THS

Harry Workman

Tewkesbury Historical Society

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THS Publication No. 3:

Harry Workman's Memories of Tewkesbury

Part 2: from 1938 to Today

‘Smacker’ & ‘Shipsyud’ – Milk & Mayoralty!

Harry was very surprised by the response of Tewkesbury people to the first volume of his memories. He admits that it has given him a new lease of life; he is especially delighted that people now feel they can approach him as he enjoys his evening walk and share their memories with him.

He admits that recording the second volume was much more difficult for him. Firstly he is very conscious that, having committed himself, more stories of people come into his mind – and he does not like leaving people out! The book, therefore, commences with more memories of people such as “Smacker and Shipsyud”, many of which have been suggested by the reaction to his first volume. Secondly this volume is about his years as a man of business as he built up Cotteswold Dairies between 1938 and 1988 when he retired on the firm’s Golden Anniversary. It also includes his surprise move into politics in 1950 which led to his being Mayor twice between 1959 and 1961 and his being elected an Alderman in 1966. Natural modesty and a desire to involve as many people as possible were the source of this difficulty. This volume of his memories covers the development of Tewkesbury from a market town, suffering from economic depression to an industrial town with factories re-locating themselves in Northway to take advantage of the M5 motorway. Harry’s own business reflected this trend as he moved his dairy from Cotteswold Road to the Northway Trading Estate – although, in keeping the name, he tried to maintain the firm’s best traditions.

Harry is delighted to accept invitations to speak at community groups but, of great personal satisfaction is that, as a result of sales of his book, he was able to donate over £400 to charities inspired by his beloved late wife to whom, along with his family, he dedicates this second volume of his memories.

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