Miss Isobel Smail worked in the family shop on leaving school, volunteered in 1939 for service with the Northumberland Fusiliers and the Durham Light Infantry at Brancepth Castle. She was the granddaughter of John Smail, who came from Kelso in the 1890s to set up John Smail & Co. at 40 Bridge Street, selling ironware and many other goods.

The emporium has served Morpethians ever since and is now managed by the fifth generation of the family. Miss Smail was awarded the OBE in 1995 and the freedom of Morpeth in 1996.

(Then & Now Morpeth, by LR Mann & WM Coulson)

Maurice stopped everyone in front of Morpeth’s best known hardware shop and pointed out an unusual notice:

"I haven't seen the elephant, but there might be one in the china department!"
- Shopkeeper in John Smail & Co