History rises from the ashes

WHEN builders moved into the launderette in Hockliffe Road at the beginning of January little did they expect to find the remains of an old oven in the basement.

The brickwork is still intact and the workings fully visible on the brick structure underneath the building.

Builders have taken care not to disturb the remains but have cleaned the cellar space up. Old glass bottles were also found among the dirt and dust.

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Leighton archivist Colin Holmes says the building used to be a grocers years ago and they made their own bread. He has supplied the LBO with a photograph from 1913 of what it looked like back then, see far left.

During the makeover an old shop sign was found underneath the existing one which spelled out Flewin.

Meanwhile, the launderette is getting a complete overhaul and will open again shortly with new equipment and bigger facilities.

>> Do you remember a grocers at this site? Did you ever step down into the bakery?

We’d love to get your feedback. Send your information to [email protected]

>> If you have an old image you’d like to share with a wider audience, why not get in touch as well?

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