Brandish's

In 1946, they were also distributors for Singer Cars

Could someone please tell me if Brandish was where the row of shops is now? When did it close? Thanks!

Brandish's are advertising bikes and motorcycles in the Coventry Herald as early as 1911 where they were at 625 Foleshill Road. A pedal cycle was then £6.17.6 to £12 and a motor cycle £48.15s. A report in the Coventry Evening Telegraph says W Brandish tried to get exemption from war duty in February 1914 when he was called up at the age of 40 so that he could keep bikes repaired as no new ones were being produced but his application was refused. The military were asked not to call him up for 2 months.

Yes, my sister bought one in 1952 exactly like the one in the advert, and yes, for a short time, one channel, if I remember correctly the screen was about 9 inches square. Annewiggy, I find that amazing, this forum does turn up some wonderful bits of info - thanks.

Yes, I also remember those TV sets but look what you got for your money. Knobs for vertical hold, horizontal hold, brightness and contrast. Ya don't get that now We got our first TV from Radio Rentals for just a few bob a week.

I have memories of Brandish's in Whitefriars Street. My father had a Vauxhall Victor and, although he didn't buy it from there, he did take it to Brandish's for servicing and repairs. They had a car park in the lane between Whitefriars Street and Much Park Street opposite their workshops and my father habitually used it whenever he went to town. He reasoned that he was a regular customer and he hated paying to park the car. He got away with it for years, although my mother and I were less impressed, as shopping had to be lugged back to the car. I also have memories of GEC televisions. My father worked at GEC for about 50 years and anything electrical in our house had to be GEC, including our first three televisions. Employees used to get a discount and the equipment was supplied on this scheme by Bonham & Wilsons in Far Gosford Street. Smaller goods were supplied direct from the factory shops, one of which my father ran for many years at Helen Street.

Hi Anne It was always to the south of the shops/Coliseum building. The garage was bought by the education department in 1977 and used by them as sports hall for many years.

Hello Coventry. I bought my 1962 model Triumph Bonneville from Brandish in 1963 for £275. The salesman was a chap called Ackerman if I remember correctly and very helpful. Oh, those days!

A childhood mate of mine took an apprenticeship in the motorcycle department of Brandish’s in the late 1950s. The repair and maintenance workshop was situated on Whitefriars Lane just a few yards along from the Whitefriars Gate.