Willie Ireson Eayrs – 8 High Street

Willie was born on 9th February 1898, the son of Joseph Eayrs and Annie Duncombe who married in 1895. When he was 3 years old they were living at Queen Anne’s Cottage, 5 Recreation Road but the family business T & J Eayrs (grocery and coal merchant) at 8 High St was well established by 1911. This property had 14 rooms although the family probably only occupied a few of them.
In 1911, Willie was 13 years old, his sister Grace Winifred was 11 years old and his brother Cecil Joseph 8 years old. They were all born in Stamford.

During the War, Willie was a Gunner with the Royal Field Artillery and was awarded the British and Victory Medals. John Eayrs of St John’s Street, who served in the Royal Engineers Signal Company, was his 2nd cousin.

Willie married Daisy Batchelor at Knaresborough in 1935 and they had 3 daughters born in Stamford; Elizabeth born in 1936, Rachel born in 1938 and Joyce born in 1941.

When Willie’s father died in 1943 he left nearly £18,000 to his widow and children. Willie’s occupation was given as engineer’s draughtsman while his brother Joseph was clearly in charge of the grocery business which continued at the same address until the 1970s.
Willie died in 1988.