Lynes Store

Don't know if this is the right section to post this message but here goes anyway! Who remembers Lynes Army Surplus Store? It was tucked away on a small lane behind the Gas Showrooms on Corporation Street. Back in the day (40's to 1980's?) it was the 'go to' place to be kitted out for your Outward Bound, Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Scout camp or any outdoor activity. This was before the days of Regatta, Rohan etc., etc. My Uncle, Cyril ('Squib') Peutrell was the Manager so I got discount on purchases such as clothing, even ski goggles, for the great Caludon Castle Skiing trip to Martigny in Switzerland circa 1961/1962 (I think!) Also got my first pair of black lace up ankle length boots for when I joined the BTP Police Cadets. They had a nice toe cap and my Dad showed me how to 'bull' that toe cap until it gleamed. Got a rucksack there for hauling the school books about and later on, a ex-Army kit bag for when I was in the TA.

Hi Dayzeefun, There was this article in the Coventry Telegraph in 1999:

I do indeed remember Lynes stores, tucked away behind the Gas Showrooms, ever since I was a kid. Hiking boots - you went to Lynes. Dubbin for the boots - you went to Lynes. There was a mature bloke there who knew everything about the merchandise and would advise you on your purchase. When I told my dad (who incidentally was older than I was), he said that there was a bloke behind the counter by the surname of Peutrell. My dad said he'd been there since the year dot. I believe my dad knew him from schooldays - Centaur Road?

Doctor Martens boots and shoes are still available but the brand was long ago sold to China. Fortunately we can still buy boots and shoes made in the original Doctor Martens style from the NPS Solovair shoe factory which is situated in Wollaston near to Northampton. This is the factory which produced the Docs we loved in the 60's and 70's and they still make them in the same traditional way now. You can check out their website to view their extensive range of shoes or visit their factory shop. I have long promised myself a new pair! These are not cheap shoes, but Docs were never cheap. The only difference from the Docs of old is the sole marking which is slightly different to avoid copyright issues.

Thanks to all for your responses. Particularly Garlands for the newspaper article as I didn't know the history of Lynes. It mentioned my Uncle 'Squib' Peutrell and that he had been a part-time fireman. I remember as a 'ween' being fascinated by his firemans axe and I think he kept a helmet at home too. He was attached to the old Canley Fire Station and they had a great social scene including a fete every year at which my sister and I and my cousins all had a great time. Somewhere in my 'archives' I've got a copy of an article from the Coventry Telegraph marking 'Squib's' retirement. He was indeed the mature gentleman Slim refers to who had been there all his working life after war service. He lived in Sherbourne Crescent when married. Interesting that the subject moved on to boots as I also got my first pair of hiking boots there and I'm sure they were second hand! At least they'd been broken in and they lasted me for 10 years of reasonable use. Going up Snowden (sorry 'Taffs' - Yr Wyddfa) was their finest hour. Doc Martens is a whole other subject - wonderful when patrolling long service in hard stations!!

Yes I remember Lynes very well, and bought many outdoor items from there, and Dubbin. I still to this day have a pair of wellies and wool socks purchased from the stop circa 1980, both all in good order. I too bought a pair of Hawkins boots for my mountaineering and hiking, which served well until they got a proper dunking while out on an outdoor survival course. The glue for the soles didn't appreciate the prolonged duration of swimming after the raft made with rope and barrels fell apart. Not only could you get outdoor clothing, Lynes also stocked and sold a very good range of work wear, which also wore well. One thing I do remember very clearly, they never had a modern cash till. The till was a well-used but sturdy wooden drawer with compartments for the coins, notes and cheques of the day. Sadly missed, not just the nostalgia, but the proper customer service, nothing was ever too much for the staff.

I still have & use my Karrimor backpack which I purchased from Lynes, would have been 94/95!

'Hawkins' was made by Dr. Martens in Northamptonshire.