This collection contains 1 photograph album from the many Co-op stores Mr. Stoddart worked in and 2 comprehensive documents detailing the many years service he gave to the Co-op which include: his daily tasks as an employee, extra activities completed through the Co-op and his feelings towards the organisation.
Also included is a document with accompanying photograph of Mr. Stoddart meeting artist Keith Grant
G.R.M Stoddart joined the Co-operative on leaving school in 1936. His ambition, encouraged by his father who struggled during the depression, was to join the retail sector. After successfully completing his employment interview he recieved his appointment within the Greengrocery department in Northampton (1936-1947). It was here that he was called up to military service during the Second World War (1941-1946).
In September 1947, Stoddart transferred to the Grocery and Display Department in Shrubbery House, London (1947-1958) where he undertook the position of Provision Leading Assistant. It was here also, that he completed two years of Co-operative Union Evening Classes at the Distributive Trades College in Charring Cross Road. The subject matter, for which he gained First Class in both years, was that of Display - Principles and Practice. He would go onto tutor these evening classes for four years. Moreover, it was here that Stoddart represented the Co-operative at playing cricket, something he would do for his entire 11 years in London.
In November 1958, Stoddart moved to Cambridge where he would work in a number of stores at both Assistant Manager and Store Manager levels (1958-1983). Here he had a "large display studio, with the most up to date equipment"; something that would make him the "envy of all the shops in the town".
In 1983, he retired on medical advice with the cause of his condition being knee replacement - due to the many years of cricket.
The collection is open to any accredited reader, subject to the requirements of the Data Protection Act 2018.
Some files in this collection are subject to Data Protection legislation as they contain sensitive information and material under 30 years old is closed to access. It is advised that you contact the Archivist before visiting.
Description compiled by Luke Morris, Volunteer, March 2014.
