a footpath that's because originally the Cottingham Drain ran through here until it was culverted and turned into a path. This place used to attract the graffiti artists and that was frowned upon now it's been 'decorated' by a 'community' group and that's OK. Jack Kaye ran a shop on Ella Street that has since been pulled down and is now housing. There's a plaque that reads "Jack Kaye, Epicurean Grocer served the Avenues area 365 days a year from this shop here 1947 to 1998" seems a bit OTT for a corner shop proprietor but maybe he was special.
Jack Kay certainly was something special.
ReplyDeleteFor many years, his shop was the only one for miles around that was open on a Sunday. That alone made the shop (situated on the corner nearly opposite the walk) locally famous - everybody knew that this was the place to go to for the things you forgot to buy on Saturday and needed for Sunday lunch.
The chap was a real personality too - always cheerful and helpful, and greatly liked by his customers. Personally, I don't think the naming of the walk is OTT at all, but I can certainly understand why it might seem that way to people who didn't know him and his shop.
he was a legend ! if you asked for something that he didnt have he made sure he got it. if my daughter was ill and i couldnt get out he would bring stuff round to me too. service with a smile at all times
DeleteThanks for this John. I did think there had to be more to this than I knew about.
ReplyDeleteIt does look like an odd passageway.
ReplyDeleteI remember going to Jack Kaye with My Dad , We used to come up from Plymouth to visit our Gran in Victoria Avenue , once we had a cup of tea , the next trip was to visit Mr Kaye , He always greeted us warmly , I remember he always did excellent bacon and Cheese , Went on Google maps tonight and seen his shop has been replaced by a housing development. GOLDEN MEMORIES
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