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Hatters Nostalgia Corner (1)

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A time to reflect on what has gone before but is no longer around, if you get my drift.

A recent article Vital Luton Town published – ill-tell-you-exactly-what-is-wrong-with-luton – ended with a reference to the West Side Centre.

Growing up in Luton and following the Hatters, the West Side Centre was a familiar sight for Luton supporters.

Fielding an array of shops, it also became a focal point for a pre-match pint (or two) as well as giving the people an opportunity to browse or do a little post-match shopping.

For many, the ‘Chicken Kitchen’ provided the opportunity for many to get a pre-match meal.

But, as a youngster, the shop that interested me most was ‘Shanks and Turner’ a sports shop.

I was first taken to the shop by my late-father who took great pride in explaining its owners, Gordon Turner and Wally Shanks were former Luton Town players who had enjoyed success with the club.

Wally Shanks was a defender who made 247 appearances for the Hatters between 1946 and 1957 and it was he who first entered into business, along with his friend Jack Edge, with the business being called – Wally Shanks Shoe & Boot Repair Company, situated at 109-111 Bury Park Road.

In 1960, Gordon Turner joined the company. Turner played 450 matches for the Hatters between 1946 and 1964 and scored 276 goals, a club record that, quite probably, will never be beaten, with Turner on board the business relocated to 123 Dunstable Road.

With the West Side Centre built, the duo relocated the business to the spot I recall in 1972, selling sports good it was often a place I frequented, keen to spend my pocket money on football items.

Sadly, neither Gordon Turner or Wally Shanks are with us anymore, Turner’s life was cut brutally short when he contracted the motor-neurone disease and died aged just 46, whilst Shanks was to die aged 87.

As for one last thought on the West Side Centre, does anyone else remember that tunnel in the far corner that led towards the town centre?

What a cacophony of noise that made when it was full of Hatters fans heading home after the game.

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