GUARDIAN readers could provide the missing puzzle pieces in a family’s search for its retail roots.

Belinda Davenport, of Davenports Farm Shop, in Bartington, is on a mission to gather together an array of facts, memories and images relating to the Davenport family business.

Her research has so far revealed that Harry Davenport, the grandfather of her husband, Ian, worked as a confectioner and baker in Chester Road, in Castle, in the 1920s.

And the 45-year-old is now appealing for memories from Northwich residents to ‘build up a picture’ of the family’s mid Cheshire history.

“The funny thing about starting the farm shop is that we have gone back to the original roots of the businesses with our tea room and confectioners,” said Belinda.

“What we didn’t know when we set it up is that Ian’s father had found an image of Harry Davenport’s shop and they almost look identical.

“It is really bizarre.

“Harry had a very good confectioners and he learned his skills in Llandudno.

“We have established he was trading in the bakers traders directory in 1928 but not in 1923.

“So he must have started some time in-between.”

Belinda has teamed up with her mother-in-law, Kathleen Davenport, to delve into the archives at Northwich Library in an attempt to find further information.

“It is very enjoyable,” she added.

“We were always interested in our history.

“And one thing we find our visitors are interested in is the history of our local area.

“We have got pictures of Lewis Carol in the tea rooms and we hope to put on out photographs of how our business started.”

Belinda added that the timeline of the family business was also a good talking point for her conferences and charity speeches.

And she urged anybody with information, particularly a Barnton lady who used to work at the original confectioners, to get in touch.

Anyone with information call either visit the shop or email belinda@davenportsfarmshop.co.uk.

Alternatively, leave a message on the answerphone by calling 01606 853241 and Belinda will call you back.