The Last of the Mohicans

24th October 2020

I took the opportunity to look into T.H. Downes greengrocer’s shop in Colinton Village. I was right with my earlier musings that it is indeed Patsy’s brother who since she died back in March aged 81 years has been trying to help it to limp along. He’s 77 years old, so younger than her. Because of a rotor-cuff injury he’s unable to continue working at the nursery. He remarked how he couldn’t but wonder how Patsy had spent over 60 years in the shop. He found himself getting bored but said he enjoyed people coming in for a blether. As would she. But she was also a great reader, rarely to be found without a book in her hand. If I recall correctly, she liked James Paterson. I took several photographs.

In comparing them to others I’d taken previously he’s maintained most of the shop’s vintage feel. He’s also increased the stock and the range. I’m glad I visited. One day, probably sooner than later, I’ll drop by and find the business has closed for good, after operating for over a century.

After a century of being in the family, January 2023 marks the end of an era with Downes’s greengrocer shop in Colinton Village currently up for sale.Tempus fugit. And The Last of the Mohicans.