The author looks back on his long career in pharmacy
As an apprentice in Truro during the years 1934–38 I would read stories in The Pharmaceutical Journal on how dreadful life was for apprentices in the 19th century. Thus, I was very glad I was born in the 20th century. On reflection, I am sure those years were the least happy in my career.
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The author (right) pictured in Port Issac with his eldest son Christopher, who is also a pharmacist |
We arrived at work just before 8.30am, smartly dressed in pinstriped trousers and a stiff white collar. The hours were 8.30am– 7pm from Monday to Thursday, 8.30am– 8pm on Friday, and 8.30am–9pm on Saturday. The only exception was Christmas Eve when we closed at 10pm.
Thursday was a half day in Truro. Everywhere else in Cornwall, half day was on Wednesday so the other apprentices had a half day on Wednesday and Thursday to go to Truro technical college. I was told it was only five minutes' walk to the college so I could work from 8.30–9.45am on Thursday morning and then attend college.
The shop was very busy and hence apart from the first half hour, when I polished the pens and familiarised myself with the stock on the shelves, I was kept very busy. The shop was very long and rather narrow and the girls derived a considerable amount of amusement when I was embarrassed. At that time the only contraceptives we sold were washable sheaths. One day an overweight farmer asked me for a sheath and, very embarrassed, I found the drawer. I found that there were three sizes. Naturally I gave the customer the large size. After I had recovering from my embarrassment in front of the shop girls, the farmer stormed back into the shop and said: "What the bloody hell have you given me? I want it for myself not the horse!"
I slowly graduated into the dispensary where I became quite accomplished at making pills, cachets, boxes of powders and the normal mixtures and suspensions.
As the doctors tried to inspire confidence with their dress and bedside manner, I quickly became aware of medicines: aspirin was for pain, antacids for indigestion and stomach pains and, when these were not indicated, there was always a large variety of laxatives.
Soon after qualifying I joined the Royal Air Force for five years and was fortunate in gaining a commission. In 1946 my pay was £37 per month, plus my keep, uniform, etc. Consequently, although it was my intention to return to Boots after the war, the salary offered to a 28-year-old pharmacist of £7.50 per week while it was considerably better than 50p as an apprentice, was inadequate to sustain my lifestyle. So, I took a position with a private pharmacist for £10.50 per week.
After 15 months I purchased my first business for £1,000 I had borrowed from my father. This was at 28 High Street, Brentford, and although it was very successful I did not like living in London and a year later purchased my first pharmacy in Kenilworth. When I bought it, it had a turnover of £3,500 per annum. I was delighted to see the business rapidly growing and in the first year the turnover had increased to £7,000. Over the years I purchased other pharmacies and went into partnership with several people: Mr Heywood, Mr Wills, Richard Poynter, Roy Chew in Coventry, and John Flegg in Camborne. I purchased the business from W. R. Nicholas in Redruth and then he and I purchased a business in Hayle.
Mr Nicholas was a wealthy and very public-spirited pharmacist and we became good friends. One of the greatest compliments I received was from him when he said he wished we had met 20 years earlier, as with my business acumen we would have been highly successful. He said he was only a paper and string man.
My greatest achievement was to persuade John Dyhouse to come into partnership with me at Dorridge. Over 35 years we built up a large chain of pharmacies, never had a difference of opinion, and are still the very best of friends.
My last partnership was with my good friend David Hurt, who ran the pharmacy at Southam near Royal Leamington Spa for many years. David showed a fantastic return on the capital employed as he turned over his stock nine or 10 times a year, which was twice my target.
Apart from the pharmacy I was very fortunate in having a wife who has been an outstanding mother (and father) to our seven children! I have had various other business ventures: a carpet store, a garden and pet shop, a sauna centre, property, and I am still a partner in a building company.
I play golf three or four times a week and I am a member of the local bridge club and Rotary club. Recently my dear wife was heard to say to a friend "Dudley hasn't done a day's work since we married". By her standards she is probably right. My best wishes and thanks to the many friends I have had the good fortune to know in my 65 years in pharmacy.
Mr Taylor is a pharmacist from Kenilworth, Warwickshire