Cottingham
Until around 2003, an old petrol pump could still be seen on the forecourt of the former Crane’s garage and petrol station in High Street, Cottingham
As well as petrol and vehicle repair, Cranes also used to offer a carrier service. David Dodd tells us that, for a charge of three old pence per item, Mr Crane would collect any item of shopping from nearby towns (e.g. Kettering was on Fridays).
Prior to this, the 1903 to 1914 Kelly’s Directories list the village carriers as Thomas Claypole and Arthur Minns, running to Kettering and Market Harborough, at that time by horse and cart. From 1854 to 1890, the service was provided by the Strettons.
Cranes’ lorry was also used to ferry the Methodist Sunday School children round in the wagons on August Bank Holiday, taking over from the traditional horse and cart.
Middleton
The third picture above from Janice Binley shows Middleton Garage proprietor Eric Adams with his son Keith and Les Jackson. More information to follow.