defor:
Is Roger Charmichael still about? Have not heard anything of him since we double manned arun to Spain and he was taken ill.
last i heard roger the dodger was driving for a tanker company in bridgewater called aitchison and topika blue scania’s.
Yes, Im alive and kicking, although retired, to fill in the gaps…I left Mat. went to the Midlands and your right was working out of Worcester for Atchison Topeka, mainly on the liquid side, thats were the Bridgwater connection came from, they had a big contract for juice out of there, both Uk and the continent. You know me thats for sure but I am at a loss as to who you are? I won the ERF(European Road Failure) in a “Raffle”, 5 of us were in line for a new veh. Dereck decided to buy one ERF but who to give it to…hence the raffle! If I remember right it went along these lines…Dereck put the 5 names into a hat saying to his sec. the first continental driver through the door draws the raffle. Gavin Hopper it was, after being told what was about to be done he ask, “My name in there?” Yes! said Dereck, upon grasping a slip and drawing it out he paused, and said "You Know who is going to win this dont you…it will be Jammy C, He was right, then ask to see the slips of paper to make sure my name wasnt on them all! I was away at the time but got the call to imform me, we didnt at the time know what make of veh. it was. Its the very same veh. that became the instrument in Mat getting the FHs. Jon Huttin from Dover office (Southern Director) and myself were involved in a big carpart promo for Unipart, the ERF was painted into Unipart colours for it. I had 2/3 days filming in the Mids. then down to the train, at this time the train was not fully open, only selected customers were using it, anyway all day and half the night we were there filming,photo on off on off oh on it went…then I was to go onto Paris but it didnt happen. Before JH left he sat in the cab, ha "Looked like a Chicken in a Buggie cage! he was 6.5/6 looked around and ask Whats This? After a short talk he told me that he would alter that and promised to get the right tool for the job! And he stopped Derecks plans to buy more ERFs Hence we got first some ex grey Fhs from Crossroads, they came off from the howden kitchen co… then we got new ones! hahaha still not gobstoppers what we needed! Hope this was a little help to you. Regards Roger c.
defor:
Is Roger Charmichael still about? Have not heard anything of him since we double manned arun to Spain and he was taken ill.
last i heard roger the dodger was drivin for a tanker company in bridgewater called aitchison and topika blue scania’s.
Re Double man to Arun? I can only ever remember 1 doubleman job to Spain, not to Arun though, it was to south of Spain and the Guy I was with was Billy Elliot. A Fantastic chap, very very interesting and entertaining, he is mentioned on this site some where, fluent in both SP and Fr. used to run alone a lot if I remember right, he had many good friends in France, was always calling in to see em! He loved his wine and food, might be 1 or 2 he lost his license in France for the stops he used to make. Crackin Fella! Last time I saw him he was working for Dingle Dangle on the powder side running a round trip Mcr. area out to Denmark, down to Valence in France then home, shipped across NSF Rott. with him, he bought a house on the coast near Hornsea, hahaha it was under the flight path of the military bombing range out at sea! Thats why it was cheap! then he moved to Lancs. and started with Vauxhall shipping trailers to NSF and then DDs Have not seen him since. Roger c
Carlc:
Mark
If you see Roger again tell him to get on here, it would be great to talk again.
Cliff
magnum mark:
gotalife:
defor:
Is Roger Charmichael still about? Have not heard anything of him since we double manned arun to Spain and he was taken ill.
last i heard roger the dodger was drivin for a tanker company in bridgewater called aitchison and topika blue scania’s.
Roger was in Woodside about a year ago, he is often at Nestle at York.
hi guys think mervyn henson still speaks to roger i will speak to merv and if he as got his number ask him to sign up on here.
