Memories of the Tuck Shop

The ease of photo sharing occasionally brings its problems but, from the Archive point of view, it allows contact and access that would have been unthinkable only ten years ago. The connectedness of Old Breconians makes such links even more meaningful: connections across the decades often bring joy to the recipient and the sender in equal measure. 

Such a connection was recently brokered by John Whittaker (SHR 1953-1959), who saw the photo of Mrs Wilding in the Tuck Shop c1956, which is viewable in the Gallery. For those who don’t know, the Tuck Shop was for a long time in one of the Fives Courts, originally built in 1892. It was demolished in 1965 to make way for the Cartwright Building, which housed new Biology and Geography classrooms at opening and now houses the Languages block.  

Through the arch from Chapel Yard. Photo credits: Christ College Archive (1956) and Paul Edgley (2023).

Inspired by the image of Mrs Wilding, John immediately made contact with Mrs Wilding’s son, Alan Wilding, whom he knew while at school. With contact quickly re-established, Alan added some background to the photograph. It seems that Mrs Wilding’s word was law within the realms of the Tuck Shop and even new headmasters had to tread carefully.

Alan tells the story of an encounter with A D D McCallum. Soon after taking up his post as Headmaster in 1956, Mr McCallum decided to check out operation of the Tuck Shop. “Mother advised that it was not Fortnum and Masons, what was there operated very well under her auspices but if he wished he could take over anytime.” The new headmaster beat a dignified retreat and Tuck Shop operations remained unchanged in her very capable hands.

Alan has very kindly given us permission to post his 'Brief scenario of the evolution of the Christ College Tuck Shop'. Vividly evoking what he describes as “uncomplicated times”, his words will no doubt stir some memories for older OBs. If you have any memories of the Tuck Shop in that era, feel free to post a Comment to share them. If you have a longer story to tell, let Felicity know. We’d love to know more.

The photograph reminds me of the dreadful felt hat mother never went without, whatever the weather. The Tuck shop had no heating but I’m sure the hat was part of the uniform all year round.

Circa 1890 William Morris (no not that one) opened a grocers shop opposite Christ College at 17 Bridge Street. He was a pioneering man who over very few years progressed the business from a retail outlet to become the only significant Wholesale Grocery and Provisions Merchant in then, Brecknockshire. His establishment extended vastly to the rear with warehouses opening onto Silver Street, facilitating ease of direct deliveries to appropriate storage.

Mother upon leaving school started work there by way of early apprentice training (flat wrapping sugar, hand slicing bacon, correct storage of foods etc.) along with a few other school leavers. William’s son Victor, at the time also learned his fathers’ trade to take over the business. Young Victor and the staff worked together with innovative ideas growing the company. Mother and my father became lifelong friends and Victor and Dorothy became my godparents. The business then became Victor Morris whose name everyone in Brecon can remember

Moving on 20 years or so mother re-joined Victor to manage the office side of the business. Christ College Tuck Shop, then having been ably run for many years, by a then elderly lady, was a customer of Victor Morris. Mother dealt with the invoices and always muttered that the provisions bought in were not enough to keep growing lads happy between school meals. The elderly lady retired and mother had dealings with the Bursar, Eddie Vaughan, an immaculately turned out man, horn-rimmed glasses and the first in Brecon to own the latest Rover 2000 in a mustard colour.

Mother suggested they expand the usual boring order, with a range to include more exciting items. Eddie offered mother the job of ordering and running the Tuck Shop. Hence the start of her many years in charge. Having told the new headmaster that it was not Fortnum and Masons, looking at the photograph and the sparse items on display, there was indeed quite a way to go to catch up F & M.

I was never sure who the wire guards were up to protect; I won’t venture an answer!!