Hampstead Norreys WI At the May meeting Sarah Johnson from the John Lewis Partnership spoke to us about the history and the ethos of the company. She has worked for them for 25 years and is currently on ‘long leave’. This paid leave is given to all employees who have worked for John Lewis for this length of time. Giving up an evening of this leave to talk about her work shows the dedication and pride in the company. The flagship store on Oxford Street, London, began as a drapery shop opened by John Lewis in 1864. In 1905 he acquired a second store, Peter Jones, in Sloane Square, London. His son, John Spedan Lewis, founded the John Lewis Partnership in 1920 after thinking up the idea during his time in charge of Peter Jones. His ideas were very different to those of his father and very forward thinking. All employees are partners and share in the profits of the company. There is an in-house magazine and many facilities available for the staff during their employment and after retirement. All staff are treated very well. Before the relaxation of the UK trading laws, John Lewis stores closed on Mondays to allow staff a full two-day ‘weekend’. They have a constitution that clearly states the aims and all staff know they have rights and responsibilities. There is mutual respect and courtesy shown to all by all and the pastoral care is second to none. Since the start the partnership has taken over many provincial stores, opened Waitrose supermarkets, have outlets at airports, motorway services, and stores abroad. It has grown beyond the dreams of the founder and the quality of goods and service is exceptional.