co-op greengrocery
I worked for the B.C.S. greengrocery as a mobile shop manager,after training at various branches. My shop was a low loader truck fitted out with a roof with shoot for potatoes,and room to carry boxes of eggs, bananas and any thing else that was needed to replenish the stock on the chassis which was fitted out with shelves to display our stock. I had an assistant called Mac (Iwonder if he is still around?)
This going back to the 1940/1950's. Happy as the day was long. Rain or shine we would travel our route, Normal working hours about 65-70 per week. Never a moan from either of us.
Our routine was Monday Half day, Morning spent on paper work and tidying van replenish our stock ready for Tuesday- start work 7-00am collect goods, from warehouse including fresh fish, That would be a no-no today. set off on our round Starting by standing in the yard at Quinton Shops for the morning and round the streets in the afternoon. Back to depot about 5-30 to 6pm Catch tram home to Stechford. this was repeated on Thursday's and Saturday. Wednesday and Friday same routine in morning, then off to start in Acocks Green and finishing in Solihill.
Imagine the winter of 1947 out in the cold standing around waiting for customers. Serving wet fresh fish from the back of the lorry. Filleting plaice, herrings and cod. Skinning rabbits, dressing poultry, then when it rained emptying your wellies before going to catch your tram and all for £9 per week. AH HAPPY DAYS.
Back to Co-Op numbers my mothers was 2690, my grand mothers was 0108 and ours was 48485. Incidentally the Co-op is making a come back up here in Warrington and surrounding districts, I am pleased to say.