JS JOURNAL September 1980

Contents

General News pages 2/3 A What's new pages 4/6 More news page 7

JS drives a hard bargain pages 8/10

Own-label success story page 11

How not to drop a brick pages 12/13

Retirements pages 14, 15, 22 and 23

People page 16

Dance, dance little lady! page 17 5ft/3«S37&l-/^

Alternative Aveley closes prices is published every four weeks for employees of J Sainsbury Limited to make YELLOW PRICE PACKS are the latest Stamford House symbol of increased competitiveness in Stamford Street the High Street, coming this time from London SE1 9LL way for Fine fare. Telephone: 01-921 6660 The concept is described as a range of 'no frills' products, a 'third alternative' Editor Dagenham for shoppers to the usual branded or Diane Hill own-label products. Assistant editors The range of 51 popular grocery John Fielder goods are estimated to be ten to 20 per Ruth Guy cent cheaper even than own-label TO COINCIDE with the opening of the brands, the economies being made in the Printed in England by new Dagenham branch on October 14, areas of packaging, quality and Alabaster Passmore & Sons Ltd the much smaller Aveley branch in marginal costing on extended London & Maidstone Derwent Parade, South Ockendon, is to production runs. close. Said John Allen, Fine Fare's market­ Local residents feel that their best ing director: 'We believe this concept is store is being snatched from them but as a genuine third alternative. We are September trio departmental director of branch giving a high priority to the controlling operations, Dennis Males, explained to and cutting of the high rate of increases them: 'We have striven to offer our in our customers' shopping bills.' THREE BRANCHES are due to open customers the best possible service at this month. They are at Mitcham, Dover Aveley under extremely difficult and New Barnet on September 16, 23 conditions. Regretfully we have been and 30 respectively. driven to the decision that if we are to Spar-ring partner North Cheam's deputy manager, Ray continue maintaining this standard, we Hayne, opens Mitcham branch with a have no alternative but to close a store sales area of 1,440 square metres (15,500 which is no longer suitable for modern OPERATION 80—that's the name the square feet). Steve Woodrow moves trading conditions.' Spar supermarket chain has given to a from Golders Green to New Barnet, Since JS first began trading in South advertising and promotion campaign sales area 2,045 square metres (22,012 Ockendon in 1956 the company has that it is reported will run up a bill of square feet) and Michael Evans transfers expanded rapidly and the new and larger £3.5 million. as manager from Folkestone to Dover stores have been able to offer a greater It is said to be Spar's 'biggest ever which has a sales area of 1,534 square range of products than South Ockendon attack' and the first since the company metres (16,512 square feet). possibly could. However, the new changed advertising agencies. The new Dagenham supermarket will meet all the agency handled Tesco's Checkout requirements necessary for shopping in campaign. During the Tesco campaign the 80s, within its sales area of 1,558 Spar's market share fell from 4 to 3.2 IGD supporters square metres (16,770 square feet). per cent.

A NEW COMMITTEE member has A FORTNIGHT'S HOLIDAY for two strengthened JS's support for the in Switzerland, valued at £800, has been Institute of Grocery Distribution. won by housewife Sylvia Aylward as Swiss cheeses please Dino Adriano, manager of branch first prize in a competition exclusive to operations, and Bob Cooper, senior JS customers. manager, bread buying, were secretary The contest, organised by 'Cheeses and treasurer of the IGD's 13-strong from Switzerland', was run in South Eastern branch committee last Sainsbury's freezer magazine, and year. Sylvia, who lives in Ruislip, is a regular Now, Dino and Bob are chairman JS customer. and secretary respectively, and have To win she had to choose the most been joined by Mike Powell, distribution appropriate recipes using the five main planning manager, who becomes cheeses from Switzerland—emmental. treasurer. gruyere, royalp, appenzell and sbrinz— for a number of different occasions. She then had to explain in 15 words why she liked Swiss cheese and she composed the An admirer winning slogan: '1 like cheeses from Switzerland because they are the perfect ingredient for many delicious recipes.' THE MINISTER OF HOUSING, John Receiving her prize in JS's Uxbridge Stanley, openly admired Sainsbury's at store on August 7 Sylvia said 'I don't go Telford on the occasion of his visit with in for competitions very often—in fact the Telford Development Corporation. I'd almost forgotten about it, after all Members of the Corporation accom­ you don't expect to win! panied the minister on a tour of the area 'It's funny really because when I was to observe its development—its doing the competition my son came in industry, housing and its major shops. upset about something and I said I'd Manager of Telford branch, Richard take him with me if I won—to cheer him Archer, noticed that all the special up. So when the letter came he, of visitors were most impressed by the pro­ course, remembered straight away. My motions of so many British goods, the husband is a bit put out!' bakery and of course by the opinions voiced by the happy customers! 2 Re-vamp programme to cost £6^m

MAJOR BRANCH IMPROVEMENTS are being carried out companywide. Alterations and full modernisations of fittings have revamped and updated the image of such stores as Sutton, Kilburn, Hitchin and Watford—all between December 1979 and the beginning of this financial year! By the end of 1980 the branches like Warehousing and shopjioors alike are rehabilitated through sheer hard work Horsham, Norbury, Churchill Square, during refits. Poole, Camberley, Wembley, Harpen- den, Barkingside, Stratford, Telford, Burton-on-Trent and Kettering, that have already been spring-cleaned or had their sales areas extended, are expected to be joined by five more in the Bromley area, four in Woking, six in Uxbridge, five in Romford and eight in Coventry. Several other stores will have some old gondolas replaced. This programme of improvements is even more ambitious than 1979 which was itself a record year. During the financial year 1979/80 JS spent over £2 million on modernisations and new fittings but this year's expenditure is likely to be over £6J million which (even allowing for inflation) is an impressive increase.

TS customer S -^ ^tm'- Wembley's manager Richard Davies looks over the new fittings with district manager Anthony Trevethan.

Above left: Wembley before it sported free flow produce. Right: Manager of Camberley, Donald Hawkins and his staff looked happy with the installation of a new slim kiosk. 3 4 A rich harvest for

QUALITY CONTROL SKILLS, and The method of rejecting and returning even stronger communication with batches of produce when it was suppliers in the produce area has been delivered to JS depots, if it was below strengthened this year by the intro­ our quality standards, was un­ duction of a new technical and develop­ satisfactory. It resulted in a loss to us ment department. and a loss to our suppliers. JS is the country's largest produce retailer and it was decided that it was a Area inspectors vital move to develop the buying strength and quality control by playing 'We will still need our depot quality a far bigger role in helping producers to controllers, especially for the many grow what we need, planning direct delivery lines coming from production programmes and playing a abroad. Their function is unchanged. larger part in finding new production But now, in addition, there will be four methods and varieties. The solution has area produce inspectors." been to establish the new produce Ray Morton is based at Hoddesdon technical department which basically, depot and has been appointed inspector covers two areas, the quality control of Eastern Area (South); Simon area and the technical and advisory Whitehead based at Elmdon has charge area. of Eastern Area (North); Dennis John Love, produce technical and Randall based at Charlton has the development manager, explains: Southeast Area and Harry Moss based 'Previously, quality control was at Basingstoke controls the Southwest essentially a policing method. There are Area. great variations in natural foods like The function of the API is to visit News from the world of produce and a supplier can un­ suppliers within his area on a regular produce includes a growing consciously fall below standards even basis to inspect raw materials, packing popularity for exotic fruits though it is the best quality he has got. lines, premises and so on. He will be able and vegetables. Tools for the job NOT CONTENT TO REST on their laurels JS has now launched a range of additions to their successful own-label kitchen tool range. Appearing in 54 branches on August 18 the new items comprise: household (£3.95) and kitchen (£3.75) scissors—both of which will cut a ip in two; a set of three pastry cutters (32p); two spatulas (79p); a set of three aluminium scoops (£1.95); a cheese grater and a grater/slicer (both 95p); a gingerbread cutter (59p).

4 fruit & veg fans

to advise suppliers on the suitability of packaging and transport of produce and their production for JS—and have the carry out trials of new varieties both at " * right to reject produce which he does not home and abroad. consider meets JS specifications! The flow of information both ways (from and to suppliers and buyers) will improve vastly with this closer contact and the APIs may well discover new crops or ideas from existing suppliers that JS would not otherwise have been able to investigate. The second aspect of the new depart­ ment is that of technical advice and development work. For this three produce development specialists (PDS) 'WE ARE MORE ADVENTUROUS are being appointed. Dr Jeff Geary, now' confirmed members of the previously in the horticulture depart­ produce buying department on the ment as glasshouse and salad specialist, subject of English eating habits. The and new recruit Bob Hilborn takes trends towards experimentation with charge of field vegetables and potatoes. new flavours and varieties is reflected in The last member of the team, respon­ many departments, but particularly in sible for fruit, will be joining shortly. the fruit and vegetable areas during the These specialists will be looking to summer months. improve existing varieties, and Kohl rabi, various coloured peppers Learn how to prepare your production techniques, by going right and the new Marmande (or 'beefsteak') vegetables correctly with the back to the plant breeders and research tomatoes have caught the imagination latest Sainsbury'sfood and experimental scientists. They will of the many shoppers. Mooli is a recent guide too! also advise on problems such as the continued overleaf >

A touch of the sun •. . WHO NEEDS A HOLIDAY in the Carribean when for £5.45 you can conjure up all the sun and palm fringed beaches you want with the help of a glass or two of JS's new white rum. It went on sale at the end of June in all JS's licensed stores. Sales reports so far are very encouraging; no doubt helped along by the price, which is nearly £1 lower than the brand whose name is now synonymous with all white rums. Rum, which is fermented sugar cane, is matured in oak casks. White rum is filtered through charcoal which takes out the colour absorbed from the casks. (Dark rum is unfiltered.) White rum does not have such a strong taste as' the dark. A taste that is very fashionable at thei moment, particularly when mixed with a little JS coke, ice and a slice of lemon. Mmmmm . . . you can almost see those white sands and waving palms.

