Okins' Garage centre - taken from the 'Wheatsheaf' c1910

Seen from Skinners Hill - 30 Church Street is just behind man

In about 1899 Albert Okins managed the old Lightstrung cycle works at 16 Church Street, and his brother William was then at Bedford.

In 1908 Arthur Okins ran a shop in High Street trading there as Okins & Thompson cycle makers and agents. A plan was passed by the council to erect a corrugated iron building off Coffee Tavern Lane.

By 1914 Albert had started a motor garage business, next to the old Coach and Horses Inn, at 16 High Street South, and Arthur was at 30 Church Street selling cycles, having taken over the premises from the Windward Cycle Co. Following the death of Albert in 1917, Arthur took over the garage.

Globes of the 'Shell' petrol pumps can be seen above the wall
Detail of the 'Shell' sign (round) and the globes with another sign for 'Lissen' above.

George Robinson set up his business on the same site in the mid 1920s. The area was cleared in the 1930s, and George built his new garage.

c1933 with the new Robinson's Garage