The days when the Co-op had a '˜head of stables' on its books
Hot on the heels (hooves?) of Hick's and Co the '˜Fratton Park bakers', comes Smith & Vosper '“ bread bakers and pastrycooks.
Trevor Coles has been following my articles about the former which included yesterday’s pictures of the Hick’s award-winning delivery horses and carts displayed on Southsea Common.
Trevor says: ‘I believe my grandfather, William Frederick Gosslinn, who at the time worked for Smith & Vospers , was possibly at the same event on Southsea Common .
‘I’m not sure of the year but it was definitely pre-1914.’
Trevor sent me these two pictures of William’s prizewinning rigs, one of which claimed first place.
He adds: ‘During the First World War he served with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps .
‘After the war and up to his death in 1946 he was in charge of the Co-op Stables in Elmshurst Road, Gosport.
‘Apparently, according to family history, Tom Parker, of Parker’s Dairy fame, tried to headhunt him from the Co-op, but my grandfather would have none of it .’