Post War

Despite the war William and Rose saved every penny they could in order to make a better life
for their family. William had no plans to go back to his window cleaning business instead, with
the money they had saved during the war from Williams haircuts and Rose making shrouds,
William went into business with Sid Addelsee. The Ironmongers business at 159 Stroud Green
Road, Finsbury Park, originally belonged to Sid Addelsee’s father. Over the years William and
Sid would grow the business to eventually include 3 other shops on Stroud Green Road. One
of the shops (a half shop) was bought from William and Sid, and run as a camera shop. The
purchaser (Cliff) eventually sold to Norman, Irene’s husband, who carried on as a
“photography shop” until the death of William almost three years later.

On Jan 30th, 1949 Rose and William had their fourth child and another daughter Susan Lydia.
Susan was born on January 30th, 1949 and went on to marry Stuart Walker.

William joined the National Federation of Ironmongers to ensure good contacts between fellow
businesses and the Suppliers and Manufactures. He was a very active member and became a
committee member of the North London branch going on to become Chairman from 1959 to
1962. Many of the North London Branch meetings were hosted by William and Rose at their
Cuffley home where Rose’s Steak and Kidney pudding became a firm favourite with the other
members.
Rose would attend the annual dinners with William, which on April 6th 1962 had a cockney
theme and was chaired by William for the third time. This was also the night of the match
between Spurs and Benfica in the European Cup which William knew would attract many
members that evening – William passed on his best wishes though in the program; the
‘Evening Caper’.
 Despite the growing business there was
always family time and holidays by the sea.
Butlins was a popular venue.

Butlins about 1954. The Hayward family and Irene’s future

husband Norman Victor Pearce

L-r
William, Susan, Rose, Eunice, Norman, Irene and
Jacqueline

William and Rose celebrated their Silver

wedding anniversary in 1958.

William became ill during 1968 and after a short period in Chase Farm Hospital died on March
4th 1968 aged just 58 years.

Three years after the death of William Rose moved to Enfield (4 Capstan Ride) from Cuffley.
The house and the upkeep for her became to much.

'It took a long time for mum to settle in Enfield and she wasn't keen on the house'
[Irene]

It was a big move for her but she did eventually feel more at home. Unfortunately she had a
few downs with her health, eventually cancer caused her demise in 1988 (20 July).