The First Cafe | NECTON CAFE, FUEL STATION & GARAGE

During the summer of 1955, Mrs Rudge became aware that coaches full of holiday makers were being turned away from the Three Tuns public house on the other side of the junction. It was obvious that there was a significant need for more catering facilities to meet the demand. This was particularly true at the weekends for travellers going to/from the east coast, but also for truck drivers during the week. Realising the business opportunity, the building (old car showroom) next to the garage was converted to a cafe offering hot & cold drinks, meals and snacks.

Photo showing the petrol station, garage and cafe soon after the first cafe was opened (c1957):

(Can anyone suggest who that is sitting on the wall?)

A short time later, but before the cafe was extended, a larger ‘CAFE’ sign was put up over the cafe entrance.

Coaches with holiday makers use the first Necton Cafe:

Over the next two or three years, the cafe floor area was almost doubled by adding an extension to the Tuns Road side of the existing premises.

The following two floor plans show the first cafe before and after the extension:
(These plans may be somewhat simplistic – for example, where was the wood/coal burning stove that we know was there; and where were the toilets? Updates expected soon.)

To attract more local trade, this extension also offered fish & chip meals and take-away; a ‘pin machine’ type game; and the ever popular juke box with all the latest hit records.

This period saw a significant increase of holiday makers travelling by coach from the industrial areas of the Midlands and Yorkshire to the east coast – car ownership was not common in those days. The coaches would set off in the late evening, and travel overnight, many arriving in the Necton area between 4am and 7am. After a short refreshment break, they would continue to their east coast destinations, arriving there typically between 7am and 10am. Usually, the coaches would collect returning holiday makers from the previous week, and in many cases, would make another stop in Necton in the mid-afternoon.

Despite being very busy running the business, Mrs Rudge found time to set up a ‘Brownie’ group in the village (as she had previously in Northwold). As ‘Brown Owl’ she lead the group, with the assistance of her elder daughter as ‘Tawny Owl’. The family have a number of photographs showing the group undertaking activities around the site of the first cafe, and the bungalow.

Mrs Rudge also supported the village in other ways:

In the late fifties, during the tenure of Rev. Dennis (we think), Mrs Rudge donated a processional cross to the church. We believe it’s the same one that is in use today (2014).
The cafe was often used to hold charity bingo events.
In May 1965, when Necton VA School celebrated its centenary, many of the celebration supplies were donated by Mrs Rudge.

A significant change was about to happen to the site, with the publication of plans to build a Necton bypass. This was to provide an opportunity to significantly increase the size of the cafe, and to build a new fuel station.

The following two maps show the extent of the property, and the immediate surroundings, before and after the ‘Necton Bypass’ was built:

Memories

“I am told (but don’t remember) that I used to tow my playpen around the ‘old’ cafe with my tricycle – presumably this was vehicle training! However, this is only what my sister tells me, and she used to tell me that the colour ‘blue’ was really ‘green’ so I’m not sure. If anyone can substantiate this story (the tricycle one, not the colour one), then please send a comment on the feedback page.”
Rudge – Bob (Robert)
In the late 50’s, the cqfe was a meeting place for youngsters, particularly on a Sunday. I remember teenagers from Necton and other local villages, meeting there to drink ‘Coke’ and play records on the juke box. I was also a teenager at the time, and although working in the cafe, I enjoyed their company. However, my Mum couldn’t understand their habit of mixing salt and pepper with vinegar in the ash trays; or their ability to make one ‘Coke’ last all afternoon!
Rogers (nee Rudge) – Jackie
During one winter (late 50s or early 60s), the A47 was blocked for a few days by snow. Quite a few lorry drivers were stuck, and stayed in the cafe. Providing food became something of a problem, and we soon ran out of bread. We could get milk from the milk lady (Maudie Thompson) who, fortunately for us, had milk spare because presumably she couldn’t get out to deliver to her customers. Flour was obtained from the corner shop (Mrs MacMurray), and, because we didn’t have yeast, Mum (ever an innovator) made ‘milk bread’. I don’t remember anyone objecting!
Rogers (nee Rudge) – Jackie
“My first ‘responsible’ job must have been in October/November 1960. I was sent into the cafe to sell remembrance poppies to the customers. I was taught not to rattle the tin too aggressively – a polite rattle, and only if someone doesn’t look at you. I guess that my mother thought that a small child (aged 6) standing in front of you rattling a collection tin (and they rattled much louder than today’s plastic tins) while you eat your lunch would be difficult to ignore. It seems I was quite successful as I was given the same task on Flag Day, and was still doing it when we moved to the new cafe 2 years later!”
Rudge – Bob (Robert)