Spotlight - "Patterson and Pies" - The Story of Audrey's and Agincourt
William Agincourt Patterson managed 'Mr Basley's corner shop' a grocers in Bayonne Road in 1929. He later purchased the shop with his brother Charles in 1933. In 1939 Charles left and William took over a corner shop on Greyhound Road (later to be Morgans). During the 2nd World War his wife Audrey kept things going whilst William served in the navy.
The Pattersons owned and ran a business in Margravine Road and took over the shop where they are now from Mr Bateman. The shop now Audrey's (named after William's wife) sold sweets and tabacco and had Hafferden's undertakers next door which is now Agincourt catering.
In 1965 they took over Archer's Newsagents next to the Prince of Wales pub. These premises used to be part of a parade of shops on Greyhound Road, where Muscal house is now. After leaving school, William's son Roger ran the newsagents.
Roger and his brother Stuart ran the businesses from 1975 when their father William died, however their mother Audrey was still very much in charge.
27years later Audrey died, leaving the business to her two sons. Stuart moved on to work in the ironworks trade and Roger runs the shop and catering company.
Agincourt catering is still based in Margravine Road with the outlet next door to Audrey's shop, in fact you need to walk through Agincourt to get to Audrey's. The wonderful smell of pasteries and fresh bread hits you as you walk through the door.
When Sainsbury's opened at the top of Greyhound Road, many small shops closed including Morgan's, but Audrey's remained vibrant and I can see why. As I was interviewing Roger for this spotlight, many people came in, not just for a paper, but also for a chat. It's not just a shop, but a way of life, an important part of our community. All the staff are pleasant and will always have time for you. It's that personal touch which is important and which keeps this shop going.
I asked Roger about the future and he replied, "I want to keep things going the way they are". He also wished that help for improvements to the shop front and refurbishment could have been met by the NDC but unfortunately they are just outside the boundary. Maybe our local MP may read this.
We had some fun with titles for the staff at Audrey's and the following are the results:-
Ray Robbins - Burger and Burger Bun Manager.
Reg James - Transport Manager and Freezer control.
Sharon - Head of Personnel
Sue - Union Rep, Sports and Corporate Punishment
Nichola - Pastry, Publicity and Glamour
Roger Patterson - The Boss
Roger and his wife Frances were married on 5th Nov 2006 aboard HMS Belfast (the ship his father William served on in the war). Next month see the story of William Patterson, his service in the navy and his involvement in sinking a major German battleship.
Photos as they appear:- The shops on Greyhound Road, Roger in Audrey's, Nichola serving burgers in Agincourt and lastly, Ray is making sure both sides are done!
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