 |
Our meeting on 22nd October 2005
|
|
| We were busy all day - probably a record turn out for a one day event. Some where in there is Reg Aston, who helped lots of people find photos of themselves, their relatives and friends and of their work places. And many people were able to provide more information about their local industries. |
 |
We were very pleased to see our local MP, Pat McFadden, amongst our visitors. New to the area, he was able to pick up on the glories of the past as a perspective on present problems; and to chat with constituents. |
 |
 |
It's mid-morning and that is 'Arry 'Arrison holding
forth to a delighted crowd. 'Arry recited poems about local life to
a very appreciative audience. We were delighted to see 'Arry at another of our meetings. And listening to him is Brad Purshouse, our first Chairman, who is still a regular and very welcome attender. |
 |
We always ask that people bring along any items
associated with local industry. This must be one of the most
curious we have ever seen. Somebody kindly brought it along.
Yes, it is an egg cup! And what's its connection with local industry? An egg cup like this was given to every employee of Alfred Hickman's when the steel works was taken over by Stewart and Lloyd. It has the initials "AH" on the base. This one was presented to Elijah Britton of Bradley who was employed at the works as a maintenance electrician. |
| Next up was George Philpot. George had started his apprenticeship in 1933 (and had brought along his indentures to prove it). You can work out for yourself how old this very active and sprightly gentleman is! His account of life at Bradley's was fascinating and we hope to put it on this web site soon. |
  |
And your reporter could not resist this exterior view of the Social Club - in the bottom right window you can see George's arm making a vigorous point. |
 |
 |
Stewart and Lloyds appeared again when Shirley Boulter brought in this gold watch that had been given to Arthur Sparkes, for 25 years service at Stewart and Lloyds, where he worked in the Siemen's office. |
 |
Barry Woodberry brought along this copper tea urn or samovar, made by Beldray. We knew they made such an item but had never seen one before. Barry only recently found this item in a junk shop and hopes to restore it. |
| Louis Willis brought in three photos of John Thompson's. This one shows bending rollers in the Mars Works. Built by Hugh Smith, it could bend steel up to 6 or 7 inches thick and up to 17 feet long. The resulting cylinder was seam welded to make Thompson's boilers and pressure vessels. |
 |
click here to go on to more of the day's events click here to go back to our front page