Visitors and locals alike I’m sure will remember “Joe’s Cycles” on Huddersfield Road in Holmfirth, facing Greenfield Road, now a bridal shop.
Until his death a few years ago the shop was owned and run by Joe’s son-in-law, Bill Peabody. For many years Bill and his wife, June, offered an unusual welcome to customers. The shop was lit by a single bare low wattage light bulb and stock was piled up everywhere. On entering, you would usually have to wait to be served while Bill and June argued behind a curtain as to whose turn it was to greet the customer! Face to face, Bill was always very helpful and willing to take on any cycle repair. Was the shop an inspiration for some of the settings and characters in Last of the Summer Wine? I wonder!
The name “Joe’s Cycles” comes from June’s father, Joe Collins, who ran the shop until around 1965. My interest goes back much further - to 1947!
On moving to Holmfirth in 1974, I discovered that my father, who was a rep for Dunlops based in Leeds, regularly travelled to Holmfirth in the years immediately after the war. Joe was a good customer for Dad’s Dunlop cycle tyres, inner tubes, puncture outfits and other accessories. It’s a small world!
Peter Beetlestone
Until his death a few years ago the shop was owned and run by Joe’s son-in-law, Bill Peabody. For many years Bill and his wife, June, offered an unusual welcome to customers. The shop was lit by a single bare low wattage light bulb and stock was piled up everywhere. On entering, you would usually have to wait to be served while Bill and June argued behind a curtain as to whose turn it was to greet the customer! Face to face, Bill was always very helpful and willing to take on any cycle repair. Was the shop an inspiration for some of the settings and characters in Last of the Summer Wine? I wonder!
The name “Joe’s Cycles” comes from June’s father, Joe Collins, who ran the shop until around 1965. My interest goes back much further - to 1947!
On moving to Holmfirth in 1974, I discovered that my father, who was a rep for Dunlops based in Leeds, regularly travelled to Holmfirth in the years immediately after the war. Joe was a good customer for Dad’s Dunlop cycle tyres, inner tubes, puncture outfits and other accessories. It’s a small world!
Peter Beetlestone
