Fond memories.

 Good morning.

My first job upon leaving school in 1964, aged 15, was in a small leather shop in New Street. I have just found this on faceboook. Looks like they closed the business in May 2024

New Street was my first job when I left school in 1964. I only lasted five days. All I did was dusting suitcases and handbags. I didn't like being in a small enclosed space. My pay was £3.10 shillings, half of which I gave to my mum. I then went to Woolys, and Melias, then onto factory work.

Dear All,

For over 100 years Start and Tremayne has been a constant name in the history of the town centre of Burton on Trent. A brand synonymous with quality and great customer service. It is with great sadness therefore, due to very difficult trading conditions and many external influences over the past few years, that we have to say goodbye. We will be closing our store by the end of May.

It was easy to get jobs back then. Just walk into a place and ask. Next stop Woolworths. I was given a yellow overall with matching headband, and put to work on the sweetie counter. Exactly like the picture below. I started as a junior to learn the ropes, then was given the pick n mix section to oversee. Eventually I was made chargehand and had the responsibility of a monthly stocktake upstairs, and putting an order in for new deliveries. 

It was great fun. Every Saturday the store was heaving. Three or four deep at the counter waiting to make their purchases. At the end of the day the counter was looking like a bomb had hit it, and Monday morning was a day to fill it all up again. If you fancied having a sweetie you would bend down pretending to rummage about underneath looking for something, and slip a handful of Smarties in your mouth. No cameras to catch you out then.

I remember this time with fondness. I was just starting to take notice of boys. There was a 'floor walker' a supervisor you could call him, called Howard. He was shy and good looking. I tried my best to chat him up. The nearest I got to having a date with him was to get a group of friends together and have a night at the Bowling Alley. He had a car so I talked him into giving me a lift home. Never managed to get a snog though, had to be content with just a friendship. 

Back to today. Dull and damp outside. Must go to the Post Office to pay my water bill. Must stock up on cat food, either today or tomorrow. Must pay my car insurance in the next couple of days. Might do it on the phone or go to the office. 

Thanks for popping in. See ya later.  Toodle pip.  ilona