|
 | |  | |
In the 1950's there was a radio and TV shop on Whalley Range, Blackburn called John Derbyshire Ltd, owned by Big John who was so called because he was 6ft. 5in tall, wrote Allan Huntingdon.
I worked for Big John for six years and during that time I had to almost beg him to raise my salary. He always said I could always go for another job if I didn't like it. Three times to my knowledge, I actually did get other jobs before he would give me a rise.
He was a keen caravanner and used to go away about four times a year and sometimes even more. I was left to fend for myself, ordering, selling, banking and every other job under the sun.
There were also some perks, like cost price for any electrical goods or radio & television. I was always given permission to buy direct from the wholesalers.
Also there were the Trade Shows every September, which were the highlight of the year, when manufacturers invited us to see their new inventions and new models of radio, TV and audio products. Some of them even laid on a slap-up dinner before the show and also a free bar which, as you can imagine, was very well attended.
One such show was due and, as I was going alone, I phoned up another company to see if any of their staff were going and we could share the travelling expenses. The boss of the other firm suggested I go with them as their guest so when the time came, I joined them.
During the period before the show opened, we were discussing the state of business and we seemed to get on very well. Everything went well and after the show I was dropped at home, which at that time was the flat.
One evening, about three weeks later, the doorbell rang and it was the boss of the other company. He said he would like to talk to me. I invited him in and he asked if I would like to go and work for him at his shop in the town centre.
He also offered me substantially more salary than I was getting and I would have some clerical help. Well, this was an opportunity not to be missed and I agreed that, subject to giving a month notice, I would go and work for him.
My present boss was not too happy when I offered my resignation and I believe there were some harsh words between the two bosses but I did change jobs and worked happily in the same shop for 26 years until my retirement in 1988 at the age of 58 on medical grounds.
| |  | |  |
To add a comment you must first login or join for free, up in the top left corner.
|
|