A generous measure ofJS white rum, a little coke and a slice of lemon and you could be in the Carribean. > continued from previous page addition to the list of more unusual Delicious fruits are available from JS but not if you follow the example of vegetables sold in some JS stores. Bean too. Sales of Kiwi fruits and loose Mary Norwak, author of the latest sprouts are being snapped up from the grapes have shot up and a promotion on Sainsbury's food guide. Buying and stores that are part of the cold chain Italian nectarines, bringing the price cooking vegetables price 30p. In this experiment, and Chinese leaf and fennel more in line with the popular peach, has booklet vegetables are considered as are now established favourites. rfiet with tremendous customer response more than mere accompaniments to a However, some shoppers are still increasing sales eight fold. Even passion main course! intimidated by the unfamiliar names or fruit and paw paw have been available Mary describes fifty vegetables widely appearances. JS aims to help customers in some branches. available at Sainsbury's, outlines feel quite relaxed and competent in their preparation techniques, and suggests culinary experiments. Kohl rabi is many interesting serving suggestions. similar to a turnip and is more widely Apart from useful hints about less available than mooli, which is rather like familiar vegetables such as artichoke, a long carrot in shape, smooth skinned celeriac, Chinese leaves and sweet and white, sometimes called white radish potatoes (their sweet flavour is good and normally used sliced in salads. Kohl with pork, ham and poultry) she rabi are pale green or purple in colour enlivens the more traditional products (prepare and serve like swede or turnips, such as cucumber (add to white sauce or may be used shredded or diced in split and stuff), leeks (serve in French salads). Suggested cooking methods are dressing as a salad or first course) and explained on barker cards accompany­ 'OLD FAVOURITES' in the vegetable runner beans (mix with cooked mush­ ing the display. world can become boring to the palate— rooms, chestnuts or almonds). Kid's stuff THE LATEST ADDITIONS to JS's rapidly expanding hardware ranges are aimed at the company's younger customers— in fact those that attend school. Roughnecks is the name of these brightly coloured Thermos flasks and they are priced at a reasonable 99p. They should be a must for those boisterous kiddies as their rigid foam construction means that they are unbreakable and they contain no glass. They made their first public appearance at the recent and highly successful 'packed lunch' press reception and were launched on August 18 at 80 large branches. Appearing on the scene at the same time is an Aladdin lunch kit, complete with a flask, priced at £2.95. tance and called an ambulance. The customer, who described herself Ill wind blows good as an '80-year-old young lady', said in TAKEN.ILL at Broadmarsh branch a her letter: '. . . your first aid gentleman customer found herself in good hands. was so kind to me, as were the young Staff who were on the shopfloor at the ladies, one I know who works on the time comforted her and looked after her butchery counter. until she was well enough to make her T have always loved your store and own way home. shall continue to shop there, especial A good deed that did not go praise to the staff—nothing is too much unrecognised. The customer's husband trouble for them. My guardian angel wrote to the store a couple of day's later was certainly with me that day. Except saying how grateful he was for the for a lump on the forehead I am now kindness and concern shown to his wife, back to normal. God bless your staff.' and asking for his 'heartfelt thanks' to Second helpings be passed on to the staff involved. GETTING DIRTY AND SCRUFFY No easy tusk! proved an enjoyable task for staff at Worle branch during the carnival A good turnout A MAMMOTH TASK recently came celebrations at Weston-super-Mare. the way of the public relations BPO Barbara Bains says: 'Our float IMPRESSED JUDGES voted the new department at Blackfriars. An MA for the carnival procession was the result JS lorry livery number one during the living in Oxford wanted to know what of more than three weeks' work and recent 'Lorry driver of the Year' temperature would be required to deep enthusiasm from management, staff and competition. freeze a still warm (but presumably their families. The theme was "Food Four drivers from Basingstoke depot dead), very hairy mammoth—and keep glorious food", the now famous song entered the regional competition, which its eyeballs intact. from the musical Oliver. The front half is sponsored by Commercial Motor The enquirer explained he was doing of the float was a representation of the magazine. The competition was very some research in connection with a workhouse scene, with the dirtiest high but out of 91 vehicles it was an R Russian discovery but the Russian data scruffiest bunch of urchins imaginable, registration (three years old) rigid Ford made no mention of temperatures. hungrily waiting for gruel! The other JS lorry that won the 'best turnout' As the PR department are quite used half of the float represented Fagin's class. to handling enquiries from all fringes of attic—and all parts were played of society—from the lunatic to people like course by JS staff!' us—a quick call to the JS's frozen food All the efforts were repaid in full when technologist and just as quickly came a the float was judged best in its class. The reply. Minus 30°C. The PR department honours didn't even end there for that also gently pointed out to the inquirer award was speedily followed by a prize that the Natural History Museum might for the most original entry. know more about mammoths than JS. Could be worth thinking about, though—frozen mammothburgers. A Rosy glow limited supply went on sale in America recently. We understand price per lb and TACT AND UNDERSTANDING go sales figures are not yet available. a long way towards making what could That lorry had been prepared for the be an awkward situation into one that day by Alan Young (above), who has attracts appreciation and praise. A been a driver for less than two years. It Anyone for squash? perfect example is this letter from a was the first time he had entered for a customer at Dartford branch to the driving competition and was therefore THE SAINSBURY'S SQUASH team manager. not unduly disappointed when he did have risen to the challenge once again. While the rosy glow of gratitude burns not win his class in the manoeuvring Robin Whitbread, manager, produce bright I hasten to write to you in praise of test. Quite philosophically he put it (fruit) department, Alan Gorham, one of your cashiers. down to experience and vowed that next manager of branch distribution services, I rushed into your store this afternoon year he would enter again. and Charles Stevens, manager of at 5.10pm, rushed through my shopping Chris Walsh, a transport shift grocery 3, are for the third year running and lined up at the checkout with the manager, arranges for interested drivers entering the Austin Reed Squash shortest queue. After I had checked my to enter the competition every year. A Championship—and are for the third goods the cashier said quite nicely that it lorry is allocated to each contestant one year wondering if it's possible that they was an 'express' checkout and as I had week in advance, in order to practise are the only players who work for the more than eight articles would I be more tests and to smarten it up. company that are of match standard! aware of this in the future. Truly I had Even though Alan had spent some This competition is open to businesses not noticed the direction to this effect. J time on the vehicle it was still a surprise registered in England, Scotland and was embarrassed, but her tactful handling that he triumphed over some almost new Wales, last year over 900 teams took of the situation was a great help. lorries. Basingstoke, however, is involved part with some larger companies enter­ in a repaint programme to extend the ing more than one, so competition is use of the new livery throughout the fierce. Initial stages of the competition Puffed out! lorry fleet and Alan's had been repainted are completed in geographical areas with recently. Says Alan: 'I had noticed that the winner from each area going PICKING UP a packet of puff pastry at judges were interested in the lorry but, forward to the national rounds where Oxted branch a customer was overheard to me, the best turnout trophy was there are £9,500 worth of Austin Reed to say: merely an incidental item on the vouchers at stake for those teams 'Mum do you think this will be okay?' programme!' reaching the final stages. The com­ 'Yes 1 should think so, why?' replied petition is run on a handicap basis so mum. that even a player of 'mature' age has 7 thought I might buy one to put in the Guardian angels an improved chance against a younger, freezer, but 1 am frightened it might lose speedier player. For any teams loosing its puff!' A BIG THANK YOU' LETTER was in the first round (only once so far!) Our thanks to Mr Irwin, manager at sent to the manager at Sutton branch by there is also a plate competition. Oxted, for passing on this customer a customer who was quite overwhelmed Anyone currently playing 'match eavesdropping. by the kindness and consideration she squash' wishing to join the list from Don't forget if you overhear received from the staff when she col­ which a team is chosen should contact something that makes you smile or sets lapsed at the bus stop opposite the store, Robin Whitbread (6415) or Charles you wondering, let us know and we will and they immediately came to her assis­ Stevens (6161). do our best to publish it. 7 SAINSBURY'S is a good example of an established, own- account business which by necessity has to run its own transport fleet, delivering groceries and produce to nearly 250 shops, freezer centres and more recently, hypermarkets. The company has four transport depots in the South of England: at Buntingford and Hoddesdon in Hertfordshire and Charlton in East London, and Basingstoke in Hamp­ shire. Most of Sainsbury's stores are in the southern half of the country although it does have some elsewhere in England. These are in the Midlands and North, and to supply them and to handle the outlets that its own depots cannot reach—the deciding factor is if they can be reached in a four-hour outward journey—Sainsbury also uses a number of distribution services such as Lowfield, Christian Salveson and Cory. These can also take up the peaks and troughs of Brian Christmas seasonal demand.

JS does not favour one particular type of vehicle and keeps a careful check on new models and updates.

The company's business acumen is Sainsbury itself runs 415 vehicles of which 244 are rigids and 171 are artic combinations. The rigids are used for well known when it comes to the delivery to shop branches which have a limited access—all buying and selling of groceries. A deliveries are made to the rear of the premises—while the artics go to larger stores which can accept them. little less well-known perhaps is the Rather than run with more than one trailer per tractive fact that JS is also pretty good at unit, Sainsbury treats the outfit as one vehicle, never un­ coupling the rig. However, it does have three spare trailers buying the right vehicle for the job which are on hire. of distributing those groceries. Steve Gray, technical editor of Weighing up the cost The unit of measurement of a vehicle's capability is the the weekly magazine Commercial number of roll pallets it can carry, not its gross-vehicle Motor, recently interviewed Brian weight (gvw). This applies to rigid and artic alike. Thus a 16-ton-gvw rigid may be carrying only 14 tons while a Christmas, technical executive of maximum-weight artic combination would run at about 20 the distribution division, to find out tons. The platform size is the deciding factor when buying a vehicle and Sainsbury has moved away from 10-ton-gross how JS dealt with the complex rigids towards 16 tons, and from 24-ton single-axle artic problems of vehicle specification. with 27 foot trailers to 32-ton tandem axle artics with 40 foot trailers. Here is a shortened version of the Although the upward move would seem more costly in results of that interview as it terms of fuel consumption and increased road fund licence. appeared in the July 12 issue of Brian Christmas, technical executive of Sainsbury's distri­ bution division, has figures to prove the contrary. By taking Commercial Motor. away the fixed costs, such as driven on, and by adding the

8 capacity of the vehicle in roll pallets he has worked out an vehicle. Having no preconceived ideas, they bought a small efficiency formula. number of vehicles of one type and carefully studied the The results show some surprising savings in terms of roll operating costs of each. pallet cost per annum. For example, with a 10-ton rigid, of Meanwhile, the motor engineering department require­ the type used almost exclusively by Sainsbury until recently, ments were taken into account, as far as ease of servicing the cost per roll pallet per year is £918. By introducing 16 and maintenance were concerned. Another important factor tonners with their larger bodywork this can be reduced to in the equation was how the drivers felt about the vehicles. £713, a substantial saving on a fleet of nearly 250. The results of the evaluation were somewhat surprising. Vehicles that were expensive to buy were in the main Larger can be cheaper cheaper to run, giving good fuel economy and low main­ The figures are even better for artics with 40 foot trailers. tenance costs, although some were disliked by drivers. This One of these works out at £564 a year when carrying 39 was not only on the grounds of cab comfort. A certain pallets. As a general principle, then, the larger the vehicle prestige element came in, with drivers anxious to impress the cheaper the operating costs. colleagues. However, at the end of the day Sainsbury drew This must of course be related to the number of branches up a short list of rigids from which was chosen a small final and, as been said, their accessibility. So in general, says selection. Brian, the trend at Sainsbury has been a move up the The policy was then to say: This is what we are prepared

COMMERCIAL MOTOR The JS fleet contains few refrigerated vehicles as the unit DAF's have proved to be the most economical lorries to run stirs up the air unnecessarily around the goods. but are more expensive to buy.

weight scale in both artics and rigids. to buy from. Which vehicles do you want?' The 10-ton TK Bedford is being replaced by 16-tonners The DAF FM 2000 was the clear leader for most drivers while artics have been raised from 27 foot platforms to 33 and was very acceptable for the firm. Although it cost more, and now up to 40 foot. Vehicles are never loaded to its total operating costs were less than any of its com­ maximum weight on branch delivery; they can sometimes petitors. be called on to collect bulk loads from the docks, or during At Buntingford depot the rigid fleet is almost exclusively times of shortage when certain commodities must be DAF with 51 on the strength. Hoddesdon, too, has a shifted. The heaviest single load would be a cargo of all number of DAFs although Basingstoke is predominantly tinned goods, but this is unusual. Leyland with Clydesdales and Buffaloes. The former tend to However, the policy of buying larger weight vehicles be somewhat disliked by drivers as the cab comfort is not as gives Sainsbury the flexibility to accommodate these loads good as other vehicles. on the rare occasions needed. Backloading from the branches is almost impossible, Spreading the load according to Brian. For a start, the empty roll pallets which Although Sainsbury runs a lot of Ford D-Series, and they have previously delivered goods have to be returned. are very popular with drivers, the company has some Secondly, Sainsbury sells off all the cardboard waste from reservations about their durability, at least as far as the its shops and this too must be returned to the depots. power unit is concerned. Finally, there is invariably a small quantity of returned The Dodge Commando, too, it is felt, is not up to the goods. All these factors make it difficult to arrange for return work that it needs to do. Part of the problem is that loads. Sainsbury does not have a one-man, one-vehicle arrange­ Having decided to move to larger vehicles, Brian ment, so hard wear is inevitable when two or three drivers Christmas set about deciding which actual vehicles to buy. in one day use the same lorry. About four years ago the company started appraising the However, in spite of narrowing down the vehicles it is contenders on the market. For this, Sainsbury's kept a prepared to buy, Sainsbury keeps an open mind about the completely open mind, reasoning that for example a larger rest. Careful checking in the trade press on vehicle updates engine does not necessarily mean a less economical continued overleaf >

