The Cockle Man

Kershaw Crusader Seafoods

Amongst a box of trophies, commemorative shields and photographs in a cupboard at the Institute was a shield with the tag "Kershaw Crusader Seafoods Ltd. 1989."  These shields were issued as promotional ware by Kershaws for presentation to the winners of darts competitions, or other bar games.

 

Mr David Kershaw explains its relevance, as well as a potted history of the Company, or should it be Companies.

“In 1946 Margaret and Edwin Kershaw started Kershaws Seafoods Ltd. now Kershaws Frozen Foods Ltd., in Scarisbrick Lancashire. The main part of the business was selling cockles, to mens clubs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Some years later Edwin's brother started his own business and called it T&B Seafoods which stood for Tom and Brenda, they also traded as Kershaws Crusader Seafoods Ltd. Although the two companies were separate the two Brothers agreed not to compete against each other and Edwin Kershaw traded mainly in England, Tom traded in Wales.

As part of the service both companies offered trophies to pubs and clubs dart or snooker teams and the shield at the Institute would have been such a trophy.”

Although I am unable to say exactly what sport or event the trophy was for, maybe someone reading this can provide the answer.

William (Shilling) Smith and his father were well known for selling cockles in Llanhilleth.   This, I assume, would have been before Kershaw provided the pre-packed sea food which sold in the Institute.

In the late 1940s, cockles could be purchased at Pontypool Market from a lady who travelled from Swansea, once a week.   They would be presented in a large tin bath on the counter, and a glass pint pot (complete with handle and dimples) would be used to measure your purchase, which was then carefully wrapped in a piece of newspaper for the journey home.

Later, but before chicken in the basket became so popular, the "cockle man" would appear on weekends at the pub doorway. Dressed in his white coat, carrying a wicker basket of packets containing cockles, (of course), mussels, and prawns.