Gordon Green
People coming to live in Wivenhoe during the 70s, 80s and early 90s got used to seeing Pat & Gordon Green amongst the fruit and veg of their shop, Barton Stores, situated on the corner of High Street and Phillip Road,
Gordon was also a common sight travelling around Wivenhoe in his delivery van. He had a reputation for his kindness and doing unsolicited small favours for people.
Gordon would travel early to Covent Garden to buy stock, or would source locally, so that you could always buy wonderfully fresh produce at Bartons.
He was always busy and ever cheerful; a real character and someone who, for many people, was the epitome of the spirit of Wivenhoe – solid, down to earth and with a twinkle that suggested he could enjoy a good party.
In the early 1970s, he took over the running of Bartons Stores which had been started by Pat’s father. It was then on the opposite side of the High Street, on the corner of Chapel Road until, two years later, when he moved the business to where it became a familiar shop until 1997, when they both retired.
Sadly, Gordon died 21st May, 2002 aged 69.
‘You may not be here but you have not gone’
Gordon Green
28th June 1932 – 21st May 2002
Also featured in the photo is Gordon’s wife, Pat.