South Bucks Rainwear

[Latexmaid Alana]

Some years ago, I posted a question on this site with regard to memories of SBR. I was delighted to get several answers and stories. I am trying to write a history of SBR. I have managed to secure good information on the original owner - Dougals Simmins - who started and operated SBR for 30 years beginning in 1959. I also now know that he sold the business to Marcus and Catherine Harris sometime in the summer of 1990. The trail, however, goes cold fairly quickly. So, I'm reposting the question - if anyone has any information about SBR, please let me know. It is truly amazing how this iconic firm, such a fantastic part of our community, has faded into thin air, and yet has left behind such a legacy. Thank you to everyone who responded some years back, and I look forward to reading more snippets/memories as I seek to build a complete picture of SBR.

[Rives]

I remember sending off for their catalogues and being so excited to get it in the post. Nothing fancy. Black and white print if I recall. But such lovely photos of the models in their mackintoshes, all buttoned up to the neck, and belted tightly.

Wonderful memories

[WealdenMac]

We had some dealings with Mr Simmins when I was on the committee of the Mackintosh Society. He was, I believe, a somewhat shy/reclusive person. I recall the then chairman telling me that, after agreement had been reached that we would take some items for our Sales and Wants, he brought a parcel round to the chairman's house at the dead of night and left it on his doorstep. There is some interesting contemporary material in Maurice North's, "The Outer Fringe of Sex" and Gillian Freeman's "The Undergrowth of Literature".

[WealdenMac]

I may have been unlucky, or made the wrong choice of garment, but I never found rubber pants to be as "watertight" round the legs as plastic ones. Different kind of elastic I think. It was like the old schooldays joke, "What do you get with Surprise Peas? Wet legs."

[Rob1*]

Hello tried to do a post twice on SBR but it won’t go

[Rob1*]

Tried twice to respond but can’t make it work

[Rob1*]

Ok try again. Shortened version. I have been buying from SBR for years I guess the first catalogue if that’s what you would call it was nearly 50 years ago after spotting a small classified advert in a Sunday paper. I never bought a Mac. Wished I had but I think all South Bucks fans think that. But over the years many many pants underwear tops etc even bed sheets were purchased. I never had quality or fit issues I loved the thin latex and very good price and discrete service. The business moved location in later years. Firstly to Westward Ho where it was run by very nice lady whose name escapes me She then wanted to sell it on and even offered it to me The garments were made by another lady in Cornwall I would have loved running it I doubt very successfully as it needed a new website etc and the product range needed extending but personal issues made running a latex retail mail order business awkward. The lady who made the garments took over and ran it as Cornwall rainwear. I and I think many others still remained regular customers. Covid and the need to invest money and rising raw material costs led her to run the business down. I got a few final garments. I think she finished trading a couple of years ago. Hope this helps