Forum Topic

Arnolds West Ealing

I noticed today that Arnolds sports/camping shop is closing down ...

Viv Ellis ● 4427d19 Comments

Thanks Keith - pity I cannot delete my thread. Must have been AWOL when this was posted. Actually anxiously scanned the thread to see if I'd commented, which would've been concerning for me....

Bud Richards ● 4204d

Bumped for you Bud.

Keith Iddon ● 4204d

I am also sorry to hear of Vic's passing.I remember asking why he was selling the business in Brentford and was advised that he intended to buy a care home on the south coast which he intended to run as a business but primarily because his wife was very unwell and would increasingly need around the clock help and support.

Tony Colliver ● 4414d

And with respect to you Gerry VKS is wonderful for cricket (and some tennis) items but is woefully lacking for other sports.If I still played cricket VKS would be my first port of call; but for rugby, football another sports Len Smith's beats it hands down,

Nigel Brooks ● 4423d

"The nearest independent sports shop with a really good range now..."Errrm...with respect Nigel, I'm sure Len Smith's in Twickers is OK, but VKS Sports shop in Bond Street, Ealing W5 is a fine independent retailer of an excellent and selective range of sportswear and equipment right in the heart of Ealing. Let's support our own first.

Gerry Tan ● 4423d

The nearest independent sports shop with a really good range now Diane is Len Smith's in Twickenham at the end of Heath Road. They are part of a small chain of five stores and have always been good.I do hope that the Arnold's site is something other than another bookies, fast food outlet or 'instant cash' place.

Nigel Brooks ● 4424d

I shopped there as much as I could - Beavers gear, swimming gear, rugby etc and will really miss the place (it is also conveniently at the end of my road!) I'm not sure exactly where to go now to get all this type of kit going forward?As for a Marks and Sparks, sadly the site is too small but I reckon a Marks food hall could fit in - fat chance though.

Diane Gill ● 4424d

That was an interesting connection Pat... about the Arnolds.Vic's "Arnold's Sports Shop" was located at 212 High Street Brentford...(where Maiwand's Superstore is currently) and he was at one time President, of the Brentford Chamber of Commerce (1979 - 1982).Bill Arnold lived in Church Walk, Brentford. I heard once that he worked for many years at the old Queen's Cinema in Half Acre, Brentford (The Bug Hutch!)on the projectors or something. That should have been a laugh!

Jim Lawes ● 4426d

Didn't someone state on here recently that they new what was going in its stead?Probably some new council flats , but hopefully not. Would make a great M & S, if they will ever go back to W Ealing.

Simon Wycombe ● 4427d

Sorry to say Victor Arnold passed away several years ago.  He was a good friend of ours.  He had lived happily in Bournemouth for many years.  My husband, also a plumber, worked with Bill aka Tinker Arnold on various jobs and was actually on site when the lady brought in the two cups of tea - Bill couldn't understand why !

Pat Kingham ● 4427d

Ah yes..on the corner of Ecclestone Road.  Some 40 years ago I work for a while at the Mail Order place behind there.. Unique Publicity.  They used to handle the special offers on the back of Cornflake packets and so on.

Jim Lawes ● 4427d

It was Vic Arnold who ran/owned the Brentford High Street shop, I recall, and he  sold scout uniforms/ camping gear and the like. He lived then in Wood Lane, Isleworth.Vic's brother Bill was a plumber...(a long serving Old Meadonians footballer too)...and dear Bill always used to talk to himself whilst he was working.In one house Bill who was working in the loft and the old lady called out "teas made". Bill was puzzled that she handed two teas to him!Vic Arnold moved to the South Coast somewhere.

Jim Lawes ● 4427d

Re. Arnold's site, previous use.Was it the West Ealing Jobcentre?

Andy Horridge ● 4427d

I remember the Bilash curry house in that parade always did a decent ruby.

Keith Iddon ● 4427d

I was trying to remember what was there before.  My father knew the owner in Brentford.Shellshears (sp?) was only a few doors East, so there wouldn't have been enough trade for both.  Was it an office of some sort, NHS liaison or similar?  It's always been a dowdy looking building.

Phil Kay ● 4427d

I popped in t'other day to have a quick chat with the owner. I know his son,tho' haven't seen him for a few years. They have been there 18yrs accd. to him but I though it was much longer. He said they had moved from Brentford 18 years ago. I  seem to remember the shop being there for longer and I have been around the area 30 odd years. Anyone remember what was there before? Shame it's got to go.

Keith Iddon ● 4427d

That is a pity - weren't they in Brentford previously?Are they having a closing down sale and has anyone yet been in?

Phil Kay ● 4427d

The site has been advertised To Let for months.

John Bodman ● 4427d

Shame, nice people; although I admit I haven't been in there for years (since I stopped playing cricket).I wonder what it will be. Bookies, fast food outlet, payday loan shop.

Nigel Brooks ● 4427d