9 > continued from previous page refrigerator, on the short runs Sainsbury does, would create and new models means that should a vehicle become air currents around them. This has the effect of trying to take attractive it can be evaluated. This also prevents the manu­ warm air from the warmer foods and upsetting the balance. facturers and suppliers who currently furnish Sainsbury Knowing when to dispose of vehicles is another factor in with vehicles from becoming complacent. the specifying game. The cost of maintaining vehicles rises Another way in which Sainsbury keeps them on their toes sharply as they get older. Major components such as is by shopping around the dealerships. With an annual engines and gearboxes then require more expensive atten­ purchase of 50 vehicle units (vehicle units include trailers) tion. having a value of between £1.5 and £2 million, the Sainsbury is working towards a seven-year-life for all business from the company is considerable. If JS should be vehicles rather than the 10 years for rigids and seven years buying a large number of one make—it never buys more for tractive units as it did four years ago. Not only do than two dozen at one go—it will spread the purchase mechanics require more attention, but cab rot and body­ around at least two dealers. work problems occur. Rusty cabs are difficult and costly to The same evaluation policy is exercised when buying put right, and material such as the bodywork insulation tractive units. In spite of the increased trailer size and absorbs water, changing its insulation properties. payload, Sainsbury tends to opt for light-weight 32-tonners Clearly, Sainsbury has studied the whole business of rather than buy 'overkill' machines with massive power vehicle buying carefully—it's now down to a fine art. Above units. Vehicles like the Seddon Atkinson 400 Series are too all the company believes in maintaining an open minded big and clumsy for the work. policy so that it can buy the right horses for its particular More importantly, the fuel consumption of bigger tractive courses. units does not get that much higher when running with the load Sainsbury carries, but they intrinsically use more fuel. For this reason the company is looking at the DAF 2300 Demountable tail-lifts are used on rigids to allow flexibility. type vehicle. Again, though, the open mind policy is employed and should something potentially better come up, Sainsbury will look at it. Three Leyland Roadtrains are on trial at the Charlton depot, in spite of their larger engines.

Rigorous inspection Bodywork is an all-important aspect of Sainsbury and to ensure continuity it puts on tenders to several dozen companies. This applies to both rigid and trailer bodywork. From these tenders the company buys from the most com­ petitive half dozen. Again it spreads purchases as far as possible, and this also increases its options. Rigorous inspection of the bodybuilders' handywork is made, and if performance or delivery fall behind, the body­ builder is not put on the tender list again. All Sainsbury rigids are fitted with demountable tail-lifts. 'Although they cost £200 more than and fixed tail-lift they are worth their weight in gold' says Brian. If a breakdown in the tail-lift occurs the vehicle can still be used. All Sainsbury artic trailer vans have the plugs and hooks to accommodate tail-lifts but few are fitted. This is because artics are used to deliver to more modern premises where loading bays or scissor lifts are in use. Sainsbury runs some reefers, but only on bulk collection. The normal boxvans are well insulated, but even though they carry some frozen produce they are not refrigerated. The reason for this, says Brian, is that there are other foods around the frozen foods—which are in thermo containers— and these are all moved at different temperatures. An insulated van maintains their temperature while a COMMERCIAL MOTOR

one week to Bracklesham Bay where four dialysis machines are available. But all sorts of schemes were devised and so far over £600 has been gathered towards the target now set by the branch of Holiday £1,000 by November 1. Their most successful event to date, making in the region of £500, was a sponsored walk held one Sunday. money Forty seven members of staff, relatives and friends took part in the 10 mile walk, undertaken at a brisk pace around Runfold, The Sands and Moor Park, and all walkers completed the course. PROMPTED BY A DONATION from the company to the British Kidney Patient Association, which was presented by their manager Cyril Cox, staff at Farnham started their own fund Making the initial donation (left to raising efforts to send children to a right) Cyril Cox, Elizabeth Ward holiday home. (president of the BKPA), Mavis Originally they had intended to raise Gascoyne (BPO) and Major the £150 needed to send one child for Scragg (appealorganiser). 10 Through the two Marketing Mikes' hard work the good name of JS own- label products has been improved in the industry. They explained: 'The Grocer's criticism encouraged JS to refine its thoughts on the matter and even to strengthen our self confidence. JS is innovative in this field and knows that it has the reputation, the skill and the will to make it a success.'

HEAD OF MARKETING services, Ivor Hunt (pictured above) explained that JS is unique among retailers in the way it pulls together a number of Blowing own-label trumpet functions in his department, when he was interviewed by Marketing Week. He highlighted the role of his department THE 'MARKETING MEN' of be of proportionately better quality. and JS's emphasis on research. Sainsbury's have hit the headlines in This is not so true when JS is measured 'For Sainsbury's is a company that, defence of quality own-label groceries. against an advertised, known brand. like many manufacturing companies, The quality and true worth of some Sainsbury's customers know that where but unlike the majority of retailers, takes retailers' own-label goods was the price is the same, JS quality is market research very seriously indeed. questioned recently in the trade press superior, and that where JS is cheaper In the past few years it has been but JS marketing manager (grocery the quality is never below that of a progressively integrating its research division) Mike Samuel (above left), and known brand. staff into its marketing department so Mike Conolly, his counterpart in the that it can apply the enormous statistical fresh foods division, disputed the doubts As good—or better knowledge it has acquired.' hotly. The Grocer was thoroughly 'To my knowledge, we are virtually convinced by the time the corre­ Sainsbury's only introduce an own- unique in retailing in the importance we spondence had stopped flowing and on label product which in quality or price place on detailed analysis' Ivor said August 2 they published an article high­ is as good as, or preferably better than, during the interview. 'Much of what we lighting JS viewpoints. other brands on the market. For do is done by other retailers, but I don't The company now stocks about 1,700 example, a range of five extra-fruited think anyone else pulls it all together in items carrying its own name—which conserves has recently been launched the way that we do, so that each amounts to about 56 per cent of total which has at least 10 per cent more fruit department can feed off each other.' turnover. The magazine reported 'JS than ordinary jam and no additional New products research was also has, without publicity, moved the range colour or preservatives. These conserves looked at in the article which went on to so that it covers almost every aspect of are not only more expensive than the say: 'Marketing services also plays a shopping needs and aspirations. For cheapest brands on the market, they are crucial role in the development of example, it is not widely known that also approximately 30 per cent dearer Sainsbury's new lines. For example the around 60 grocery and drink lines are than the brand leader. decision to launch the new range of up­ consistently dearer than comparable This is not just a recent policy, for market, own-label conserves was taken branded products, and sell simply JS over the years has developed various against a background of the because they are premium products.' traditional 'own-label" quality lines department's research programme. "I'm Mike Samuel explained to the Journal which are not compromised by price. not saying that we suggested that JS that customers trust JS so much that When JS goes up market with 'an should have a range of conserves" says they are willing to assume that extra cost own-label it is usually to satisfy a Hunt. "We don't initiate new lines that will automatically mean a higher quality definite demand, particularly in grocery way. But the work that emerges from product. areas where quality has notoriously been this department—the work we are doing 'To some extent the price becomes the diminished. But the company maintains on attitudes to own-label and the way measure of quality. For example a JS standard own-labels as well as branded the market is going—will have helped line A which is dearer than JS line B will versions—alongside the upgraded ones. point the way to that range." Area trading manager trial

REVISED ROLES have recently given relieve some of the pressure from area extend to training programmes for rise to an experimental new job title at general managers and district managers junior management and area training two area offices. Owen Keen and Reg and provide a representative of area specialists. Weeks (both formerly district managers) management who can collate the For daily trading problems, such as have been appointed area trading incoming information from branches, line shortages, they will act as an managers in Uxbridge and Coventry to sift it and immediately act upon it. They information centre and encourage the filter all trading queries from within will act as liaison officers between the policy of increased communication their respective areas. branches and the central trading office. between branches and the authority of Area trading managers will be able to The revision of responsibilities will also the area office. ii No one needs to think twice about going to see a doctor when they are ill, or to see a mechanic when their car breaks down—but as far as safety is concerned, who ever thinks of consulting an expert? But there is a growing need for specialised advice, precautions and awareness.

THROUGHOUT HISTORY society improvements began to occur due to care of them, it was obliged to act in has been slow to admit to, and control, the need for skilled labour. the face of public opinion concerning health hazards associated with work. But nevertheless it was not until the the terrible working conditions of Mining for example is one of the 19th century, in a Britain well into the women and children. The result was oldest industries and in the mines of throes of the industrial revolution, that the first factory bill which became the ancient Greece and Egypt there was an any government regulations were famous Health and Morals of almost total disregard for the miners imposed. Apprentices Act of 1802. safety. In fact as most of them were Manufacturers generally felt it was Since its beginnings however, prisoners, criminals or slaves they were economically important to keep their responsibility has been acknowledged entirely expendable to make way for new machines running continuously and many steps taken culminating in ready replacements. In the middle ages with abundant unskilled labour from the 1974 Health and Safety at Work the status of the miner changed rural areas. But whilst the philosophy Act. however because minerals became an of the government at the time was to This Act is unique on the statute economic necessity, and let people be free and let society take books for it is the one act of legislation

12 that provides that the accused should including home, roads and recreation, acceptance of responsibility both by prove their innocence rather than the is full of hazards, just as is the work­ the employer and the employee. In the norm of the accused being proven place, because hazards are a future however, with the current trend guilty. It really collates all the previous fundamental property of things. of ever increasing awareness, I think legislation—it is a self-embracing Act. Hazards like the falling brick cannot we will see work being tailored to fit It is non-specific and places almost a always be readily or economically man, rather than men being suitable moral as well as legal duty on all eliminated—but the risk can. For for jobs. After all in any accident free persons at work. It is also an enabling example, if you cannot provide a safe situation you must ensure that the man Act to allow changes to be made, and floor, safe footwear can be provided. and the job are compatible. It is standards to be raised, rules to be laid, Because of economic impracticability interesting to note that, a great deal of as technology or society dictates. we must all live with hazards but they money is spent on protecting people Dave Bowen, JS's retail engineering must be identified, considered and but a much smaller amount is spent on manager, is one of the new breed of steps taken to ensure that risks are training which would dramatically safety specialists, having recently minimized. reduce accidents. Any safety man will attained The British Safety Council's The use of protective clothing tell you "If it can happen—it will!'" Diploma in Safety Management. He demonstrates the failure to eliminate sees safety as a philosophy, a way of hazard, but is acceptable to reduce In the next issue of the life, and strongly recognises the need risks from injury or to health. Journal look out for part for wider education in safety Nevertheless training and clear two of this article where a techniques. awareness of the hazards are essential closer look will be taken at 'Accidents don't happen, they are measures to minimise risks. safety within JS. caused by people, by their acts and ommissions. The pain, misery and financial loss to this country are enormous. The definition of an If it c accident is an unplanned event l\t W resulting in injury or damage. Injuries are usually reported and recorded— 'Whatever line of work you are damage usually isn't, and there is a involved in, accidents do occur and third factor that is hardly ever are mainly caused by people—so the considered. reasons are always the same. Take, for instance, the example of a Implementation of a safety policy brick falling on a building site. For requires the wholehearted co­ every brick that hits someone on the operation of all employees, an head and seriously injures or kills them, another ten will hit someone, causing a minor injury. In these cases accident reports will be made out. A further 30 will drop and cause no injuries at all, causing damage to property or machinery, and usually be unreported. But 600 will also drop causing no injuries or damage. Each one of these near misses is a warning which individually goes unheeded.

