We were sorry to learn that Jake Saunders died on 2^nd September. Jake worked at S&D for 24 years, first under Jack Arnold in the Service Dept and then under Keith Dunham in Experimental,. He was known in the works as something of a joker. His widow Joan also worked as a voice of the Company for 14 years on the Switchboard. They both enjoyed their daily work, and joined us for SD remembered in 2004 and Joan sent me a lovely letter of thanks. Jake also leaves a daughter – Toni.

Kevin Scott.

In August we welcomed Kevin Scott the son -in-law of Bert Kerr into our Facebook Group, and he has generously posted to us no less than fifteen of Bert Kerr’s photos.

Bert Kerr with an SD Soapbox.

I believe Bert had a varied career at SD and this included being an apprentice trainer. Several former apprentices paid tribute to him. Ian Morrow wrote: “He was an excellent tutor for us in our first year. He persevered with everyone of us until we could weld to Lloyd’s standards. I have never had to do it since but I still refer back to what I learnt in my role now in construction. Top bloke with a real skill in teaching.”

Mike Nichols:- “I would never have got through the first year if it hadn't been for Bert.”

Martin Holden remembers him well, a duo with ‘Mr. Chapman’, always had a cheery attitude, - a tough one to maintain with some of the new apprentice skill sets!

Another of Bert Kerr’s photos is this of the Apprentice Training School. We are grateful to Kevin Scott for sharing these photos with us, and to those former SD apprentices who have expressed their appreciation of Bert Kerr.

Martin Holden

Martin Holden, a former SD apprentice, joined the Facebook Group on 27^th August. He now lives in Auckland New Zealand and we welcome him to the Enthusiasts’ Club.

A MYSTERY PHOTO.

Aled Rees has discovered this photo about which we know very little. Can anyone help, please?

Barry Fletcher told us that the photo was taken outside the Letchworth Leisure Centre. Aled reports the Reg. No. of the PY as H 882 ETM denoting 1990/91 and Luton with a chassis number 20556. Must be very near the end of the Company.

Photo from Autumn Issue.

SD Apprenticeship Awards 1977/78 at the Broadway Hotel.

Bryan Hawley contacted me with the following information:-

Back row second from left is Gary Dockerill, and last on the left is Chris Phillips (brother of Paul Phillips, a previous Apprentice of the Year, and son of John Phillips who headed the Technical Publications Department for many years).

Middle row, 3rd from left, Martin Roberts, 4th Adrian Baker and last in the row is Roy Dietrich.

And, of course, I'm the one in the middle with the silverware. I still have the tankard but I often wonder what became of the actual cup, I hope someone is looking after it.

Thank you Bryan.

FREIGHTERS ON FILM IN THE 1920’s.

 

Bill Aldridge kindly informed me of a fshort film in the North West Film Archive of the Refuse Disposal Plant for Separation, Incineration and Salvage of Household Refuse at Water Street Depot Manchester. The short film is No.1549.

To My Readers:-

My best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

Brian - Editor.

Thanks.