> Now what are those 'horns' on the rear fork stays?
If you look at the "C.B. CONTINENTAL" ENDS at the bottom of the middle column at http://classicrendezvous.com/
"A light, but intensely practical and rigid Continental type solid steel rear end providing instantaneous location of the rear wheel by rolling the spindle into position behind the prongs. A "C.B." design that superceded all others by reason of its great strength, neat appearance and practicability. Continental appeal combined with "C.B." efficiency and reliability."
I was born in Balham/Wandsworth, grew up in Crawley and I worked in the General Accident building just east of East Croydon station, at the end of George Street, in the 1970s - and I don't recall any bike shop.
I do, however, vaguely remember the bike shop in Salfords (near Redhill), where I worked, owned by Fred Pratt who was married to Claude Butler's sister.
Alan Lloyd
Schaumburg, Illinois, U.S.A.