David and his wife Gladys, passed over the shop
business to their daughter Hilary and her husband Manuel about five years ago.
The Cook's are well known members of the Tintagel community and the closure of
the traditional newsagents, tobacconist. stationers and confectioners puts an
end to a long family tradition. David's Grandfather, Harry Colin Cook, had a
grocery, hairdressers and tobacconists shop in Delabole to start with. In the
early 1900s he would come to Tintagel to cut hair in peoples homes and also by
the roadside if need be. In 1914 a shop was opened in one of the many galvanised
buildings that used to be in the village, next door to Fry's Garage in Fore
Street, Tintagel. Cook's started to sell newspapers in the 1920s and the very
small shop was used up to the late 1950s until it was replaced by the present
building. David joined his father in the business in the 1950s and
continued full time until he passed the business over to his daughter around
five years ago and he then took a 'back seat'. For many years up to the closure
of Callaway's Shoe Shop, two 'talking' places existed. Callaway's was called the
'House of Lords' and Cooks the 'House of Commons'.
Discussions would take place in both venues, sometimes up to eight 'o clock on a
Saturday night. David served on Tintagel Parish Council continuously for 38
years, and around ten years on the Camelford RDC and North Cornwall District
Councils.
Gladys used to make delicious pasties for the shop and they have both been
heavily involved in good causes for the village over many years.
David & Gladys have three children Andrew, Brian and Hilary and many
grandchildren. Andrew and Brian are twins, a rare occurrence in the village all
those years ago. David is a member of Tintagel Orpheus Choir and they are both
involved with the Tintagel Methodist Church
Best Wishes to You both for a long, happy, healthy retirement
