MANY of the industries and shops which were familiar institutions even a quarter of a century ago are disappearing fast.

At one time a business which formed the very fabric of a community would employ several generations from the same family.

Now familiar shops have been replaced by chain outlets, estate agencies and take-away food shops, while factory and production sites are being built over to create thousands of new homes.

We would like our readers from all the areas served by the Guardian series in Epping Forest, Wanstead and Woodford and Waltham Forest to share their memories of either working in or using the kind of stores and firms which have gone out of business.

And if you have photographs to share, even better.

Write to Pat Stannard at Guardian House, 480-500 Larkshall Road, London, E4 9GD or email pstannard@london.newsquest.co.uk