Old Firms in Oxford Area

UK PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS FORUMS OLD TIME LORRIES, COMPANIES AND DRIVERS (INTERACT
2121

Muckaway:

M G b:
Hi Muckaway,
I know of the Sands and Gravels men although they may not me as I was only about 8 or 9. Roger Townsend is a good friend of my uncles I used to go for a ride with him if my uncles Lorry broke down.

Martin.

You must’ve seen Barnard Gate plenty of times then, Roger used to find any excuse to get round there to watch the blackberries grow!
He was laid down asleep one day and a copper thought he’d been drinking in the pub. As Plod didn’t have a breathaliser he drove Roger to Witney Cop Shop and tested him, then drove him back-sober!

I bet that hacked the copper off a bit. :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

2122

Hi Muckaway,
The Tower cafe Stokenchurch I remember was on the rh side entering the village going east on the old A40, you say you deliver to Mobbs at Wheatley, young Mobbs as he was then married the widow of a mate of mine, he’s propbably about 70ish now, along a wee bit from Mobbs is or was McKenna’s Plant Hire and tippers, my son drove for them as did Dave Rapley (ex COMS and car delivery).
oiltreader

2123

oiltreader:
Hi Muckaway,
The Tower cafe Stokenchurch I remember was on the rh side entering the village going east on the old A40, you say you deliver to Mobbs at Wheatley, young Mobbs as he was then married the widow of a mate of mine, he’s propbably about 70ish now, along a wee bit from Mobbs is or was McKenna’s Plant Hire and tippers, my son drove for them as did Dave Rapley (ex COMS and car delivery).
oiltreader

Ron Mobbs runs AW Mobbs now with 2 of his sons. Their yard used to be the old goods yard at Wheatley Station until it was re-develloped. Now they’re by Jewsons (turn by the second hand car dealer before ASDA). McKennas yards behind ASDAs delivery entrance.

2124

Another firm was Crapper and Sons( Charlie, Sidney and Harold) Oxford Rd Cowley, next to the bus garage, they did a bit of general, also work connected with the car factory, I think they may have had a couple of transporters and a few coaches, one of the drivers was Bob Wilkie, I can picture the others but can’t find names, the foreman was a scot Bill Wightman.
I can remember Partridge’s yard at Cassington, agent for Dodge, in that yard was also Jock Fraser (J S Fraser, coachbuilders) now at Eynsham building racing car transporters and John Thorne vehicle signwriter, he moved to Eynsham along with Fraser, Ken Kerr Jock Fraser’s brother in law worked for him as workshop manager, but split and went back to Partridge’s yard and started his on coachbuilding firm.
oiltreader

2125

oiltreader:
Another firm was Crapper and Sons( Charlie, Sidney and Harold) Oxford Rd Cowley, next to the bus garage, they did a bit of general, also work connected with the car factory, I think they may have had a couple of transporters and a few coaches, one of the drivers was Bob Wilkie, I can picture the others but can’t find names, the foreman was a scot Bill Wightman.
I can remember Partridge’s yard at Cassington, agent for Dodge, in that yard was also Jock Fraser (J S Fraser, coachbuilders) now at Eynsham building racing car transporters and John Thorne vehicle signwriter, he moved to Eynsham along with Fraser, Ken Kerr Jock Fraser’s brother in law worked for him as workshop manager, but split and went back to Partridge’s yard and started his on coachbuilding firm.
oiltreader

Was that the same Crappers that had plant in Swindon and tips along the M4 embankments between J15 and J17?
You mentioned Ken Kerrs, my father in law does a bit of work for them his yards near theirs at Stanton Ind estate-Freeland Engineering. Father in Law worked for old Freeland firm when Maurice Wilkins ran it on Freeland Road Eynsham. He retired and F.I.L got permission to use old company name in his new business. Does quite a bit of work for Hanson Conbloc.

2126

Muckaway:

oiltreader:
Another firm was Crapper and Sons( Charlie, Sidney and Harold) Oxford Rd Cowley, next to the bus garage, they did a bit of general, also work connected with the car factory, I think they may have had a couple of transporters and a few coaches, one of the drivers was Bob Wilkie, I can picture the others but can’t find names, the foreman was a scot Bill Wightman.
I can remember Partridge’s yard at Cassington, agent for Dodge, in that yard was also Jock Fraser (J S Fraser, coachbuilders) now at Eynsham building racing car transporters and John Thorne vehicle signwriter, he moved to Eynsham along with Fraser, Ken Kerr Jock Fraser’s brother in law worked for him as workshop manager, but split and went back to Partridge’s yard and started his on coachbuilding firm.
oiltreader

Was that the same Crappers that had plant in Swindon and tips along the M4 embankments between J15 and J17?
You mentioned Ken Kerrs, my father in law does a bit of work for them his yards near theirs at Stanton Ind estate-Freeland Engineering. Father in Law worked for old Freeland firm when Maurice Wilkins ran it on Freeland Road Eynsham. He retired and F.I.L got permission to use old company name in his new business. Does quite a bit of work for Hanson Conbloc.

Different Crappers no relation, tippers only and I would hazard a guess that they were out at Carterton or that area.
oiltreader

2127

Yes I think they (Crappers) were in Carterton down Black Bourton road had a workshop there.

2128

M G b:
Yes I think they (Crappers) were in Carterton down Black Bourton road had a workshop there.

