Standing here a century ago, you might have heard a rumbling noise coming from a large building just up Stow Hill to your left. This was the local rollerskating rink, now long vanished.
Entry with skates and use of the rink cost one shilling.
An exceptional month at the rink saw an All Comers’ Speed Race, a Select Skating Cinderella and a Fancy Dress Roller Carnival.
At these galas, dances done on skates included a two step, a waltz, a grand march and barn dancing.
The Speed Race was a dare. A lad called Cooke bet he could beat any boy under thirteen, giving them one lap head-start. Two locals aged eleven and twelve took up the challenge. No-one knows whether cocky Cooke won or lost.