The ironmonger's shop of C. C. Clements & Sons in Fairland Street recently celebrated its 150th anniversary with fascinating displays in its front windows.

Among the memorabilia featured were photos, receipts, tools, advertising material and much more. Established in 1875 by C. C. Clements, ownership changed to his wife on his untimely death at the age of 44. His son, Jack, took over until 1942, when it was bought by the Oldfield family.

In those early days, the shop was highly concerned with agriculture. The Norfolk (Agricultural) Show, later The Royal Norfolk Show, was held three times in Wymondham in the late 19th century. A report of the 1895 show reveals "the forges were provided by C. C. Clements of Wymondham, agents for all kinds of agricultural implements and machinery."

Wymondham agricultural shows, almost certainly with Clements attending, continued until World War I. These shows were held on a site now occupied by Wymondham High Academy. Clements also once had a display area for harvest machinery on a site where the Wymondham and District Ex-Services and Social Club now stands.

In 1981, George Squires, who had been an apprentice there since the age of 15 in 1957, acquired the business and ran it with his wife.

Sadly, George lost his wife and son, Kevin, who also helped run the shop, and he now runs it with his son David. Today the shop no longer plays as big a part in local agriculture as it used to, but it still offers a fine range of ironmongery, paints, decorating materials, tools, domestic hardware, locks, keys and more. Long may it continue!