His venues were local clubs and halls whenever opportunities occurred. Costumes and 'props' were made by his wife, Lily May Cox, and music and monologues were apparently bought from London publishers. Many promotional photographs were commissioned, and it is probable that Rollie was aiming at a professional career.

Contempories enthused over his performances, and one lady now living in Rushden remembers seeing him at the 'Palace' cinema, on stage between films. This was, presumably, in the 1920's before the advent of 'talking pictures'. The 'Talkies' sounded the death-knell of the old-style Music Halls, and by then Rollie's business interests left little time for entertainment. In the late 1920's he purchased his Fish and Chip shop at 107 High Street, Rushden, prospering in times which were not easy after the slump of 1930.

Concurrently with this re-development, a site was cleared at No. 45 High Street, next to the National Provincial Bank, and including the original Victorian Post Office Yard. Four new shops were built, plus, at the rear, Rollie's new enterprise - 'Rollie's Cafe^', equipped with all new monogrammed cutlery, tableware and appointments. It was the era of the genteel 'Tea-shop and Restaurant', which was the market aimed for, and, after a year or so was sold, the new owner changing the name to The Blue Bird cafe. Well, this did not last very long, and Rollie took back the business, working it, with his wife until his untimely death in 1942. (he had been gassed in the trenches in 1917)

However, W.W.2. saw the original 'Tea shop' concept transformed to providing good hot dinners for factory and office workers in the town, the Cafe being filled to capacity on a daily basis from 12 to 3 p.m. and after. Rollie^’s widow, Mrs. Lily May Cox, had kept the business going throughout the war, with help from family members and very loyal staff.

In 1945, Rollie's eldest son Joe returned home after almost seven years service with the 4th. Bttn. Northamptonshire Regiment, and after fully qualifying as a Chef, joined the business, (by then the Central Cafe), and stayed until his retirement in 1982. (Joe was, inevitably, called 'Rollie^' by his contempories)

So, 'Wimpy Bars' came, then Takeaways of every variety, 'Pub Grub' and the like; gone are the Tea Shops, the Coffee Taverns and the Co-op. 'The old order changeth, never to return'.