£40,(1 was tab

'So this analogy of the brick illustrates the seriousness of the problem. In real life there are approxi­ mately 1,000,000 serious accidents at work each year, giving rise to 24 million man days lost each year, at a cost of £1,800 million. Minor injuries also account for about the same amounts in time and money. So just imagine the staggering number of near misses! Lump all these together with industrial ill health and the result is a colossal £40,000 million each year— wasted. To put this in perspective compare it with the seven million or so man days lost in a year as a result of strikes. Why should industrial disputes get all the publicity? 'All this money though, and don't forget the suffering, is after the event— the horse has already bolted. Those near misses are before the event and should be heeded by everyone. The law says this in the Health and Safety at Work Act. This differs from all previous legislation because it requires everyone at work to care about his or her own safety, the safety of their workmates, and any other persons who could be affected by their work. 'Everyone knows that the world, 13 house in Horsham and moving into a for a while; some of the customers were mobile home. If a mobile home conjures so villainous! up a picture of bleak caravan sites— Then it was back to the comparative forget it. The site is as pretty as a well- peace of 218 Sutton, where he stayed for kept village and the community spirit a few years. When self-service came makes sure no-one is lonely. But if you along Jack went to be re-trained at 9-11 want to be alone there is beautiful open Croydon. From Croydon he moved to countryside as far as the eye can see. Stockwell, and from Stockwell he spent 'Since we moved in a few weeks ago' two 'lovely years' at Chichester. says Jack 'we've had a constant stream Life was just as mobile for his family of visitors, all of whom have been quite who, when they could, moved around taken by our new little home.' with him. His roving came to a halt in The little home is not so little and the 1971. In preparation for decimalisation building and finish is far, far better than the following year Jack became manager most new brickbuilt homes. Jack and of JS's Decimal Store at 9-11 Croydon. Emmie even had the choice of taking it almost fully furnished. 'I don't get Press pressure attached to possessions' says Emmie 'so when the chance to start completely T thoroughly enjoyed it—it was a afresh came up I took it.' wonderful experience and I met so many But to reach this goal Jack has had to people' says Jack. 'The shop was an work hard, and plan ahead. international showpiece. We were - Jack's long career at JS has been just training staff and customers for D-Day. as interesting and varied as the new life­ It attracted press from all over the style he has chosen for himself. It began world. We made a film and this would back in 1937 when he started as an egg- be shown four times a day. I also had to boy at 218 Sutton branch. It was there lecture four times a day! I can still he met Emmie. One of their first remember every word of that lecture.' meetings was when she came to take­ After the high-pressure working over his job selling eggs outside the shop conditions of his year at the Decimal while he had his tea break. 'She was the Shop, Jack opted for a quieter life as the youngest hand, only a little thing and it manager of Dorking when it opened in was freezing cold. I felt very sorry for 1972. her' says Jack. Jack then began to think seriously about winding down and taking his Moving on future health and happiness into account. From Dorking he moved to 'Relationships' between staff were Horsham, and from Horsham to the old frowned upon and when Jack took East Grinstead branch where he stayed Emmie out for the first time one until it closed. When the new super­ Tuesday he found himself moved to market opened in East Grinstead Jack another branch in Sutton on became responsible for the then very Wednesday! new textiles and hardware departments. With the outbreak of war in 1939 he With the opening of the new super­ became a soldier and found himself not market at Horsham Jack took over the in Sutton but travelling through Iraq, backdoor there. Which brings us almost the Caucasus mountains, the Western up to date and Jack's retirement. Desert and Italy. 'Emmie and I were 'I began to give my retirement some married and we had a baby by the time I real thought about three or four years was called-up. By now she had left JS. ago. Emmie and I liked travelling. For When I left to go overseas our daughter years we had been camping or was a babe-in-arms. When I came back caravanning. Packing up and crossing she opened the door to me!' the channel with no idea where we were It was back home for good in 1946 going. We used to send a telegram to and to JS at North Cheam. Soon he our daughter saying things like "we are returned to 218 Sutton, this time as first okay and in Venice". Jack and Emmie outside their new home. hand. He was at Sutton for about five years. When he got his 'blue coat' he New life transferred to High Street Kensington branch. During this time he also became 'We knew that we wanted to move an instructor at Blackfriars. 'It was quite into a mobile home but it is very difficult an honour' says Jack. 'There were only to get onto a site. We had almost given Perfect five instructors at any one time and if up hope and were looking for a you were chosen you knew you were in bungalow when the chance to move line for a management job.' into this one near East Grinstead came His next branch was 67 Sutton as an up—we jumped at it.' plans assistant manager. 'I was a relief But from the sound of it Jack and manager as well. It was a good system. Emmie will not be around much to IF YOU WANT TO KNOW how to You got lots of experience in different enjoy it, for the next few years at least. plan for a perfect retirement Jack Miles branches so when you got your own They plan to go to America, Canada is the man to ask. When Jack retired shop you really knew the ropes.' and Australia. They still have a small recently as reception manager at By now it was the middle fifties. Two caravan and whenever the fancy takes Horsham branch, after nearly 44 years days before Christmas Jack was sent to them, they intend to go a wandering all at JS, he moved into a brand new home, relieve at Lambeth Walk as the manager over Europe. deep in the West Sussex countryside; his had fallen ill. But not long after that He is still in touch with many of the diary is full of invitations that will take Christmas he was given his first shop— friends he made at JS and looks forward him and his wife Emmie all over the 87 Balham. to a social life that would leave a much world; and without sacrificing any of the He was there a year and then trans­ younger man in tatters. So much for the luxuries they love, they have managed to ferred to Battersea. 'It was a tough shop quiet life of the countryside.! cut their cost of living down by 60 per and I went there as a sort of trouble- 'As far as we are concerned our new cent. shooter.' At Battersea Jack experienced life is as about as perfect as you can get' This big drop in their outgoings has two break-ins and a safe-blowing. He says Jack with a look of peaceful been achieved mainly by giving up their even had an escort to the station at night contentment. 14 1mm ••

A freshly painted future occupies the thoughts of George and Peggy Milne. Retirement is all go!

NO TIME FOR TEA-BREAKS is what In the office at that branch worked a was selected as Miss England and that George Milne has found since he retired young lady named Peggy and some two was a good morale boost for a fine staff on June 13! It was the only Friday the years later George married her. George team. 13th that occurs this year when George still feels as many others do that the old It was at Basingstoke town centre chose to retire from the final stage of his manual stores had a real community where George was helping out at the 45 year career, as reception manager at feeling—'even down to the bickering opening when Mr RJ (now Sir Robert) Hayes branch. It certainly hasn't proved and gossip of a small village. It's more interviewed him with a view to promo­ to be unlucky though—just busier than difficult to build up that kind of relation­ tion. At 87 Ealing in 1969 George he suspected as he has tackled ambitious ship with hundreds of staff in a modern experienced managing his own first decorating feats. supermarket.' store. Another two and a half year In 1920 George was born in London When one of the drivers died George's period—a cycle that seems to run but reached the end of school days near early work experience was once again throughout his career—was spent there Poole in Dorset. The recession meant called upon and he trained to be a relief before moving to Feltham. George that the head of his family was out of driver. 'I was a roundsman for about claims that by staying in the one store work so George, the eldest of four three years and although being out on for just two or three years you do not children, set his sights to earn some the road held up my promotional have time to get stale or lose your zest money to help support them. His next opportunities I was happily married and for the job. door neighbour introduced the idea of settled and that was the important When Feltham was extended to working for his local JS branch and he thing.' increase to almost double its original was taken on as a vanboy at size George transferred to Edgware Westbourne. store. With his health not as strong as it "I enjoyed the delivery rounds in the Gave in notice had been George spent some time surrounding exclusive areas and stayed looking to the future and when he had in that job for six months' George There were four branches in Bourne­ just five years to go, and with stores recalls. After three years as an errand mouth and George worked in all of becoming increasingly sophisticated, it boy his manager encouraged him to them. 'In the end I felt 1 had to speak up was agreed that George should finish his become a white-coat. In 1939 his parents for myself for promotion's sake and so I years at JS as a reception manager. were posted to Yeovil so George 'lived- gave in my notice! That staggered the George moved to Watford in 1975 and in' above the shop and he remembers manager but after a few weeks I was then to Hayes for his final year. this period of his life with affection. The sent for self-service training at South- 'There's no time for teabreaks and young lads made up a happy community bourne.' In 1960 he made the move to games of pool now' laughs Peggy. 'Em and he still has memories of the Above Bar, Southampton and there he a Jack of all trades' George admits, 'but 'backslang' language they talked in stayed for over two years until he trans­ I intend to devote the winter months (which all went above their customers' ferred to Shirley as assistant manager improving my knowledge of woodwork heads) and the tricks they used to play. for the opening. Above Bar needed an and carpentry by going to evening George was 20 years old when his war assistant manager next so George classes. I'm busier now than I was at service began—'there was no choice, as I returned to that branch in 1965. 'It was work!' was over six feet tall I was automatically really marvellous to have the responsi­ The holiday is over but George is glad appointed to join the Guards!' During bilities of being an assistant manager to have retired and attend to pressing six years in the Coldstream Guards he and carrying out management reliefs—it jobs at home and in the garden. 'I am never saw front line action and only came a bit late in my life but was good not sorry to have parted from work but went abroad once before returning to for my ego!' am sorry to have parted from my Westbourne branch to work behind the It was also while George was at colleagues. Everyone has always been counter. Shirley that a cashier from the branch kind and tolerated all my whims!' People page

