I am carrying out research on Edward Dickinson Stafford who ran Stafford's department store in Brighton during the First World War and through the 1920s and 1930s Mr Stafford built a new store in 1926 in the building on Western Road opposite what is now the HMV store. In addition to his business interests, Mr Stafford was also a Brighton councillor and campaigned to have Western Road widened during the early 1920s. He was also a leading figure in the Methodist community and a philanthropist.

As part of my research into Mr Stafford's many good works I am keen to speak to anyone who knew him, particularly staff who may have worked with him at Stafford's department store. He remained chairman of the store until his death in 1947. The store was still open for business up to the outbreak of the Second World War but was requisitioned by the Government during the war as a storage depot for documents and an air-raid shelter.

I am keen to see any photographs of the store, its staff or Mr Stafford, who also served for several years as vice-chairman of the New Sussex Hospital.

I am sure there must be several people living in the Brighton area who remember him.

I can be contacted by telephone on 01273 843489 or via email at dianne_elizabeth_jones@hotmail.

co.uk. Alternatively, you can write to me at the address below.

  • Dianne Jones, 22 Clayton Avenue Hassocks BN6 8HD