My First Job

A Memory of Chandler's Ford.

Our family had already started plans to emigrate to Canada in 1956. I graduated from North End Secondary Modern after completing my O levels in June. I needed a job for a few months until we left in November.
I heard that Dr Burge the chemist was looking for someone to fill in for a while. I applied for the job and started right away. The hours were from 9-6 five and a half days a week, the salary £5 per week.
Every day I rode my bike from Belmont Road up the Oakmount Road hill to work, rain or shine. It seemed like mostly in the rain.
In those days a Chemist shop was just that. Medicines,prescriptions, first aid supplies and a few kinds of make up. Dr. Burge also made several kinds of creams and potions to order. I had a lot to learn in a short time.
Sometimes Americans would come in, expecting the North American type of Drugstore, wanting pens, candy etc. they seemed quite surprised when I referred them to other shops nearby.
I was very naive. A man would come in and ask for the gentleman's package or to speak to Dr. Burge. He would receive a brown paper bag, already sealed.
I asked Dr Burge what it was. He told me to ask my mother. I did. She said it was for protection. I couldn't imagine what for.
One day Mrs Burge came in as she would once in a while to help. She noted that we were low on the gentleman's packages. I asked her what was in them. When she told me contraceptives, I was shocked.
I did learn to operate the cash register, how to treat customers and restock items.
That was my only experience of working in retail. The Chemist shop is shown in the photo of Bournemouth Road. Happy memories.