Marjoram Bros, Gentlemen’s Outfitters, was situated
next to the alleyway leading to the parish church of St
Nicholas. In my younger days, as a scholar at The
Paston School, Marjoram’s were the leading stockists
of that famous school’s uniform. Now, of course,
Paston College is a Sixth Form Centre with few
constraints of ‘dress code’ and the humble school uniform is no more, being exchanged for tee-shirts, jeans and trainers. Which is just as well as Marjoram Bros has long since disappeared.

“I can well recall my first visit to that old-fashioned looking shop, with its ornamental windows and tinkling bell on the double doors. It was during the summer of 1952.”

“Living as we did in Sheringham, my mother and I travelled by train to North Walsham during mid-August to buy my school uniform, ready for the start of the autumn term in September.”

“My mother asked to see a nice navy-blue blazer and grey trousers, but soon a white shirt and special necktie complete with woven coat-of-arms lay on the counter in front of us. The shopping list seemed endless, but the assistants knew just what was required, even though we didn’t, and, soon, socks, together with a cap and all the necessary badges, joined the pile of clothing ready to be packed up in brown paper and tied with string.”

“Just how much it all cost Mother I do not know, but it must have been some considerable expense. Alas, the school cap was to see little service, as, during my first week at Paston, it ‘disappeared’ out of an open window on the School Train!”

Marjoram’s advertised ‘Men’s Wear of Distinction’ with much of it concealed behind glass-fronted display cases or in little drawers pulled out of mahogany cabinets. I can never recall seeing giant signs announcing ‘SALE – 70% off’ as is so usual today!

“Many years later, on a day trip to North Walsham with my wife Aileen and our children, I found myself standing next to Marjoram’s. Aileen had taken our children, Julian and Sami, into Jeary’s for some sweets. Suddenly, a familiar face appeared and I immediately recognised my old Headmaster from Paston, Lieut. Col. K N (Kenny) Marshall, as he walked past me towards the church.”

“A glimpse of recognition appeared in his eyes, or that was how it seemed to me at the time, but, I am now very sad to say we never spoke – just the briefest of smiles were exchanged between us...’

Marjoram Bros, purveyors of fine clothing, has now been replaced by an Estate Agents, Watsons, selling fine houses.

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