The Magic of the High Street: A Saturday at Setchfields

For many of us, the local High Street wasn't just a place for chores or grocery shopping; it was a corridor of dreams. And if you grew up in a certain era, the crown jewel of that street was undoubtedly the local toy shop. For me, that place was Setchfields. A simple black-and-white photograph of the street—with its classic cars parked along the curb and the "RECORDS" sign jutting out from the brickwork—is enough to bring the sights and sounds of a 1960s or 70s Saturday afternoon rushing back.

A World Behind Glass

Walking through the doors of Setchfields felt like crossing a threshold into another dimension. While the grown-ups were busy at the newsagents or the grocers, we were lost in aisles that seemed to stretch on forever. The shop was a tactile paradise, filled with the specific scents of new plastic, printed cardboard, and machine oil.

• The Model Kits: One wall was invariably dominated by the colorful boxes of Airfix. I remember staring at the artwork for the SR.N4 Hovercraft, dreaming of the day I'd have enough pocket money to buy that massive red-and-white "Swift".
• Engineering Marvels: In another corner, the heavy red boxes of Meccano promised endless construction possibilities. You could see the blue plates and brass gears through the packaging, daring you to build something that actually moved.
• Screen Icons: The toy shop was where our TV heroes came to life. We’d hunt for Thunderbirds action figures or die-cast models of International Rescue's incredible fleet, hoping to take a piece of Tracy Island home with us.

The Pocket Money Struggle

The real torture—and joy—of Setchfields was the decision-making. Armed with a few hard-earned coins, the pressure was on. Do you go for a small Corgi car? A new packet of Panini stickers? Or do you head to the counter for a handful of Black Jacks and Fruit Salads to fuel your walk home?

Sometimes, the choice was simpler: a handheld sliding number puzzle to keep your brain busy, or perhaps a new Beano Book to read under the covers that night.

More Than Just Toys

Setchfields represented a community hub. You’d bump into school friends hovering over the Football League Tables, debating which team tabs they needed to complete their cardboard ladders. It was a place where we learned the value of saving, the thrill of a new discovery, and the simple joy of browsing.

The shop was also our connection to the wider world of pop culture. We’d check the magazine racks for the latest Look-in, catching up on everything from the Donny Osmond to the latest TV picture stories.

A Nostalgic Anchor

Looking back at that quiet High Street today, it’s easy to feel a pang of loss for the independent toy shop. Setchfields wasn't just a business; it was an incubator for our imaginations. It was the place where we first started "building" our futures, whether through a Meccano set or the pages of a storybook. While the physical shop may be gone, the memories of those hours spent wandering its aisles remain as bright and vivid as a fresh coat of Airfix paint.