worked in all branches and at Black- branches in the surrounding area over Appointments friars when he first came to the the years. company. He moved to Basingstoke Bill Baulcomb, senior trade meat depot in 1963 and Buntingford some ten assistant at Eastbourne, has retired after P Robinson, formerly a buyer in the years later as works engineering 44 years' service with JS. purchasing department, has been manager. Bernard was then promoted to He joined the firm as a delivery boy appointed distribution manager in that depot operations, and then to acting and since the war has always worked department. operations manager/deputy depot with meat and poultry. M Evans, formerly manager of manager this year. Harry Harvey, senior leading trades Folkestone, has been appointed Pauline Gain, area clerical specialist at assistant at Langney, has retired after 41 manager of Dover. Uxbridge area office, celebrates 25 years years' service. E Kendrew, formerly manager of with the company on September 12. He joined the company at Haywards Ashford, has been appointed manager Pauline first worked at two manual Heath and also worked at 31 East­ of Folkestone. branches as chief clerk and then moved bourne before moving to Langney. E Thompson, formerly manager of to Slough branch in 1963 in the same Pat Barnett, cashier in the staff Sittingbourne, has been appointed role. Two years later she went out on the restaurant in Norwich House, manager of Ashford. road as branch auditor (which is now Streatham Hill, has retired after 29 years' M Mexson, formerly deputy manager referred to as area clerical specialist). service with JS. of Woolwich, has been appointed Bob Gates, a driver at Charlton depot, She joined the company at West manager of Sittingbourne. is celebrating 25 years at JS. Croydon and also worked at George P Leach, formerly manager of Bob came to the company to work in Street. From 1954-64 Pat was stewardess Paddington, has been appointed the warehouse loading bank at Stamford at the Griffin Club before moving manager of Norbury. House and in the canned goods to Streatham Hill. R Wells, formerly deputy manager of department in the annexe. He has been a John 'Wagon Master' Burton, a lorry Greenford, has been appointed manager driver since 1957 and is an active trade driver at Basingstoke depot, has retired of Paddington. union member. after 25 years' service with JS. D Carey, formerly manager of East Pat Mills, perishables warehouseman He worked from Blackfriars, Bunting­ Grinstead, has been appointed manager at Basingstoke depot, completed 25 ford and Charlton before transferring to of Chislehurst for the opening. years' service in July. Basingstoke in 1972. W Hales, formerly manager of Pat commenced his service on the Lilian Alger, a senior supermarket Broadfield, has been appointed manager loading bank at Stamford House and assistant at Debden, has retired after 21 of East Grinstead. after a brief spell in the cheese and years' service. R Harrison, formerly manager of packed goods departments he trans­ Charlie Barrett, a painter at HO, has Farnborough, has been appointed ferred to work in the poultry depot in retired after 21 years with JS. manager of Broadfield. 1964 and was promoted to chargehand. He joined the company at Union R Ealden, formerly deputy manager of Pat was acting stock foreman until Street and when it was closed, trans­ Woking, has been appointed manager of recently when the job ceased to exist. ferred to Stamford House. Farnborough. Pat Newman, senior supermarket Edward 'Mac' MacDonald, a assistant in the meat department at warehouseman at Charlton, has retired Norbury, celebrates 25 years at JS. after 21 years with JS. Long service Pat began at 176 Streatham branch He joined JS at Blackfriars in the where she remained for five years. Since warehouse and moved to Charlton in then she had worked at Stockwell, 1970. Mary Ansley, a fresh meat supplier at Victoria and Chelsea before moving to Ron Condick, departmental director Boreham Wood Branch, has celebrated Norbury as chief display. responsible for the engineering depart­ 25 years with the company. Doug Riley, perishables warehouse ment, has retired after 16 years' service Mary began her career in the cooked manager at Charlton depot, is with JS. meat department in the manual shop. celebrating 25 years with the company. Phyllis Cage, a skilled supermarket She then transferred to the supermarket Doug began his career in the depot assistant at Bishop's Stortford, has and has been fresh meat supplier for the stock office at Blackfriars and then retired after 13 years' service with JS. past ten years. moved to the sales appraisal office. In Gwen Brown, housekeeper at Bob Butcher, provisions manager at 1967 he had a spell in the grocery buying Cheltenham, has retired after 12 years' Farnham branch, is celebrating 25 years department before transferring to service with JS. atJS. central work study. Doug moved to She joined as daily domestic when the Bob began his career at Farnham Charlton on its opening as work study branch opened in 1968. branch as a trainee butcher and five officer and then safety and training Vera Sandbar, a part-time display years later was promoted to assistant officer. He was appointed central stores assistant at Central Croydon, retires this head butcher. As assistant meat manager in 1972 and two years later month after 11 years' service with JS. manager he transferred to Camberley non-perishables area manager until this Harry Feldman, an operations clerk in branch in 1971. Bob then embarked on a year. office managers department, Blackfriars, conversion course at Basingstoke for six has retired after ten years' service months before being promoted to with JS. assistant manager at Farnham in 1972 Retirements He joined the company as a post and provisions manager one year later. messenger before taking up his final post Bernard Clancey, operations manager in 1972. at Buntingford depot, completed 25 Bert Bridle, produce manager at Hove, Gladys Neville, a part-time super­ years' service on July 25. has retired after 45 years' service with JS. market assistant at Worcester has As an electrical apprentice in the He joined the company as bike boy at retired after ten years' service with JS. branch engineering division, Bernard 24 Brighton and has worked at many continued on page 20 > 16 BUBBLING YOLANDE BECKLES. a 17 year-old student at Holloway, was recently a 'star of the South Bank' when she danced at the Purcell Rooms and the Queen Elizabeth Hall. She and other pupils of Starcross school danced in the concerts called 'A Programme of Modern Dance' and she performed pieces perfected for her certificate of extended education Dancing however is more of a way very popular with both the boys and exams in dance. of life for Yolande than just a hobby— girls—almost half the school attend! ILEA decided to mount the show' she has been dancing since the age of Unfortunately though this will prob­ said Yolande 'and that all the schools seven and has even been holding her ably be my last year as I'll be leaving on the South Bank should be repre­ own dance classes at Copenhagen school. It's a shame because I think it's sented in this special week of events. primary school. the most enjoyable thing I've ever The dance inspector came to our 'It all started when my little sister done!' school and I was asked to dance for was in a Christmas play that had one In the future Yolande hopes perhaps her. Anyway she loved my dancing dance in it. She came home, said it to become a professional dancer or which is pretty fast and lively and the was terrible, and why didn't I help, dance teacher and judging by her past next thing I knew I was offered these which I did, and as a result they asked performance, her enthusiasm and two performances—which was quite me to start the class. I've been running dedication, is well on the way to doing an honour!' it for four years now and it's become just that! Basingstoke gives OAPs a lift Salty tale OLD AGE PENSIONERS in NORTHWICH BRANCH is built over Basingstoke received a lift recently from an old ninteenth century salt mine. A JS's supermarket manager in the town, fact that is recorded in a recently Ronald Lake. published book called Northwich in He presented a cheque for £500 from Times Past. The author, Colin Lynch, is the Sainsbury charitable fund to Age a local man and provided JS with a lot Concern, Basingstoke and Deane. The of historical background information money was put towards the cost of about the site just before the store fitting a tail lift on the Ford transit van opened in the Spring of 1979. As a result used to convey old folk to meetings and there is a plaque outside the store social events. commemorating the days when it was Barons Key Salt Mine and not a Sainsbury's supermarket. Barons Key Mine and the JS connection got another mention when Ronald Lake tries out the lift Colin Lynch took part in a local radio watched by the mayor, councillor programme on some of the interesting Charles Byart and Mary Bean (left), historical stories in his book. chairman of Age Concern, (You'll find more information about Basingstoke, and Deane. Barons Key in our February 1979 issue.) 17 'ITS VERY IMPORTANT to have a he noticed had an old bus parked on his the years, from tickets and magazines hobby' says Keith Stratford firmly. premises, and thus made contact with a to the actual vehicles! Keith is deputy manager at Wembley small group of enthusiasts whose prime They are not the only people who branch and is glad that his outside interests are to collect transport collect mementos. One day they caught interests break him away from his day to memorabilia and restore obsolete buses. a teenager trying to wrench a unique day work and complement it so well. They are working on two buses at headlight from their double decker. A love which began many years ago present. One is a Green Line 1953, single 'Vandals and storage space can be has over recent years been reawakened decker coach (shorter than the modern problems' Keith admits. It is heart and is now the centre point of his social equivalent) and is almost completely breaking too if all that work put into the refurbished, restored and repainted. The other is a 1948 double decker which they have painstakingly stripped ready for painting. It used to be a road safety mobile exhibition vehicle. Artistic circle Every member of the group, 'The Abbots Langley Transport Circle', chips in for expenses but the benefits are many and various. 'You discover talents you didn't know you had' laughs Keith who is a little shy of his new skills. They all lend a hand with repairing and painting—all buses are hand painted and it takes more than a dozen coats of expensive paint to cover them. Hand painting public transport is a trade exam and a respected art. The whole family can participate when they join in rallies. Keith is always amazed by the number of people who stick their hands out to BEFORE: Keith and fellow Circle stop the bus! 'In fact we are allowed to AFTER: Hard graft and special talents member, Alan, ready to begin on the run the blinds with destinations and have been poured into the Green Line stripped down double decker. numbers so that tends to confuse the single decker bus. life and has given rise to activities in public even though the style of vehicles handpainting is ruined by malicious which his whole family can participate. has long been out of service.' scratches. That love is of buses! Even when unreliable weather holds 'The buses have no real commercial 'Many people at the branch look at up their outdoor pursuits the Circle are value' Keith explains 'but you me strangely when I try to finish work in still constantly on the look out for all sometimes can sell advertisement space time to go and polish a bus! I do explain kinds of transport mementos and on them. An aquaintance of mine played that when we go on a bus rally or a long happily accept donations to their James Bond's double in Jamaica when trip we want to be proud of our turnout' collections. They also organise bookings they filmed a period bus scene. So, there Keith says 'and on the previous day a for day trips for all sorts of is money to be made from this hobby good polish is essential.' organisations who ask for advice. too—if you are lucky! Keith's step-father worked for 45 Secretary Brian Roberts explains that he 'The most important aspect though is years with London Transport buses and, enjoys being able to supply this free to have fun' Brian reminds members of although Keith did not want to enter a service: 'Even when our coach is not the Circle. 'We have so much fun getting career involving the vehicles, they available we have the right contacts to ready for a tour or rally, and then being always held a fascination. He learnt to answer most enquiries.' Eventually together for a meal afterwards, that a drive the buses and always retained his though a long term aim is to set up a prize for best turnout or something of interest in them. This year he museum to display the transport that nature is just the cream on the approached the owner of a garage who 'paraphanalia' they have collected over pudding!'

18 King's Lynn walks tall

INSTEAD OF JUST BEING SAD When she died earlier this year, the after by prep room assistant Doreen when a well-loved member of staff died branch decided to do something in her Hilton. 'I made up over 200 sandwiches of cancer, the rest of the staff at King's memory. The store's SSA committee, and we brewed up on a couple of camp­ Lynn did something positive and headed by leading warehouseman ing stoves. organised a sponsored walk in her Dennis Dent and BPO Lyn Gosling set Dogs and children joined in on the memory; and then donated the money about organising a sponsored walk walk (although the dogs were not they raised to the Addenbrooke around the village where Jean lived. sponsored!) and anyone who completed Hospital Cancer Scanning Appeal Dennis did posters that were distri­ the course twice got double the money. Fund. buted to a number of local shops and 'Everyone got a lot out of it' says Jean Sandford had been a display organisations enlisting their help. The deputy manager Bob Austin. assistant at King's Lynn branch for five response was overwhelming. When most 'It has created such a good spirit at years. Her enthusiasm, energy and chari­ of the staff set off on the walk they were the branch' says BPO Lyn 'that we hope table approach to life made her a joined by friends, relatives and groups of to have a similar walk every year in a valuable and popular member of the people from all over the town and good cause.' King's Lynn team. She gave a great deal surrounding area. Dennis Dent was unfortunately not at of her time to raising money for various Together they raised over £1,400 the store when our photographs were charities including the scan appeal fund which they formally presented to the taken. He was preparing to go on at a Cambridge hospital. It was there­ Addenbrooke hospital at a ceremony holiday the next morning—a walking fore a cruel irony when Jean herself was held at the branch at the end of May. tour of the Lake District! He hopes to told she was dying of cancer, but she The walk itself was a day out for cover more than 200 miles during his continued her life as cheerfully and use­ everyone, despite its sad origins. There trip. All good training for King's Lynn's fully as before. was a refreshment stop en route, looked next charitable stepping out.

Just a few of the people at King's Lynn branch who organised a charity walk in memory of a workmate. Shopper of the century!

A MARVELLOUS OLD LADY, and to Sainsbury's stores every two weeks an example to us all, proves that it's not for the past ten years, confirms that only the young who like supermarkets Florence lives all on her own and still when she shops at Sainsbury's. Florence cooks and maintains a large house Young has received a telegram from the without assistance. He says 'she has Queen to congratulate her on reaching shopped at Sainsbury's since she her hundredth birthday and yet she still married and maintains that the goes to do her fortnightly shopping at merchandise is excellent—and pushing Dorking branch! the trolley helps her to run around quite So remarkably sprightly and youthful quickly!' It is Florence's only trip out is she that none of the staff realised that these days and she doesn't seem to want she was as old as she is. Her name might to visit other shops. have something to do with her great Alan James has only recently moved attainment but she also proudly pro­ from Redhill to manage Dorking branch fesses to have been a vegetarian for and admitted that he would never have about half her life. guessed this happy shopper's secret but Her son Kenneth (pictured here was very pleased to convey JS's shopping with her) who has driven her congratulations to her. Your letters Letters are welcome and should be addressed to the editor.

