On this day in Yorkshire 1952

Eight thousand people were served with fish and chips at one and a half penny, a portion at Guiseley last night and early today.

They had queued for hours outside the White Cross restaurant of 64-year-old Mr. Harry Ramsden, who, to celebrate his retirement, sold suppers at the prices he charged when first he opened his business in wooden hut in 1926.

At 1 a.m., an hour later than had been scheduled. Mr. Ramsden served his last customer. He was 62-year old Mr. Benny Patrick, Oxford Villas, Guiseley.

“I’ve been coming to Harry Ramsden’s ever since he started in his wooden hut. I was determined to be his last customer,” said Mr. Patrick.

Reluctantly, a fairground, opened up for the event, closed after a blazing firework display.

The television cameras had departed, but after midnight Mr. Ramsden was still shaking hands and acknowledging the greetings of customers.

In his shop still stood a notice which read:

“Will patrons please have the correct change, one and a half penny ready.”

Earlier. Mr. Ramsden had seen to the despatch of cut-price fish and chip portions to the occupants of three wards at Menston Hospital.

Last night, cars formed a 400 yard line as they waited to park behind motor coaches which had brought parties from as far away as Huddersfield, Cleckheaton, Mirfield and Halifax.

In addition, buses from Leeds were crowded.

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