Hi Guys, Ok Ok Ive signed on! Its Very Nice to know that people know me and ask after me, Thank to you ALL. I do not know all these criptic names, it reminds me of the early days of the CB!!! why dont you just use the name on your birth certificates? That way old guys that are “Riding the Clutch” know who every body is! “Merv the Swerv” another great bloke, remember Merv spending a weekend on the phone to the Uk we were parked up …tunnel on the old road just in France from Basel, you can not go that way now! Merv if you read this you will know what Im talking about! So come on you guys talk to me Im here, roger c. I would love to see you all again, really would. Mannie, well he was a Good Friend, Ive never seen him after Mat, anyone see him please pas on M y Regards to him and Maggie, his wife, but stuff that dog he had! Anyone interested Ive spoke to “Piggy” a few times on the phone, he had a heart attack but , thankfully made a great recovery and landed a good part time job doing some guys garden, was happy doing it. I heard Pete Ev got married to his “Bingo Manageress” in dover and is alive,retired and well, John Ev, someone told me he has passed on, but Im not sure. Reading these sites here though is bringing back many, many great memories, obviously there are a lot of you from the old stomping grounds still breathing, Good, try to remember to keep doing JUST that! Regards to All . Roger c.
Hullo Roger,
Good to see you on here and good to hear you are still in good health. I remember the very first time I met you. I was on for MAT, picking up a trailer from NSF on King George Dock. You were on for Falkinghams at the time. This was before Dereck came from Key’s, in Cliff Leaders time. If I remember you had a new F10 at that time. Did you ever marry Geoff Farrow’s Secretary ? Who was Piggy ? The only one I can think of was a lass in the Traffic Office, I think her name was Jeanette, we called her Miss Piggy.
Hullo Roger,
Good to see you on here and good to hear you are still in good health. I remember the very first time I met you. I was on for MAT, picking up a trailer from NSF on King George Dock. You were on for Falkinghams at the time. This was before Dereck came from Key’s, in Cliff Leaders time. If I remember you had a new F10 at that time. Did you ever marry Geoff Farrow’s Secretary ? Who was Piggy ? The only one I can think of was a lass in the Traffic Office, I think her name was Jeanette, we called her Miss Piggy.
Cheers, Archie.
P.S. Sorry double post, stuttering again. It’s an age thing.
Archie Paice:
Hullo Roger,
Good to see you on here and good to hear you are still in good health. I remember the very first time I met you. I was on for MAT, picking up a trailer from NSF on King George Dock. You were on for Falkinghams at the time. This was before Dereck came from Key’s, in Cliff Leaders time. If I remember you had a new F10 at that time. Did you ever marry Geoff Farrow’s Secretary ? Who was Piggy ? The only one I can think of was a lass in the Traffic Office, I think her name was Jeanette, we called her Miss Piggy.
Cheers, Archie.
P.S. Sorry double post, stuttering again. It’s an age thing.
hiya,
Hello you mentioned Cliff Leader there, I know he passed away a couple or so
years ago we worked together at Bowker’s back in the sixties but did you ever
come across a lad called Angus Suttie I think I’ve spelt it right, he too was for
Bowker’s and moved to MAT’s around the same time as Cliff hopefully he’s still
around he was a really nice guy to know.
thanks harry, long retired.
Hullo Harry,
Yes Angus Suttie, there are a few people on here who will remember him. As you say he was on MAT for a good few years. When MAT decided to leave Hull and open up in Milton Keynes, Angus went down there with them. The last time I actually saw him was on a Ferry a few years afterwards, he was on for a Fridge firm, I forget which one, but he looked terrible. Probably going from the good life at MAT to having to work all hours, not doing his health any favours. Then later I heard that he had passed away. A good bloke was Angus. (R.I.P.).
Cheers, Archie.
Hi Harry
Angus lived near the bricky pub near the Hull fair site but moved to Milton Keynes. He had two spells with MAT and worked for Hull Ships stores in between. Angus was a great bloke to be around and a good friend.
Cliff
harry_gill:
Archie Paice:
Hullo Roger,
Good to see you on here and good to hear you are still in good health. I remember the very first time I met you. I was on for MAT, picking up a trailer from NSF on King George Dock. You were on for Falkinghams at the time. This was before Dereck came from Key’s, in Cliff Leaders time. If I remember you had a new F10 at that time. Did you ever marry Geoff Farrow’s Secretary ? Who was Piggy ? The only one I can think of was a lass in the Traffic Office, I think her name was Jeanette, we called her Miss Piggy.
Cheers, Archie.
P.S. Sorry double post, stuttering again. It’s an age thing.
hiya,
Hello you mentioned Cliff Leader there, I know he passed away a couple or so
years ago we worked together at Bowker’s back in the sixties but did you ever
come across a lad called Angus Suttie I think I’ve spelt it right, he too was for
Bowker’s and moved to MAT’s around the same time as Cliff hopefully he’s still
around he was a really nice guy to know.
thanks harry, long retired.
