When I came here in 1976 there were at least four good, proper, tool shops. Mibro was on Tollhouse hill, opposite what is now the big Chinese restaurant, the name of which escapes me.
There was Poole's Tools, later PooleWood. I forget where they were, but they moved to Chilwell and later Attenbororough, before the various takeovers, sales, buy-backs and the move down south without the founding Mr Poole.
There was Black's in Beeston, where you could buy a Record bench vice or a washer.
And the pride of Nottingham was Hopkinson's, near to the railway station. It was an old mill, three floors, a mahogany counter running the length of the shop. The walls full of little drawers from floor to ceiling with a wooden ladder for access. Staff who wore brown coats and knew everything about what you wanted. When it went, the place was bought by Alltools, who promptly ripped out the interior (I think it should have been Listed), then moved out shortly afterwards. Vandals. Alltools now is near the football grounds, but is mainly power tools and stuff for the building trade.
Now there is B&Q. Riverside is not bad, actually, but I know that is not what you mean. Near Nixon Knowles there is Toolstation (I think). I've not been, but they have a banner at the traffic lights enticing one to visit.
The best independent tool shop in the area is The Tool Shop on London Road in Derby. Small, traditional, friendly, well-stocked. Tell Mark I sent you.
If you find any others, let me know. And if you want to come over one evening, you are welcome. I'm in Beeston. For the immediate future, anyway - but don't leave it too long.
Cheers
Steve
