Arthur Beaumonts redundant radio shop
Now part of Chambers Bus Workshop
Taken 2004

The main source of power for the radio before the age of the modern dry battery was the accumulator (lead acid battery)
Arthur would take in approximately 300 of these per week for charging. He also had extensive rounds where he would deliver and collect accumulators from householders. His 15hp Morris Oxford car was equipped to carry something like 100 accumulators. He would load up his car the night before and set of on his rounds starting at 0800, not arriving home until 6.00 in the evening. His round took him to all the outlying villages including Earls Colne, Wakes Colne, Assington etc etc. Apart from repairing radios Arthur`s main outlet was the sale of crystal sets, most of the components being made in his workshop.

This list gives a snapshot of the shops and businesses that were trading in the village during the war years.

Courtesy of Arthur Beamont
12/06