but we soon realised the great value of members of the '71 Club', although I such a model should we ever experience doubt if there are any I would know still Return journey: this in real life. working, like me they are too old. I was also interested to hear about The family spirit of JS is the main The Harlow Industrial Health Service thing which keeps the whole thing going. From: Brian Tidd, distribution division, for I took many a prospective employee I hope it will always be so. Rennie House along to that centre for a medical exam­ The photo on page 11 of the July issue I wish to refer to the article in the July ination before they even started at the is I believe a friend of mine I have not edition entitled 'Pickles to Africa'. depot, so it was good to know there is seen since the war. Lower picture left Together with other readers 1 would like still a close connection with the Harlow hand side under an umbrella, Nell to compliment those who were involved Health Service. Well done JS for the Wood, she married a JS driver, but I on their opportunism and enthusiasm wonderful gift you have passed on and can't think of his name. which obtained these extra sales. I am to my friends Peter Speight and Jimmy concerned however to see that these Lyall let me say be sure to maintain the goods were despatched from the branch friendship that was set up in the past in roll-pallets. I sincerely hope that ar­ with the Health Service. Pensions rangements were made to recover the roll-pallets from the quayside since at £50 each the 13 that were on the lorry in From: R J Whiting, Buntingford depot the photograph are worth £650. Memorable read Referring to Cyril Raynor's letter in the My object in writing is to encourage June issue, a reading of the 1979 ac- greater concern for the safe-guarding of tuarys' report shows that some members our equipment, particularly roll-pallets. From: Mrs Curness, Ex JS employee of the pension scheme have their pen­ They form such a common part of the As an old Sainsburyite, I am pleased to sions based on the final year's earnings. operational scene that their presence is have the JS Journal passed on to me by taken for granted and we may not al­ my nephew Mr W J White who works at ways be taking sufficient care to prevent Hastings branch. their loss. It is good to know that the Griffin Club is still flourishing, I used to enjoy You can rest easy. We checked with the Monday evening dances, at which a po­ branch who told us the roll-pallets were lice sergeant played the piano, and dear returned the same day, as arranged with Mrs Rudd dispensed the refreshments. OM before they left the store—Editor My husband and I used to attend the Whitsun sports day, and enjoyed the Don't forget trips to Margate on a paddle steamer with all the Sainsbury family (I still have last Good health the Blue Book souvenir). I myself worked at Biackfriars ware­ copy date house from 1928 until 1938 when I From 'Dave' Davis, JS veteran married James Curness of the factory next issue I've just read with interest the article on who worked across the road from 1925 Resusci Anne in the August issue, and it until 1962 when he died of cancer. is Sept 8 reminded me of my days at Hoddesdon I was truly grateful for the allowance depot. paid to me when Jim was in the RAF. Some of us took a course on first aid My husband's father John Curness through the local St Johns Ambulance was a carman and worked for many Brigade and during our training we were years at JS staying on at Biackfriars introduced to 'Anne' and of course we during the war, after retirement age. were all very keen to try the kiss of life I would like to be remembered to any

> continued from page 16 a warehouseman some ten years ago, he then became a tradesman before being Obituary appointed produce manager. He also carried out relief work at local stores. Gerry Bonner, a security officer at Graham's death occurred after several Biackfriars died on July 24, just before months of illness. The following staff have also retired. his 26th birthday. Length of service is shown in brackets. Pamela Teece, a skilled supermarket Gerry joined the JS security team in assistant at Central Croydon branch, Mrs A Abbey (9 years) 1976. He was tragically killed as the died on July 28 aged 49 years, after a Mrs V Bailey (5 years) result of a hit and run accident whilst on painful illness lasting many months. Mr L Barnett (4 years) holiday in his native Ireland. Sadly, Pam's JS career began 29 years ago Mrs A Holtby (6 years) Gerry never regained consciousness when she joined the 9/11 Croydon Mrs H McFarlane (6 years) after being in a coma for five days. branch, as a packer/weigher. She was Mrs M Mallard (7 years) Graham Breillat, produce manager then promoted to display assistant and Mrs D Wilson (3 years) at Northfield branch, died on July 23. moved to the present Central Croydon Mr R Withers (7 years) He was aged 53 years and joined JS as branch in 1969 when it opened. 20 Loving kindness

THE GENEROSITY and loving tendency to forget to breathe. A quick The hospital was so delighted with kindness of staff at Solihull branch is tickle on the feet is usually enough to jog the branch's generosity they invited helping to save the lives of premature their memory and start them breathing Eileen, Mary and Wendy Whitbread to babies. In support of the Year of the again, but it does mean that every see the Apnoea in action. (Wendy was Child, staff at Solihull raised over £400 minute of the day a constant watch has another key member of the fund raising which they gave to the maternity unit of to be kept to make sure they get that life team.) a local hospital. With the money, the saving tickle. A highly sensitive At the end of July they were able to unit bought a special sort of 'mattress' 'mattress' provides that constant watch. take up the invitation and were quite which sets off an alarm if the baby lying overwhelmed by the hospitality they on it stops breathing. received. They were taken to the special At the end of last year chief display Constant care ward to meet James Birch. assistant Eileen Harris suggested that James had been born at 7.15pm the staff at Solihull should try and raise watch day before and weighed only 31bs 7ozs. money for a local children's Snug in his carefully controlled organisation. Everyone at the store incubator he had the added protection added their enthusiasm to the Called the Apnoea Monitor it is a of the Apnoea, Solihull had bought. campaign; and a lot of discos and raffles small mesh pad, about 5 inches by 8 Sister Kay Taylor, who is in charge of later, they found they had amassed inches, attached to a monitoring unit. the special care unit, was on hand to £410. The baby lies on the pad. The moni­ answer Eileen's, Mary's and Wendy's 'We put the names of all the local toring unit rests on top of the incubator many questions. 'It was absolutely children's organisations in a hat' says (almost without exception premature wonderful' says Mary. 'My own Eileen 'and out came the name of the babies spend the first couple of weeks daughter was only 21bs when she was hospital just down the road from the inside an incubator) and if the baby born and had to be fed with an eye store.' should stop breathing, or move off the dropper, so I know how touch and go it BPO Mary Woodman contacted the pad, the unit gives an audible alarm call. can be.' hospital. "They were delighted' says The price tag on the Apnoea Monitor Eileen, Mary and Wendy were so Mary 'and knew just what they would was just under the £410 collected, so the enthusiastic about what they saw, they do with the money. The special care unit hospital also bought a trolley that could were already planning how they could in maternity needed a particular kind be used to hold some of the other raise more money. 'It's not just people in of mattress.' respiratory aids that are useful to have the town who use the hospital, so we Premature babies—who on average around when dealing with such fragile may try and get one or two of the other weigh in at around 31bs—have a babies. branches in the area to join in.'

Left: Some of the staff at Solihull whose enthusiasm helped to raise money for the Year of the Child. Top right: James Birch, age 20 hours, sleeps peacefully in his incubator with the added protection of his ever 'watchful' special mattress. Bottom right: Eileen, Mary and Wendy as key members of the fund raising committee were invited to the hospital to see their gift in action and meet young James. Although they were only able to say hello through the plate glass windows of his 'bedroom', they were able to watch Sister Kay Taylor demonstrate how the Apnoea Monitor worked. to pat up butter—it was very frustrating and after about a week I think I was holding the pats by the blisters on my fingers!' Gone fishing. Having survived the training Albert was sent to his first branch—57B Kingston. 'I was a runner. I spent the 'I HAD A VERY HAPPY TIME with mended to him by a friend and was first month just doing odd jobs and from JS and I'd say that anyone who stays 43 engaged on January 26, 1937. 'At that there I progressed to higher things like years with one company must've time' he said 'we had two weeks training skinning cheese and then to egg boy.' He enjoyed their job' said recently retired at Blackfriars. This consisted of a few worked his way around the depart­ Albert 'Wopp' Wopshott formerly pep talks but was mainly spent learning ments and in 1939 transferred to 97 manager of Walton Freezer Centre. Kingston, where he stayed until the Having had one job prior to joining outbreak of war. JS, Albert had the company recom­ 'I volunteered about two months before my call up' said Albert, 'because I wanted to have a choice of service and so I got into the RAF. I was in the station armoury for four years. I didn't go abroad and so as the war with Germany was virtually at an end and we didn't have a lot to do I asked for a transfer to the Army. This came through and I was posted to Sierra Leone in West Africa as an instructor to the African Army—and I quite enjoyed it!" Wopp came out of the forces in 1945 and was reinstated with JS returning to 57B Kingston. 'I stayed there quite a time, two or three managers came and went and I was eventually promoted to assistant manager.' And in 1962 he was given his first branch as manager at Esher. Albert then moved to 314 North End Road, Fulham and in January 1969 became manager of 13/15 Southwark— opposite HO. 'I stayed there until 1972 when the trade dropped drastically. Until then it had been very good but

'THE COMPANY HAS ALWAYS It was all above board though.' treated me well and I've always done my Jimmy left the Army in 1946. He and best, what more can you say?' says Doris had married in 1942, and he re­ happily retired Jimmy Bush, former turned to JS at Hackney. Moving then manager of Brentwood. 'I've had a lot to Stamford Hill, he became one of the The best of of enjoyment and pleasure during my 46 first assistant managers. 'In those days, years with JS.' the leading salesman, or the red button Jimmy joined JS in 1934 at the age of man as we called him, used to relieve the in 1967, and made his final move, to 14 as a runner at High Street manager when he was away, then open Brentwood in 1969. 'That was by Walthamstow, and between then and company policy changed and they far the lengthiest period, eleven years, being called up in 1941 also worked at started appointing assistant managers.' that I spent in one branch' he said. 'I Edmonton, Kingsland Road and In 1957 Jimmy received his first post always had itchy feet, as you can tell by Hoxton. i progressed from runner to as manager. 'It was Upton Lane, Forest the number of branches I've been at, but learner' he said 'which meant that I Gate' he said 'only a small branch. The I used to worry about getting com­ could get involved with the customers as takings were £950 a week which is a far placent if I stayed at one place for too well as being a general dogsbody! By the cry from today's figures.' From there long.' time the war came I had been promoted Jimmy went to a series of branches as A contributory factor to his slowing to salesman.' manager—52 Holloway, 179 down though was probably the fact that Walthamstow, 42 Walthamstow and 12 Jimmy had to undergo two major oper­ Walthamstow, all still manual stores. ations during these years. Firstly he slip­ Short term employee But in 1962 the first self-service branch ped two discs shortly after the opening opened in Walthamstow replacing the of Brentwood and in 1975 he had to A big event in Jimmy's life also occur­ others, and so he made the transition to have a kidney removed. red during this period when he was the new style of trading. Jimmy retired in July this year and working at Kingsland Road—he met his 'I was sent to the Debden store which from the extent of the festivities it is wife Doris, who was also a JS I think was only the second self-service obvious that he was a popular manager. employee—but only for three weeks! store JS opened' said Jimmy. 'I did my Firstly' he said 'we had a slap-up lunch Then in 1941, at the age of 20 and training there as a spare manager for at the branch, well two in fact so that earning the princely sum of £2.10s a about 18 months. Although it was only everyone could attend, and I was tou­ week, Jimmy was called up into the 18 years ago, training was a bit hap­ ched that people were coming in on their Army. 'I didn't have the best of eyesight' hazard. There were no formal training days off and even from their holidays. It recalls Jimmy 'so I was fortunate in not schemes as such, one of the existing was all very enjoyable. having to go abroad. I was stationed in assistant managers was taken out and the North and the Midlands most of the you covered for him and worked beside time, in fact I suppose Doris saw more everyone and everybody to absorb as Off to Japan of the war staying in London than I did. much knowledge as possible. It's not I was a company quartermaster's surprising that it took about 18 'There was also a management func­ sergeant—I must have been one of the months!' tion organised at Barkingside' said only people in the Army that sent food Jimmy was appointed manager of Jimmy 'where I was presented with a parcels home instead of receiving them! Debden in 1964, moved to Upton Lane very handsome cheque which I put to-

