Fishersgate :- The Last Ten Years (Or So)

The old Fishersgate Hall was demolished in 2002.   The sub-Post Office counter closed in 2005, and the grocers that then remained closed in 2006.   The newsagent has now moved into the former grocers, and sells some groceries.   Paul, who owned the newagents ten years ago, sold up and now lives in Australia.  The new Community Centre was started in 1999, never finished, and closed by arson in 2005 (this is an ongoing saga).  St Peter's Church will become a Children's Centre, after it is remodeled inside.  The factories and warehouse in Gardner Road (The Kingston Works) have been sold for development into housing, and plans are expected soon.  The Albion Inn is now painted white.  Trevor's Butchers closed in 2006.....Trev now works as a butcher in Shoreham.  Fishersgate Community First School is to become one site of a primary in Sept 2008, in a three way merger with the Manor Hall Road First and Middle Schools.   The Gladstone Pub in Gardner Road was demolished and replaced by houses. Part of the Metal Box Factory Site became houses, whilst the office block is now occupied by Virgin Media.  The offices by the traffic lights are being converted into flats.  The grocers at 'our end' of The Gardens were converted into flats.  Pete Fielder, who was employed at Fishersgate Hall, moved with his family to Somerset, where they own a boarding kennels and cattery.  With no Lunch Club in Fishersgate, Margaret cooks at a community cafe in Southwick.   Coleman's Quality Foods still cooks in 'the cafe on the corner'.  The chip shop has changed hands several times.  I'd better mention the King's Head, so they don't feel left out.  The Lighthouse Community Church is holding an Old Fishersgate Exhibition soon.   My Mum, Grace Painter, well known walking collie-cross Bobby, passed away in 1997.  Father Carey retired, and has since passed away.  Angie, the Lollypop Lady for generations of children at FIshersgate First, was dispensed with. Angie passed away this month (Sept 07)