HI Roger, It is good to know that you are still keeping well, it must be the easy life you had !!! Some of the names on here are a bit odd but some you will know. CarlC is Cliff Carl from MAT Manchester.
Take care mate and good to hear from you.
roger c:
gotalife:
defor:
Is Roger Charmichael still about? Have not heard anything of him since we double manned arun to Spain and he was taken ill.
last i heard roger the dodger was driving for a tanker company in bridgewater called aitchison and topika blue scania’s.
Yes, Im alive and kicking, although retired, to fill in the gaps…I left Mat. went to the Midlands and your right was working out of Worcester for Atchison Topeka, mainly on the liquid side, thats were the Bridgwater connection came from, they had a big contract for juice out of there, both Uk and the continent. You know me thats for sure but I am at a loss as to who you are? I won the ERF(European Road Failure) in a “Raffle”, 5 of us were in line for a new veh. Dereck decided to buy one ERF but who to give it to…hence the raffle! If I remember right it went along these lines…Dereck put the 5 names into a hat saying to his sec. the first continental driver through the door draws the raffle. Gavin Hopper it was, after being told what was about to be done he ask, “My name in there?” Yes! said Dereck, upon grasping a slip and drawing it out he paused, and said "You Know who is going to win this dont you…it will be Jammy C, He was right, then ask to see the slips of paper to make sure my name wasnt on them all! I was away at the time but got the call to imform me, we didnt at the time know what make of veh. it was. Its the very same veh. that became the instrument in Mat getting the FHs. Jon Huttin from Dover office (Southern Director) and myself were involved in a big carpart promo for Unipart, the ERF was painted into Unipart colours for it. I had 2/3 days filming in the Mids. then down to the train, at this time the train was not fully open, only selected customers were using it, anyway all day and half the night we were there filming,photo on off on off oh on it went…then I was to go onto Paris but it didnt happen. Before JH left he sat in the cab, ha "Looked like a Chicken in a Buggie cage! he was 6.5/6 looked around and ask Whats This? After a short talk he told me that he would alter that and promised to get the right tool for the job! And he stopped Derecks plans to buy more ERFs Hence we got first some ex grey Fhs from Crossroads, they came off from the howden kitchen co… then we got new ones! hahaha still not gobstoppers what we needed! Hope this was a little help to you. Regards Roger c.
Carlc:
Hi Harry
Angus lived near the bricky pub near the Hull fair site but moved to Milton Keynes. He had two spells with MAT and worked for Hull Ships stores in between. Angus was a great bloke to be around and a good friend.
Cliff
". Are you off to any Shows with the Standard this year ? "
Hi Archie
We will be out and about with the old car. I have only booked one as yet and that is Ripon. But I will let you know when we are near your neck of the woods.
Cliff
Archie Paice:
Carlc:
Hi Harry
Angus lived near the bricky pub near the Hull fair site but moved to Milton Keynes. He had two spells with MAT and worked for Hull Ships stores in between. Angus was a great bloke to be around and a good friend.
Cliff
". Are you off to any Shows with the Standard this year ? "
I worked, for a few months, at MAT Transport Cardiff. I suppose looking back it wasn’t too bad! I remember being stuck one weekend in Carisio with a MAT driver from up north (Hull?) and I had broken down the day before. Having had to have paid the repairs, I had no money and had to wait until Monday to draw from the nearest office (Milan?). The chap with me went off to eat morning, afternoon and evening and never once asked me if I needed anything! I was starving by Monday when he sailed off without saying goodbye. I remember his name was Len and he was the union rep! I left MAT after having received a telex at 3 in the morning, DSV Dover, telling me to go to Cardiff I was fined for having gone to Cardiff. I took 200 litres of diesel and quit. The person that replaced me was killed in France 6 weeks after!
I remember fondly Tapper (You still owe me a fiver “joke”) and Laurence (the mecano). Bob, please don’t call me!!!
I moved to East Yorks 6 years ago, and worked for a couple of years at CJE, based in the old Metal Box works on Southcoates Lane, up behind the prison. I left just over a year ago, (I now work for Houseman International at Ainderby, across the A1M from the Quernhow cafe)). Funnily enough, before CJE, I had a few months at TEPS on Freightliner Road, next door to MAT’s old yard.