22 the closure of the factory, where the this store. 'It was a new experience for nice surprise. The party was about thirty bulk of our best customers worked, me. The staff was small and all new to strong—they gave me a good send off. really also spelt the end of the branch. It the business so I was the only one with Then finally I was invited up to Black- was nice there because you had so many any in-depth experience of JS and friars to have lunch with two other retir­ senior executives popping in and out, company policies. We had our problems ing managers with Mr Barnes and Mr you often saw the directors and even Mr . but it was a happy little shop.' Males—all in all it was.a terrific way to Alan and Mr JD. It was also useful to be In 1975 he was asked to open another leave!' able to visit the various departments and freezer centre at Walton-on-Thames Now that his time is his own Wopp is find out what was going on!' where he stayed until he retired in June just beginning to get into the swing of this year. retirement. T haven't done a lot so far', Looking back over his career Albert he said, 'but I'm beginning to pick up on Happy little shop admits that he had a fairly satisfying the decorating that's been neglected in time. 'The things I tend to remember the past, which is pleasing the wife no The closure of that branch also really more though are the social times', said end! I enjoy decorating though—it's saw the end of Albert's career as the Albert. 'Some of my happiest times with very satisfying to be able to stand back manager of a manual store. T always JS were when I was young and a keen and think "well that's not a bad job". I had a yen for the service branches and cyclist. also like to maintain my own car and I'd never had any self-service training, 'We'd finish scrubbing the counters I'm learning something new about it although I had been approached on down and lock up on a Saturday night, everyday.' several occasions, because I never really dash home and change into our cycling felt that it was for me. So that put an kit and with about five bob in our end to any chance of further promotion pockets ride off through the night down Fresh air as a supermarket manager—but I was to Brighton. We'd have fish and chips quite happy with my lot and I got when we got there and then sleep under He also is interested in gardening and offered the job as back door manager at the pier—it made a good cheap growing both vegetables and flowers. Feltham, which at that time was in the weekend.' But his favourite hobby is fishing. T love throes of being extended.' Retirement though brought several it for the fresh air and relaxation. I pack But fate stepped in at this point and pleasant surprises for Albert. 'At my bag up sometimes with sandwiches Wopp got the opportunity to return to Walton we were fortunate enough to be and a thermos and make a day of it. I'm the job he liked best, as manager of a able to have our lunch at the super­ going to join some more angling clubs in manual store at Putney. T knew it would market over the road. Anyway I the future and go much further afield. only be a short stay though because the returned from lunch one day to find that 'My wife and I also like to go walking. new supermarket was already under my staff had baked a lovely cake and We live in between Richmond Park and construction—but I liked it.' bought a bottle of wine and we had a Wimbledon Common so we have quite a At this time too JS opened its first great time—it was totally unexpected. A wide area to explore. But we have independent freezer centre at South- management party was also got up for walked as far as Dorking and places like bourne. The company also decided to me at the Ship Hotel in Weybridge that stopping off somewhere for lunch re-open the old manual branch at which was attended by all the local on route. Apart from all this sort of Teddington as a freezer centre and managers and their deputies and also thing I think another hobby I shall take Albert was asked to open and manage one or two retired friends which was a up maybe is watching television!' a good job

wards a set of new garden furniture. I was so pleased at that do because vir­ tually all my management team turned up—right down to the trainees!' As far as retirement is concerned it still seems like a holiday to Jimmy and Doris. 'I'm not much of a one for mak­ ing long term plans' said Jimmy 'the only things I've really got in mind are the usual like decorating which I've been putting off for the last couple of years on the strength of my forthcoming retirement.' The couple also plan to spend some time exploring Essex, where they have lived for the past 15 years. 'We haven't had a lot of opportunity to look around but despite what people may say it is a very interesting county.' Another major plan that they have in mind is to pay a visit to their daughter Pauline. This may not sound a lot—that is until you hear that she has lived and worked in Japan for the last 11 years. 'We don't usually see her more than once a year so this will be a real treat. Japan isn't the sort of place you can take in in a fortnight's holiday so we hope to have an extended stay and see everything—we're really looking for­ ward to it!' Jimmy and Doris look forward to visiting their daughter in Japan. 23 Archives Hot stuff! A NUMBER of JS depots have had hot (left), such as the bracket for the gas rationing, that encouraged an early histories, in that fire has partially or lamp on the wall on the right. decentralisation of distribution. totally destroyed them. A dramatic account of the fire at the Miraculously, no one was hurt when a Allcroft Passage, Sainsbury's first Saffron Waldon depot, 18 July 1941, bomb dropped on Union Street depot depot in Kentish Town, was badly dam­ comes from the Saffron Walden Inde­ on 10 September 1940. However 28 aged by fire in 1953, shortly before its pendent Press and Chronicle: 'The fire bacon stoves, each containing 400 sides demolition. The depot was used by roared to a height of 50 feet, but the of bacon were destroyed, and fires raged Sainsbury's between 1880-1891, and had firemen stuck heroically to their posts. for 48 hours, as the fat on the beef and sadly declined since it was vacated by In" the course of the operations, a great bacon kept in the store provided the company. However, several details many service men and civilians took excellent fuel for the flames. of the original depot and bacon stoves part. Men were seen scaling beams to Since the war, stringent control by can be seen on the 1955 photograph reach blazing timbers. Casualties were JS's fire officers has greatly reduced the inevitable, and a score of men and fire risk at the depots. However, Basing­ women were treated for minor injuries.' stoke had a bit of a burn up in 1973; Due to the heroism of the fire-fighters said at the time 'to be the biggest much of the food stored in the depot disaster the company has ever was salvaged although the Old Makings experienced' with an insurance claim for were completely destroyed. Saffron nearly £J million. (Pyromaniacs, will Walden was one of the many depots find more details about this one in the opened during the war, due to petrol July 1973 issue.)

Left: An artist's impression of Allcroft Passage in the 1880s. Bottom left: Allcroft Passage in real-life taken in 1955 (after JS had vacated the premises!). Notice the fire damage on the right hand wall.

Bottom right: The Old Makings at Saffron Walden just before the fire, in July 1941.

If anyone has any memories of the Maypole Dairies, please could you tell Harriet Geddes on 921 6528.

24 SA/3-$3/34n

Alternative Aveley closes prices Re-vamp is published every four weeks for employees of to make J Sainsbury Limited YELLOW PRICE PACKS are the latest programme Stamford House symbol of increased competitiveness in Stamford Street the High Street, coming this time from London SE1 9LL way for Fine fare. Telephone: 01-921 6660 The concept is described as a range of to cost £6^m 'no frills' products, a 'third alternative' Editor Dagenham for shoppers to the usual branded or Diane Hill own-label products. Assistant editors The range of 51 popular grocery John Fielder goods are estimated to be ten to 20 per MAJOR BRANCH IMPROVEMENTS Ruth Guy cent cheaper even than own-label are being carried out companywide. TO COINCIDE with the opening of the brands, the economies being made in the Alterations and full modernisations of Printed in England by new Dagenham branch on October 14, areas of packaging, quality and fittings have revamped and updated the Alabaster Passmore & Sons Ltd the much smaller Aveley branch in marginal costing on extended image of such stores as Sutton, Kilburn, London & Maidstone Derwent Parade, South Ockendon, is to production runs. Hitchin and Watford—all between close. Said John Allen, Fine Fare's market­ December 1979 and the beginning of Local residents feel that their best ing director: 'We believe this concept is this financial year! store is being snatched from them but as a genuine third alternative. We are By the end of 1980 the branches like Warehousing and shopfloors alike are rehabilitated through sheer hard work September trio departmental director of branch giving a high priority to the controlling Horsham, Norbury, Churchill Square, during refits. operations, Dennis Males, explained to and cutting of the high rate of increases Poole, Camberley, Wembley, Harpen- them: 'We have striven to offer our in our customers' shopping bills.' den, Barkingside, Stratford, Telford, THREE BRANCHES are due to open customers the best possible service at Burton-on-Trent and Kettering, that this month. They are at Mitcham, Dover Aveley under extremely difficult have already been spring-cleaned or had and New Barnet on September 16, 23 conditions. Regretfully we have been their sales areas extended, are expected and 30 respectively. driven to the decision that if we are to Spar-ring partner to be joined by five more in the Bromley North Cheam's deputy manager, Ray continue maintaining this standard, we area, four in Woking, six in Uxbridge, Hayne, opens Mitcham branch with a have no alternative but to close a store five in Romford and eight in Coventry. sales area of 1,440 square metres (15,500 which is no longer suitable for modern OPERATION 80—that's the name the Several other stores will have some old square feet). Steve Woodrow moves trading conditions.' Spar supermarket chain has given to a gondolas replaced. from Golders Green to New Barnet, Since JS first began trading in South advertising and promotion campaign This programme of improvements is sales area 2,045 square metres (22,012 Ockendon in 1956 the company has that it is reported will run up a bill of even more ambitious than 1979 which square feet) and Michael Evans transfers expanded rapidly and the new and larger £3.5 million. was itself a record year. During the as manager from Folkestone to Dover stores have been able to offer a greater It is said to be Spar's 'biggest ever financial year 1979/80 JS spent over £2 which has a sales area of 1,534 square range of products than South Ockendon attack' and the first since the company million on modernisations and new metres (16,512 square feet). possibly could. However, the new changed advertising agencies. The new fittings but this year's expenditure is Dagenham supermarket will meet all the agency handled Tesco's Checkout likely to be over £6J million which (even requirements necessary for shopping in campaign. During the Tesco campaign allowing for inflation) is an impressive the 80s, within its sales area of 1,558 Spar's market share fell from 4 to 3.2 increase. IGD supporters square metres (16,770 square feet). per cent.

A NEW COMMITTEE member has A FORTNIGHT'S HOLIDAY for two strengthened JS's support for the in Switzerland, valued at £800, has been Institute of Grocery Distribution. won by housewife Sylvia Aylward as Swiss cheeses pleases JS customer Dino Adriano, manager of branch first prize in a competition exclusive to operations, and Bob Cooper, senior JS customers. manager, bread buying, were secretary The contest, organised by 'Cheeses Wembley's manager Richard Davies looks over the new fittings with district manager and treasurer of the IGD's 13-strong from Switzerland', was run in Anthony Trevethan. South Eastern branch committee last Sainsbury's freezer magazine, and year. Sylvia, who lives in Ruislip, is a regular Now, Dino and Bob are chairman JS customer. and secretary respectively, and have To win she had to choose the most been joined by Mike Powell, distribution appropriate recipes using the five main planning manager, who becomes cheeses from Switzerland—emmental. MM treasurer. gruyere, royalp, appenzell and sbrinz— for a number of different occasions. She then had to explain in 15 words why she liked Swiss cheese and she composed the An admirer winning slogan: "I like cheeses from Switzerland because they are the perfect ingredient for many delicious recipes.' THE MINISTER OF HOUSING, John Receiving her prize in JS's Uxbridge Stanley, openly admired Sainsbury's at store on August 7 Sylvia said 'I don't go Telford on the occasion of his visit with in for competitions very often—in fact the Telford Development Corporation. I'd almost forgotten about it, after all Members of the Corporation accom­ you don't expect to win! panied the minister on a tour of the area 'It's funny really because when I was to observe its development—its doing the competition my son came in industry, housing and its major shops. upset about something and I said I'd Manager of Telford branch, Richard take him with me if I won—to cheer him Archer, noticed that all the special up. So when the'letter came he, of visitors were most impressed by the pro­ course, remembered straight away. My mil motions of so many British goods, the husband is a bit put out!' bakery and of course by the opinions Above left: Wembley before it sported free flow produce. Right: Manager voiced by the happy customers! of Camberley, Donald Hawkins and his staff, looked happy with the installation of a new slim kiosk. ? 3 A rich harvest for fruit & veg fans

