1957. When I started at the Coop Butchery Dept, I went with 3 years experience of cutting meat from the full carcases to joints ready for selling over the counter, I also had experience of working behind the counter at the point of sale. Every newcomer to the Coop went to the Main Branch in Stockport Town Centre at the start, they were then, after having proved themselves, sent out to the branches wherever there were vacancies.

After 6 weeks the manager of the shop told me he had spoken to the Departmental Manager and informed him that despite my young age, in his opinion I was quite capable of going out as a Relief Manager to shops where managers were going on holiday or were off with sickness. So I got a promotion and an increase in wages almost immediately.

1959. On holiday in Paignton Devon, at a B & B my Mother was running at the time.

Hairstyle changed again short crew cut on top, long around the sides.

1957. This is Me and Maureen on a day out to Blackpool.

Dressed up to the ‘ Nines ‘ as we did in those days, even for a trip to the coast.

1957. This is the nearest Photo of how I would have looked at Stockport Tech just before leaving, I am on the far Left, this photo was taken with in a month of me leaving the Tech. The Shop was big and had separate counters for Beef & Lamb - Pork - Cooked Meats, on this occasion we had won a Window Display Competition.