Number 16

Introduction

A Story of Skill, Service & Community

When John Jagger built the Carr Lane parade in 1925, he imagined a proud new heart for Slaithwaite – handsome stone-fronted shops with homes above, built to serve a bustling mill village. Among them, No. 16 has told one of the richest stories: from ribbons and haberdashery to hairdryers and hubcaps, each era reflecting the rhythm of working life in the Colne Valley.

Legacy

For nearly 100 years, No. 16 Carr Lane has changed its trade but never its purpose. From Mary Hobson’s drapery to Robinson’s hairdressers and Ray’s motor parts shop, it has always been a place of service, conversation and trust. Skills, knowledge and goodwill were passed quietly from one owner to the next, creating a chain of support that still echoes today. No. 16 shows that a village shop is not just about what it sells, but about the people who walk through the door.

Fun Fact

Mary Hobson, one of only two shop keepers who were in business pre and post 1925.

Listen to the history of the shop or scroll through the timeline. Narrated by Shirley Scott

Creative Response

Jump on board as the music motors on and takes you on the journey of the story of 16 Carr Lane. The song was inspired by the rhythm of a running engine and shuffles through the shop’s windows of history. ‘From hair to car shampoo!’

It is written, performed and composed by Andy D Burton. Andy is based in Meltham and is an entertainer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist. He has written many songs and incidental music for touring theatre and radio plays. His favourite instrument on this song is the whoopee whistle!

1925–1938

Mary Louisa Hobson, Draper & Milliner

Mary Louisa Hobson moved into the new Carr Lane parade in 1925, buying No. 16 for £1,100.

A skilled milliner, she sold fabrics, buttons, wool and small luxuries to local mill girls and housewives.

She lived above the shop with her mother and was remembered for her neat drawers of cotton reels and knickers.

After her mother’s death and rising financial pressures, Mary sold the shop in 1938 and later worked as a live-in carer.

1938–1970s

Robinson’s Hairdressers

Barber Harry Robinson transformed the shop into one of Slaithwaite’s first ladies’ and gents’ hairdressers.

With stained-glass windows, a coal fire and even cinema seats in the waiting area, it became a warm and welcoming place — especially during wartime.

Upstairs, early perming machines hummed, and the smells of perm lotion and Brylcreem filled Carr Lane.

Despite plenty of gossip, Harry had a rule: no politics, no religion.

The salon served the village steadily for decades.

1970s–1980

Thackrah’s Hair Salon

Long-time employee Leslie Thackrah took over the shop, continuing its life as a hairdresser through the 1970s. Adverts promoted wigs and discreet service — important in a close-knit village. By 1980, the shop finally closed its doors as a hair salon.

1982–Present

Colne Valley Motor Parts

In 1982, Ray Howard opened Colne Valley Motor Parts, turning No. 16 into “Ray’s Shop.”

Old salon fittings remained upstairs, while downstairs became a hub for motorists and mechanics.

Ray remembered lively conversations over brake pads and filters, and the shop even appeared in the long-running TV sitcom, Last of the Summer Wine.

After Ray retired in 2017 Adam Cotterell continued the business — keeping its friendly, practical spirit alive.

In a fitting coincidence, Adam’s partner, Irina, is a milliner, linking the shop back to Mary Hobson’s first trade.

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Number 16

Creative Response

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