Sweets By The Quarter
Sherbet lemons weighed into a white paper bag.
Jars on a shelf, brass scales, and a quarter of whatever you pointed at, twisted shut at the corners.
A quarter of a pound was the unit of childhood. You watched the scales like a hawk and there was always a negotiation about the last one.
Rhubarb and custard, cola cubes, pear drops, aniseed balls. The shop smelled of sugar and newspaper and the man behind the counter knew your mother.
Cost back then
6d a quarter
Goes for now
£2.50 for 100g in a retro sweet shop
