The first three issues of the Gazette in December 1916 are full of seasonal cheer of all varieties.
W J Ridge, Wine merchant of 70 High Street, has two adverts — one for Old Scotch Whiskies including "Dew off the Highlands", the other for "Anglo" ales and Oatmeal Stout. Charles Ashton, family grocer trading at Trafalgar House, is the sole agent for W & A Gilbey's wines and spirits. For the home baker, Tattersill's Stores boast that they have the largest stock, the best of everything at the lowest prices. Among the items for sale are loose Muscatels for cooking at 8d per pound; Chinese figs and finest Tunis dates are 9d per pound. Tattersill's also offer "Evaporated fruits — apricots, peaches and pears" as well as a wide variety of nuts.
Suggestions for Christmas presents are plentiful. A M Morrish at the Quay Cafe is showing a good selection of chocolates, confectionery and season's novelties.
F Karslake, draper of London House, heads his advert with the words "Christmas should be enjoyed in a reasonable manner. Our old-fashioned custom of giving and receiving presents must not be allowed to pass. It is the glad time of friendship and goodwill of the year. If you are looking for practical presents, Heywood & Heywood of Grenville Street offer serviettes, 5 0'clock tea cloths and tea cosies as well as handkerchiefs and Antimony trays. Steward & Co's Bazaar at 56a Mill Street has a splendid selection of British-made toys. W Wood of 10-11 Meddon Street reminds readers that Christmas is the children's festival and offers toys, dolls, games and tea sets. For the ladies, Robert Yeo at Manchester House (in an advert illustrated with line drawings) suggests that "suitable and acceptable" presents include aprons and pinafores, while Sanguine & Son's Boot stores in Grenville Street promote their pretty slippers, house shoes and ladies' gaiters.
For the man in your life you could visit H I Meredith of 18 High Street, to buy vacuum flasks, shaving requisites and electric pocket lamps, while Coles & Lee at the Gazette Offices offer useful leather goods.
The troops have not been forgotten and suggestions include "Swan" fountain pens with ink tablets in tubes, metal cigarette cases and photo cases.
The more extravagant could buy an American Organ from J T White of 77-8 High Street, a piano from Nicklin's at 14 Bridgeland Street, watches and jewellery from E Northwood at 69 Meddon Street or furs from Burrows at 17 High Street.
To decorate your home, Perkins and Son, florists on The Quay, offer ferns and palms in pots as well as cut flowers supplied fresh daily.
If you were unfortunate enough to be unwell, Gerrish's Speedy Cure for coughs and colds can be bought for 1/3d a bottle at E Gerrish, dispensing chemist on The Quay. We are also assured that Mother Seigel's syrup banishes indigestion.