‘The shop windows would literally sparkle at Christmas time’ – A resident recalls cherished memories of Warrington’s oldest independent department store on its 110th anniversary.

Family run store Hancock and Wood opened up on Bridge Street in the town centre in 1914.

Thursday saw the Hancock family mark the milestone anniversary since the business began trading more than ten decades ago.

Reflecting on the department store which she says has been a ‘constant through her life’, Brenda Massey described some of her first memories being trips to Hancock and Wood.

The Stockton Heath resident said: “My earliest memories are of visiting the store with my mum who used to purchase all her stockings and underwear from there. She bought all her handkerchiefs from there for both of us and my dad, along with Walking Day items.”

Rewinding back the clocks to when window dressers used to decorate the high street store during the festive season, Brenda continued: “I remember the front of the store when it had the centre showcase and at Christmas times all the windows were decorated beautifully with baubles and tinsel, they would literally sparkle.

Warrington Guardian: Hancock and Wood celebrated 110 yearsHancock and Wood celebrated 110 years (Image: Hancock and Wood)

“I used to watch the window dressing ladies, whilst waiting for the Loushers Lane bus with my Mum, which was outside the store, as they did the arrangements at the front.

“They were very particular and would pop out to look at what they had done, then pop back in and rearrange things if they were not happy with it.”

The store was first opened by Frederick Hancock and was passed down through the generations to his grandchildren, Michael and Christopher Hancock.

And more recently, Michael’s daughter Susie has taken on part ownership of the business.

Brenda recalled seeing the pair walk the shop floors with their dad when they were young boys.

“I have watched Michael and Christopher grow up over the years,” she added.

“I now shop there myself and visit the cafe frequently, the shop is a unique small department store with excellent service and friendly staff and I love all areas of it.

“I hope they continue to thrive and that they remain in town for many more years.”