Inter War Years

JohnII had a broad spectrum
1885-1964

The photos here are not complete or curated

Sons:
Bruce 1914-2002
Charles 1916- 2007

I think the tall man in the back row is Bruce, so that would date the picture about 1937 or so. Too late then for a 100 year celebration. We probably have the stalwarts of the new Joiners Shop, built 1926 and the foremen from the stone yard, the plumbers and the electrician, all of whom I remember after WW2, not to mention Freddie Howard in the spray shop. Maybe it's too early for him. On the other hand- the lorry is really old and the surroundings are falling down- so maybe 1925 just before the big clearup? More thought required. Not Bruce then.

And, of course, apprentices- without whom there are no tradesmen or future foremen.

John- 1885- 1964 keen golfer and wartime building demolisher with Bert Barnes
During the blitz, when the buildings/houses were burnt out or demolished apart from the walls and chimney stacks, Bert would go up the firemen's ladders and lasso the chimney. John would then operate the crab winch to pull the building down without damage to others. A sort of Fred Dibnah, only without the steam engines.

Of course he did much more and knew exactly what was going on. See the photos as soon as I get them scanned.

He was also a very keen golfer. There is a picture of the opening ceremony for Royal Birkdale Golf Club new Clubhouse- I hope he made a profit.