George R. Mack Stoddart

G.R.M Stoddart joined the Co-operative on leaving school in 1936. His ambition, encouraged by his father who struggled during the depression, was to join the retail sector. After successfully completing his employment interview he recieved his appointment within the Greengrocery department in Northampton (1936-1947). It was here that he was called up to military service during the Second World War (1941-1946).

In September 1947, Stoddart transferred to the Grocery and Display Department in Shrubbery House, London (1947-1958) where he undertook the position of Provision Leading Assistant. It was here also, that he completed two years of Co-operative Union Evening Classes at the Distributive Trades College in Charring Cross Road. The subject matter, for which he gained First Class in both years, was that of Display - Principles and Practice. He would go onto tutor these evening classes for four years. Moreover, it was here that Stoddart represented the Co-operative at playing cricket, something he would do for his entire 11 years in London.

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