The Garage

Walter Dunn opened Dale Garage with only one pump that had been purchased, second hand from Butler’s Bus Company. Positioned on land at the junction of Mansfield Road, Dale Lane and Main Street, Blidworth – opposite the Forest Folk Hotel (which was replaced with a Tesco store in 2012).

Evelyn Partridge, pictured beside a petrol pump at Dale Garage in 1938.

Shortly after this photo was taken, Evelyn Partridge, became Mrs Dunn. In the background is The Forest Folk Hotel. A sign to the right of the petrol pump shows that the price of fuel was One Shilling and Fivepence per gallon (the decimal equivalent would be seven pence).

View of the expanded forecourt for the garage in 1955. The Forest Folk Hotel is visible in the background.

In 1954, the Dunn’s bought the plot of land adjacent to the garage, between it and Clifty Nook cottages. Building work began on a new garage and extended forecourt throughout 1955.

Before the garage develop at the bottom of Main Street. Looking south, towards Rooks Wood (left) and Clifty Nook (right) at the turn of the 20th Century. The young oak tree behind the white railing was planted to commemorate Queen Victoria.

The new garage, under construction in 1955. Looking north along Mansfield Road. Council houses are visible on the left with the colliery village houses on the right side off the road.

In 1955, Walter and Evelyn’s daughter, Valerie left school and began working with her father at the garage as construction progressed on the new premises.

The old Dale Grange signage is taken down.

Walter steadies the ladder, as Valerie changes a lightbulb on the new garage forecourt.

1959, Mrs Dunn poses in front of the new garage windows beside an Esso advertising cut-out.

The expanded garage and store, sold a wide range of cycles, children’s toys, sweets and books.

In 1960, the Dunn’s built living accommodation above the shop and showroom.

In 1971 Mrs Dunn won a window dressing competition for Ever Ready batteries. The prize was a foreign holiday of their choice and the Dunn’s  decided to go to Greece in the following year.

Unfortunately, their tour coach was involved in an accident, leaving the cliff road and toppling down a ravine. Mr Dunn received fatal injuries and died within 4 days, leaving Mrs Dunn in hospital in Greece for some time.

Son, Terence and daughter Valerie continued to run the business until their mother recovered. The business was sold shortly after.