While I was at CJE, It was a great pleasure to work with Bernie Mayley (sp?). Originally from Denny, he’d been running from Scotchland to Hull and ended up moving to Hull for fear of ending up in concrete wellies . His words, not mine. He reckoned his old gaffer was a seriously dodgy sort so he got out while he could.
Always a treat to work with Bernie, I can honestly say that he’s one of the few drivers I miss.
I have found some photos from my time in transport - still going after 36 years - I will post one or two at a time and only a few concern MAT.
These photos were taken at Carisio (Or opposite). I had broken down in France and had to pay the repairs from my pocket, no VISA in those days! I got through the “Blanc” and holed up Friday evening in Carisio, with absolutely no money left, the last Lira spent on the telephone alerting Bob in Cardiff of my situation (He couldn’t give a S**t). I had to wait until Monday to draw cash. I then spotted a MAT truck pulling in the Resto opposite (The name place escapes me), I thought “There’s a lucky break”. I moved over the road and pulled in next to the truck. After the usual greetings I explained my situation. The driver “Len” said “Well, Monday will soon come, excuse me, I have to get a shower and something to eat”.
Over the weekend he proceeded to visit the resto, shower, sh*t and shave, 3 times a day, never once thinking of me dirty, broke and starving.
I subsequently heard that he was the union rep. in Hull!
I hope today that you don’t live next door to him and run out of sugar!!!
At the time, I believe MAT Hull drivers carried around £500 in running money, in Cardiff we had very little.
Over the years, I have helped numerous drivers and hope that no-one is ever treated the way I was. Len was without doubt the meanest SOB I have ever met in this business.
My truck was on the left - I think it went down on HOFE
daidog:
I have found some photos from my time in transport - still going after 36 years - I will post one or two at a time and only a few concern MAT.
These photos were taken at Carisio (Or opposite). I had broken down in France and had to pay the repairs from my pocket, no VISA in those days! I got through the “Blanc” and holed up Friday evening in Carisio, with absolutely no money left, the last Lira spent on the telephone alerting Bob in Cardiff of my situation (He couldn’t give a S**t). I had to wait until Monday to draw cash. I then spotted a MAT truck pulling in the Resto opposite (The name place escapes me), I thought “There’s a lucky break”. I moved over the road and pulled in next to the truck. After the usual greetings I explained my situation. The driver “Len” said “Well, Monday will soon come, excuse me, I have to get a shower and something to eat”.
Over the weekend he proceeded to visit the resto, shower, sh*t and shave, 3 times a day, never once thinking of me dirty, broke and starving.
I subsequently heard that he was the union rep. in Hull!
I hope today that you don’t live next door to him and run out of sugar!!!
At the time, I believe MAT Hull drivers carried around £500 in running money, in Cardiff we had very little.
Over the years, I have helped numerous drivers and hope that no-one is ever treated the way I was. Len was without doubt the meanest SOB I have ever met in this business.
My truck was on the left - I think it went down on HOFE
Had the same thing with a Swiss ( Hangartner) firm I was on. Broke down at Peronne services for three days. Drivers from the firm would roll up to take a break & not lend me a penny. Sharp learning curve, taught me to look after number one for the rest of my life.Since then I’ve seen desperate Brits in Thailand who thought the world would bale them out & turned my back on 'em. Whether its right or wrong you become self sufficient in foreign parts. But that union bod needs a brick around his head,but then they were always smug ■■■■■■■■■
Sorry, the guy in the photo is often called “Generous Len”. I took the photo.
You mentioned Peronne, can anyone tell me what happened to Monique? I heard that her daughter took over her patch. I suppose that the ROMS have undercut her now too? I will never forget her coming out of a truck, washing her mouth out with anti-septic and climbing into the cab next door (The things we do for love?).
I once gave 10 cases of “leftover” wine to a Mathews driver in Peronne, I couldn’t take them back and couldn’t take them on! I certainly couldn’t drink them!
I was on the Paris bound side & also with my missus at the time. The last time I saw M she was wearing a ‘Scottish Widows’ outfit & waving a stage coach whip,Gog bless her.
. His words, not mine. He reckoned his old gaffer was a seriously dodgy sort so he got out while he could.
