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Philip - I trust that you are keeping 'reasonably' well and are having (have had ?) a great surprise party.

Surprise, that is, unless you sussed it out somehow.

 

We were invited over for your party but .......

June & I are not keen on travelling locally, let alone to S.A.

June's hip - badly broken on 2nd May, 2009 - is doing well but doesn't help matters.

 

ISHERWOODS DAYS:

 

I started at 15 years of age - possibly 3rd September, 1955 - with no school qualifications.

 

My first recollection of you was your appearance in 'TV Room 2' at Isherwood's Service Department on George Street some time later.

The two 'engineers' in Room 2 were the late Eric Youhill and the late Tony Stokes.
Our jobs included lighting the coal fire on cold mornings, fetching Pork Pies, Cornish Pasties, etc. during the day and, occasionally, attempting to repair Television Receivers.

The TV's were monochrome, (black and white for the non-technical), and only one channel until about 1958 when the Emley Moor channel opened.

 

I remember you offering Tony Stokes a cup of tea one lunch time.  Tony seemed delighted until .....

You produced an enamelled teapot from your haversack, put some loose tealeaves in it, poured some water in it, then put it on the coal fire to boil !

 

I can't recall whether Tony drank any, but he didn't accept any further offers !!!

 

There were about eight 'new' apprentices - the list below shows these and others !

You left Isherwood's and moved to Huddersfield Power Station and ............
you have had a very successful career in the Power Industry - in the UK and South Africa.  After 'retirement' you have built up a successful hotel business.

I am delighted that you, Bernice and family have done so well.  However,
PLEASE try to slow down and enjoy life while you still have chance !
Try a SKI holiday (Spend some of the Kids Inheritance) ?

More information 'in your own words' HERE !

New Windows - minimize the new window(s) to return to these notes - the other windows are then available in the task bar - this window should be titled Phil Gavin's 70th Birthday !

Mel Ashton's Pictures (including George Street Workshops, yourself & others).

Other Pictures (new window)