[kirklancaster]

The 'Rag 'N Bone' man -- was a Geordie and he had a horse and cart. He never rode on the cart, but just used to lead it and walk along side as he shouted out "Pots for Rags" in that strange sing-song dialect. The 'pots' were cheap cups and plates which he'd give for the right amount of 'old rags' - anything less was rewarded with a balloon.

The Fresh Fish Man -- was Welsh, and he too had a horse drawn 'van' , but his had closed sides and top and was open at the back. Inside, it had a sloping bottom so all his fish could be seen. Cod, Halibut, Crabs, Mussels, Cockles -- you name it, he sold the lot, and all laid out on trays of ice.

We had a couple of ice-cream vans call around, and these were proper vans, all gaily decorated and with chimes. One - 'Hastelows' - sold real ice cream in tubs, and my mouth is watering now at the memory of digging that little wooden spoon into that creamy, yellow ice cream.

There were two milkmen who delivered - the Co-op came in a proper milk float and 'Harry' was a local bloke who delivered in a horse and cart. Harry's milk always seemed creamier but didn't last as long as the co-ops, and the co-op's bottled orange juice was delicious.

Golden days. Golden memories.