The oldest business in Ladywell is about to celebrate its 60th year.
As Geoff Hurst was sealing a World Cup victory with a first final hat-trick, Arif Enver took a big gamble and set up a dry cleaners in 1966.
Dry cleaners offering a same day service were far from being a High Street fixture in those days. Clothes had to be sent away to dry cleaning factories.
But undaunted Arif opened his shop and has never looked back.
Despite recessions, changing demographics, and big shifts in how the latest fabrics should be cleaned, Ladywell Dry Cleaners has thrived – and continues to thrive under the firm control of Arif’s daughter Em.
The secret. “We are a trusted local business offering a good service,” says Arif. “Everybody knows us,” adds Em.
“And local people like to be recognised when they walk into a shop,” she adds. “They feel part of the community.”
Em recounts how during the pandemic when lots of people found the isolation of successive lockdowns extremely hard they would come into the shop, which was allowed to be open three days a week, to see someone and talk.
“I was probably the only person they had talked to for days at a time.” says Em.
“It was important. We were able to keep our business going and they could escape the confines of their houses and flats for a quick chat – and get their clothes cleaned!”
Ladywell high street has changed significantly over the years – along with the dry cleaner’s customers.
“The shops have changed a lot,” says Arif. The electrical shop and Co-op have long gon … barbers have come and gone … along with grocers, fruit and veg shops and a shoe repairer.
“Customers have changed too. There are a lot more young professional couples with young children in the area. Many of them have moved from north London,” says Em.
“They’ve discovered Ladywell – its a gem – the green spaces, a village community, and lovely Victorian houses.”
Arif and Em are looking forward to celebrating their 60 years with the community on February 21 from 12.00 noon. to 4.00pm. “A little drinks celebration,” says Em.
They’ll be chatting to customers, talking about what Ladywell used to be like and remembering how the business has changed.
“Do you remember when we started you could dry clean trousers for 2 shillings and 6 pence (12½ p) and a suit for 6 shillings (30p),” says Arif. “And we could only take cash and cheques … no cards.”
“Our little celebration on the 21st will be a trip down memory lane.”