Pompey fans in perfect health as baker's stock is on the rise

AE Hicks horse-drawn bakers van in 1907. Was the third prize for the product or the horse and vans turn-out? Picture: Barry Cox

I asked how many readers recalled this Portsmouth outlet that boasted: ‘Every man will get nearest the goal of perfect health when he eats good bread’.

My youthful colleague Bob Hind is, of course, not old enough to remember the shop.

However, he did manage to dig out, thanks to his collector friend Barry Cox, the pictures here today.

AE Hickss horse and van in what could have been a trade show on Southsea Common. (Barry Cox collection)

As you can see, according to Bob’s Kelly’s Directory, in 1948 AE Hicks and Co not only had the shop in Goldsmith Avenue but stables around the corner in Apsley Road and premises in Albert Road, Southsea.

Bob says: ‘They appear to have won third prize in some event or other in 1907. This could have been for their bread or cakes or perhaps for the turn-out of the horse or van.

‘Another event which was held on Southsea Common was what might have been a trade show with all businesses which had horse-drawn vans and wagons vying for the best turned-out equipment.’

I should still like to see any pictures of the Goldsmith Avenue shop.