George Cunningham: Characters of Broomhall ~ Part 5

The Indian Silky Toffee Man

Researched by Gemma Clarke

The Indian Silky Toffee Man taken from "By George! My childhood in Sheffield." Page 48. 1987
Photo: Paul Hibbert-Greaves

The Indian Silky Toffee Man

‘Summer was in full bloom and one magical Friday afternoon we streamed out of school freed from our shackles for a whole month. Day after day the sun shone, glinting on the cobbles and making doorsteps warm enough to sit on without a cushion. The Indian Silky Toffee Man, tall and dignified in his turban made his appearance, heralded by his cry of “tara -ra-ra!” We clustered round his majestic figure whilst he bestowed the silken strands of Eastern delight in little paper bags from the silver box suspended in front of him. His dark impassive face sometimes broke into a smile as he gravely accepted the ha’pennies from our grubby paws, then with a few quiet words of thanks he raised a hand in farewell and stalked solemnly away.’ 

P.48, Chapter 16, By George! (courtesy of Paul Hibbert-Greaves/Hibbert Brothers).

 

George’s Characters of Broomhall ~ Part 6

The Man and His Art ~ Introduction

This page was added by Gemma Clarke on 26/03/2015.

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