A Historical Walk with Brian Summers

The Past Finders Youth Group recently embarked on a fascinating journey through time, led by none other than local storyteller Brian Summers. Starting at the Dockyard Museum, the group gathered around the early Falklands history exhibit, where Brian sparked curiosity with tales of the old Globe Store—now long gone but remembered fondly through the museum's display.

Brian shared stories of local industry, like the old "fizz factories" that once bottled soft drinks and sold them through the Globe Store. On display they have some vintage bottles to show the group. One of the highlights was a humorous tale of a formal reception at Government House where, instead of the expected rum, guests were mistakenly served vinegar!

From the museum, the group took to the streets of Stanley, exploring its layered history one step at a time. Looking at an old photo of the town centre, they stood on ground that didn’t even exist back in the day—land that had since been reclaimed and extended.

At Gilbert House, Brian showed a rare early 1940's photo from when the building served as a hospital during WWII, before the medical services moved to the current King Edward VII Memorial Hospital on John Street.

Strolling along Ross Road, Brian brought old buildings back to life. Starting with the once-grand Town Hall, he explained how it had sadly burned down and been replaced. Next door, the Standard Chartered Bank had a surprising history—as a community bathing area before homes had running water, later a gym, and even a wool outlet. Nearby, Studio 52 was once the island’s telephone exchange.

Crossing the street, they paused at Marmont Row, a stretch of privately owned homes that once included the Ship Hotel, the Upland Goose Hotel, and the exclusive men’s-only Colony Club, where suits were compulsory. Nearby, the Ship Bar and the King family's Gift Shop once buzzed with life.

Next came Mrs. Dean’s Cottage, once an upscale tearoom. The elegant stained glass still adorns the doorway, and while the building has served many roles—including an education office—it now houses the British Antarctic Survey offices.

At the Capstan Gift Shop, the group learned this area once hosted a jetty and boat slipway, where the remains of the Charles Cooper could be found. Brian displayed a photo of the original West Store, which featured a series of steps and multiple counters—groceries upstairs, furniture and clothes downstairs.

A short walk led to the Whalebone Arch, where Brian pointed out where a long-lost warehouse once stood—later transformed into the Past Times shop. Today, FIC Ltd - Electrical Store.

Another photo from 1927 revealed the former Stanley Arms Hotel and Pub, now just a parking lot for FIC Ltd. Across the road on John Street, buildings that now house the Beauchene Fishing Company once included Kelvin’s Store, Binnies photographic equipment and stationery. Brian reminisced about the Kelper Store known as Hardy’s, remembered fondly for their ice creams. After became the NAAFI, Monty’s Restaurant, and today it’s Deanos Pub. Nearby, the current DF Falklands Clothing has lived many lives—from sweet shops, Mag Biggs and Poole's to sandwich counters Leif’s and Jaxs Cafe.

Heading east, Brian shared memories of Stanley Senior School, once the site of Beauchene Shop. Across the road, restaurants like Miller’s, run by well-known local families, served hearty meals. One lady even sold toasted sandwiches from her porch after pub hours—a nostalgic highlight for Brian.

At Stylish, Gloria’s hairdressers once were a brightly painted Falkland Store, the group learned about its former owner, Molly Barnes, selling clothes and the now-lost Globe Store, a pre-1982 icon where customers moved counter to counter for cheese, flour, cigarettes, and fabric.

Up Philomel Street, they recalled Peter Short’s shop, a treasure trove of parts and sweets, later transformed into Kidd Crafts, selling hand-made teddies and crafts. The group passed the old Victory Bar, Fred Whitney’s paint shop, and Arlette’s Gift Shop, once a charity store.

Continuing along Fitzroy Road, Brian pointed out today’s Unwind, which has been many things, including Mini Morrisons clothes shop and the beloved Pink Shop, known for art supplies, camping gear, and musical instruments. Nearby, Poole’s ice cream van served kids before and after school, and Laurens Blizzards, a shoe store. Next-door Woodbine Café offered fish & chips. Aub Summers’ Woodbine Bakery, famous for wedding cakes.

Further on was Ada Jenning’s haberdashery shop. At the corner, Sandra shared that Claytons Bakery had been her first job. Across the road, Hamish Wylie sold bicycles and above housed the original St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a dry (non-alcoholic) Working Men’s Club.

At the western end of Fitzroy Road, Brian pointed out Dobbyn’s Bakery, known for its sausages—now a private home.

The group wandered down Villers Street to the former Speedwell Store, once a general shop selling everything from butter to watches. Back on John Street, they admired one of the last surviving and well-kept water hydrants, a relic from a time before running water, when people hauled water themselves.

Opposite the Infant and Junior School, they paused by a stone house were Albert Hall once sold radios. Just down the road, Alec Shackle’s barber shop stood beside the Co-op, which had Fitzgerald’s tucked in the back.

The final stretch took them down Barrack Street, with memories of Joan Bounds and Teresa McGill’s gift shops, before returning to the museum for a cozy roundup, sheltered from the misty rain.

Sandra wrapped up the tour with questions, sparking conversation among the kids, who were clearly captivated by the stories of shops, sweets, suits, and sandwiches from a bygone era. They left with vivid memories and, no doubt, plenty of tales to share at home.

A heartfelt thanks to Brian Summers for guiding us through this unforgettable walk down memory lane.