QUALITY CONTROL SKILLS, and The method of rejecting and returning even stronger communication with batches of produce when it was to advise suppliers on the suitability of packaging and transport of produce and suppliers in the produce area has been delivered to JS depots, if it was below their production for JS—and have the carry out trials of new varieties both at strengthened this year by the intro­ our quality standards, was un­ right to reject produce which he does not home and abroad. duction of a new technical and develop­ satisfactory. It resulted in a loss to us consider meets JS specifications! ment department. and a loss to our suppliers. The flow of information both ways JS is the country's largest produce (from and to suppliers and buyers) will retailer and it was decided that it was a Area inspectors improve vastly with this closer contact vital move to develop the buying and the APIs may well discover new strength and quality control by playing 'We will still need our depot quality crops or ideas from existing suppliers a far bigger role in helping producers to controllers, especially for the many that JS would not otherwise have been grow what we need, planning direct delivery lines coming from able to investigate. production programmes and playing a abroad. Their function is unchanged. The second aspect of the new depart­ larger part in finding new production But now, in addition, there will be four ment is that of technical advice and methods and varieties. The solution has area produce inspectors.' development work. For this three been to establish the new produce Ray Morton is based at Hoddesdon produce development specialists (PDS) 'WE ARE MORE ADVENTUROUS technical department which basically, depot and has been appointed inspector are being appointed. Dr Jeff Geary, now' confirmed members of the covers two areas, the quality control of Eastern Area (South); Simon previously in the horticulture depart­ produce buying department on the area and the technical and advisory Whitehead based at Elmdon has charge ment as glasshouse and salad specialist, subject of English eating habits. The area. of Eastern Area (North); Dennis and new recruit Bob Hilborn takes trends towards experimentation with John Love, produce technical and Randall based at Charlton has the charge of field vegetables and potatoes. new flavours and varieties is reflected in development manager, explains: Southeast Area and Harry Moss based The last member of the team, respon­ many departments, but particularly in 'Previously, quality control was at Basingstoke controls the Southwest sible for fruit, will be joining shortly. the fruit and vegetable areas during the essentially a policing method. There are Area. These specialists will be looking to summer months. great variations in natural foods like The function of the API is to visit improve existing varieties, and Kohl rabi, various coloured peppers News from the world of production techniques, by going right produce and a supplier can un­ suppliers within his area on a regular produce includes a growing Learn how to prepare your and the new Marmande (or 'beefsteak') consciously fall below standards even vegetables correctly with the back to the plant breeders and research tomatoes have caught the imagination basis to inspect raw materials, packing popularity for exotic fruits and experimental scientists. They will though it is the best quality he has got. lines, premises and so on. He will be able and vegetables. latest Sainsbury 's food of the many shoppers. Mooli is a recent guide too! also advise on problems such as the continued overleaf >

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*«j * i * • * 111« r; ««»««. j f f f i * the job , t * 11 ? •, • the sun • • • t ; t t > NOT CONTENT TO REST on their laurels JS has now launched a WHO NEEDS A HOLIDAY in the Carribean when for 1 i 11 ; V ••" range of additions to their £5.45 you can conjure up all the sun and palm JMliMy- successful own-label kitchen tool fringed beaches you want with the help of a glass or r range. two of JS's new white rum. Appearing in 54 branches on It went on sale at the end of June in all JS's August 18 the new items licensed stores. Sales reports so far are very comprise: household (£3.95) and encouraging; no doubt helped along by the price, kitchen (£3.75) scissors—both of which is nearly £1 lower than the brand whose which will cut a ip in two; a set name is now synonymous with all white rums. WHITE mm of three pastry cutters (32p); two Rum, which is fermented sugar cane, is matured spatulas (79p); a set of three in oak casks. White rum is filtered through charcoal RUM aluminium scoops (£1.95); a which takes out the colour absorbed from the casks. cheese grater and a grater/slicer (Dark rum is unfiltered.) (both 95p); a gingerbread cutter White rum does not have such a strong taste as! (59p). the dark. A taste that is very fashionable at the moment, particularly when mixed with a little JS coke, ice and a slice of lemon. Mmmmm . . . you can almost see those white sands and waving palms. w JUL—-*-*"**^

A generous measure of JS white rum, a little coke and a slice of lemon and you could be in the Carribean. 4 5 to pat up butter—it was very frustrating the closure of the factory, where the this store. 'It was a new experience for nice surprise. The party was about thirty and after about a week I think I was bulk of our best customers worked, me. The staff was small and all new to strong—they gave me a good send off. holding the pats by the blisters on my really also spelt the end of the branch. It the business so I was the only one with Then finally I was invited up to Black­ fingers!' was nice there because you had so many any in-depth experience of JS and friars to have lunch with two other retir­ Gone fishing... Having survived the training Albert senior executives popping in and out, company policies. We had our problems ing managers with Mr Barnes and Mr was sent to his first branch—57B you often saw the directors and even Mr but it was a happy little shop.' Males—all in all it was. a terrific way to Kingston. 'I was a runner. I spent the Alan and Mr JD. It was also useful to be In 1975 he was asked to open another leave!' 'I HAD A VERY HAPPY TIME with mended to him by a friend and was first month just doing odd jobs and from able to visit the various departments and freezer centre at Walton-on-Thames Now that his time is his own Wopp is JS and Ed say that anyone who stays 43 engaged on January 26, 1937. 'At that there 1 progressed to higher things like find out what was going on!' where he stayed until he retired in June just beginning to get into the swing of years with one company must've time' he said 'we had two weeks training skinning cheese and then to egg boy.' He this year. retirement. 'I haven't done a lot so far', enjoyed their job' said recently retired at Blackfriars. This consisted of a few worked his way around the depart­ Looking back over his career Albert he said, 'but I'm beginning to pick up on Albert 'Wopp' Wopshott formerly pep talks but was mainly spent learning ments and in 1939 transferred to 97 Happy little shop admits that he had a fairly satisfying the decorating that's been neglected in manager of Walton Freezer Centre. Kingston, where he stayed until the time. 'The things I tend to remember the past, which is pleasing the wife no Having had one job prior to joining outbreak of war. The closure of that branch also really more though are the social times', said end! I enjoy decorating though—it's JS, Albert had the company recom­ 'I volunteered about two months saw the end of Albert's career as the Albert. 'Some of my happiest times with very satisfying to be able to stand back before my call up' said Albert, 'because I manager of a manual store. 'I always JS were when I was young and a keen and think "well that's not a bad job". I wanted to have a choice of service and had a yen for the service branches and cyclist. also like to maintain my own car and so I got into the RAF. I was in the I'd never had any self-service training, 'We'd finish scrubbing the counters I'm learning something new about it station armoury for four years. I didn't although I had been approached on down and lock up on a Saturday night, everyday.' go abroad and so as the war with several occasions, because I never really dash home and change into our cycling Germany was virtually at an end and we felt that it was for me. So that put an kit and with about five bob in our didn't have a lot to do I asked for a end to any chance of further promotion pockets ride off through the night down Fresh air transfer to the Army. This came through as a supermarket manager—but I was to Brighton. We'd have fish and chips and I was posted to Sierra Leone in quite happy with my lot and I got when we got there and then sleep under He also is interested in gardening and West Africa as an instructor to the offered the job as back door manager at the pier—it made a good cheap growing both vegetables and flowers. African Army—and I quite enjoyed it!' Feltham, which at that time was in the weekend.' But his favourite hobby is fishing. 'I love Wopp came out of the forces in 1945 throes of being extended.' Retirement though brought several it for the fresh air and relaxation. I pack and was reinstated with JS returning to But fate stepped in at this point and pleasant surprises for Albert. 'At my bag up sometimes with sandwiches 57B Kingston. 'I stayed there quite a Wopp got the opportunity to return to Walton we were fortunate enough to be and a thermos and make a day of it. I'm time, two or three managers came and the job he liked best, as manager of a able to have our lunch at the super­ going to join some more angling clubs in went and I was eventually promoted to manual store at Putney. 'I knew it would market over the road. Anyway I the future and go much further afield. assistant manager.' And in 1962 he was only be a short stay though because the returned from lunch one day to find that 'My wife and I also like to go walking. given his first branch as manager at new supermarket was already under my staff had baked a lovely cake and We live in between Richmond Park and Esher. construction—but I liked it.' bought a bottle of wine and we had a Wimbledon Common so we have quite a Albert then moved to 314 North End At this time too JS opened its first great time—it was totally unexpected. A wide area to explore. But we have Road, Fulham and in January 1969 independent freezer centre at South- management party was also got up for walked as far as Dorking and places like became manager of 13/15 Southwark— bourne. The company also decided to me at the Ship Hotel in Weybridge that stopping off somewhere for lunch opposite HO. 'I stayed there until 1972 re-open the old manual branch at which was attended by all the local on route. Apart from all this sort of when the trade dropped drastically. Teddington as a freezer centre and managers and their deputies and also thing I think another hobby I shall take Until then it had been very good but Albert was asked to open and manage one or two retired friends which was a up maybe is watching television!'

'THE COMPANY HAS ALWAYS It was all above board though." treated me well and I've always done my Jimmy left the Army in 1946. He and best, what more can you say?' says Doris had married in 1942, and he re­ happily retired Jimmy Bush, former turned to JS at Hackney. Moving then manager of Brentwood. 'I've had a lot to Stamford Hill, he became one of the The best of a good job of enjoyment and pleasure during my 46 first assistant managers. 'In those days, years with JS.' the leading salesman, or the red button Jimmy joined JS in 1934 at the age of man as we called him, used to relieve the in 1967, and made his final move, to wards a set of new garden furniture. I 14 as a runner at High Street manager when he was away, then open Brentwood in 1969. 'That was by was so pleased at that do because vir­ Walthamstow, and between then and company policy changed and they far the lengthiest period, eleven years, tually all my management team turned being called up in 1941 also worked at started appointing assistant managers.' that I spent in one branch' he said. 'I up—right down to the trainees!' Edmonton, Kingsland Road and In 1957 Jimmy received his first post always had itchy feet, as you can tell by As far as retirement is concerned it Hoxton. "I progressed from runner to as manager. 'It was Upton Lane, Forest the number of branches I've been at, but still seems like a holiday to Jimmy and learner' he said 'which meant that I Gate' he said 'only a small branch. The I used to worry about getting com­ Doris. 'I'm not much of a one for mak­ could get involved with the customers as takings were £950 a week which is a far placent if I stayed at one place for too ing long term plans' said Jimmy 'the well as being a general dogsbody! By the cry from today's figures.' From there long.' only things I've really got in mind are time the war came I had been promoted Jimmy went to a series of branches as A contributory factor to his slowing the usual like decorating which I've been to salesman.' manager—52 Holloway, 179 down though was probably the fact that putting off for the last couple of years on Walthamstow, 42 Walthamstow and 12 Jimmy had to undergo two major oper­ the strength of my forthcoming Walthamstow, all still manual stores. ations during these years. Firstly he slip­ retirement.' Short term employee But in 1962 the first self-service branch ped two discs shortly after the opening The couple also plan to spend some opened in Walthamstow replacing the of Brentwood and in 1975 he had to time exploring Essex, where they have A big event in Jimmy's life also occur­ others, and so he made the transition to have a kidney removed. lived for the past 15 years. 'We haven't red during this period when he was the new style of trading. Jimmy retired in July this year and had a lot of opportunity to look around working at Kingsland Road—he met his 'I was sent to the Debden store which from the extent of the festivities it is but despite what people may say it is a wife Doris, who was also a JS I think was only the second self-service obvious that he was a popular manager. very interesting county.' employee—but only for three weeks! store JS opened' said Jimmy. 'I did my Firstly' he said 'we had a slap-up lunch Another major plan that they have in Then in 1941, at the age of 20 and training there as a spare manager for at the branch, well two in fact so that mind is to pay a visit to their daughter earning the princely sum of £2.10s a about 18 months. Although it was only everyone could attend, and I was tou­ Pauline. This may not sound a lot—that week, Jimmy was called up into the 18 years ago, training was a bit hap­ ched that people were coming in on their is until you hear that she has lived and Army. 'I didn't have the best of eyesight' hazard. There were no formal training days off and even from their holidays. It worked in Japan for the last 11 years. recalls Jimmy 'so I was fortunate in not schemes as such, one of the existing was all very enjoyable. 'We don't usually see her more than having to go abroad. I was stationed in assistant managers was taken out and once a year so this will be a real treat. the North and the Midlands most of the you covered for him and worked beside Japan isn't the sort of place you can take time, in fact I suppose Doris saw more everyone and everybody to absorb as Off to Japan in in a fortnight's holiday so we hope to of the war staying in London than I did. much knowledge as possible. It's not have an extended stay and see I was a company quartermaster's surprising that it took about 18 'There was also a management func­ everything—we're really looking for­ sergeant—I must have been one of the months!' tion organised at Barkingside' said ward to it!' only people in the Army that sent food Jimmy was appointed manager of Jimmy 'where I was presented with a parcels home instead of receiving them! very handsome cheque which I put to- Jimmy and Doris look forward to visiting Debden in 1964, moved to Upton Lane their daughter in Japan. 22 23