I think they moved to Swindon as Crappers trucks had Swindon phone numbers on them towards the end. I remember them around Carterton, I think they did a bit of work when the concrete runway at ex RAF Broadwell was taken up. Their trucks were white with red writing. Someone told me Earthline finished them off but not sure.

2129

Muckaway:

M G b:
Yes I think they (Crappers) were in Carterton down Black Bourton road had a workshop there.

I think they moved to Swindon as Crappers trucks had Swindon phone numbers on them towards the end. I remember them around Carterton, I think they did a bit of work when the concrete runway at ex RAF Broadwell was taken up. Their trucks were white with red writing. Someone told me Earthline finished them off but not sure.

Earthline finished a few off, and your right they did finish up in Swindon.

2130

Hi Guys, Thanks for resurrecting this thread, some very interesting stuff posted. I was away the weekend and when I got back my computer wouldn’t fire up, tried a bit of damp start and a big hammer but no joy! :laughing: think it has thrown a leg out of bed or something!! Having a borrow of this new fangled laptop job but time is limited and also finding it difficult to drive! :confused: I have lots of questions to ask so when I can get sorted I’ll give ya a shout. If you can keep it going in the meantime that would be great. :sunglasses:

2131

Here’s another firm I remember from childhood: J and P Conlon. Came from Minster Lovell, ran tippers and some tankers as Conlon Oils. Moved to the closed Brize Norton and Bampton Station and built a fuel depot, taken over by Watsons.
I think Conlons now run Cotswold Natural Stone near Shilton on part of the old Broadwell airfield. J and P had tippers in 2 tone blue if I remember. Think they bought some Bison 2s off Smith and Sons. They bought a Ford Cargo brand new mid 80s.
On the subject of tippers, I remember plant firm L.A Lockhart running a pair of Leyland Super Mastiffs in late 80s. People have told me they were slow as hell, but I can remember hearing them a mile off! Lockharts are currently running R reg Mercedes Sks and an R reg Scania 8 wheelers- good condition when you consider their age.

2132

oiltreader:
Hi all again,
I have been re-reading the previous posts and trying to get the grey matter going again, 50 odd years is a long time ago, also the fact I left lorries in 1968, I went back to a trade I had been apprenticed to and more dosh, I missed the cameraderie with my mates and the purr or growl of a diesel engine. Most of my mates were on car transport, hopefully some of what I mention will trigger memories for others.
When I first went to Oxford, Joe Harding’s yard(as it was called) was in Hillsborough Road. Hardings’ was there from horse and cart days. There is a lane from the main road which ran down the side of the Spud Centre called Harding’s Entry, the Busy Bee garage, and the Spud Centre were on originally Harding land. The orignal old cottage was lived in by Ted Moss the “spudman” . He used tell me the history of the place. Next to Harding’s Entry a house was built, late 50s early 60s for Colin Moore of H&M, he later moved with his family to Horspath village.
Hicks and Co were in Cave Street off St Clements, we had a driver leave Progressive to go and work for them, his name was Tommy Dillon, kept us supplied with fruit (it was bruised of course, say no more), he was on early starts to Covent Garden.
Mobil tankers, at that time they were all ex COMS, Billy Wells, Roy ■■? and 2 others maybe a chap second name Cohn.

Alan Long my buddie left Progressive same time as I did, he started with an Amey’s contract hire 6 wheeler Leyland tipper, going on to have 3 or 4 working out of Dorchester pit, at the same time he bought a secondhand F88 6 wheel tractor unit and went to work for Dykes Bros pulling their trailers out of Crendon Concrete, he jacked that in and started continental (Bennett Interoute trailers) first to Spain and Italy then Greece, he also had units hauling to the Middle East at one time. He is 18mths younger than me yet is still doing 2 Hollands a week, John his brother had a garage at Challow, next to Haynes scrap yard, he also went the Amey route and joined up with Alan late 60s to form Long Brothers Haulage.
More names, John Blackmore, manger Progressive then Aston Clinton Haulage, Brian Wharton, MAT, Jimmy Paton, Billy Haine, Gerry Clapperton (fitter). Progressive became James Cars then bought out by Toleman, moved to Milton Trading Estate, the driver’s watering hole was the Admiral Benbow.
oiltreader

By Progressive, you mean Billy Horns lot, Progressive Group holdings, John Pratt drove for them in Coventry, infact after it became James Car Delivery my ex sister in law worked in the wages dept, John Frankton also worked there, there are alot of pics in the 'Scrapbook Memories ’ thread of Progressive trucks.

2133

Muckaway:
Here’s another firm I remember from childhood: J and P Conlon. Came from Minster Lovell, ran tippers and some tankers as Conlon Oils. Moved to the closed Brize Norton and Bampton Station and built a fuel depot, taken over by Watsons.
I think Conlons now run Cotswold Natural Stone near Shilton on part of the old Broadwell airfield. J and P had tippers in 2 tone blue if I remember. Think they bought some Bison 2s off Smith and Sons. They bought a Ford Cargo brand new mid 80s.
On the subject of tippers, I remember plant firm L.A Lockhart running a pair of Leyland Super Mastiffs in late 80s. People have told me they were slow as hell, but I can remember hearing them a mile off! Lockharts are currently running R reg Mercedes Sks and an R reg Scania 8 wheelers- good condition when you consider their age.

Yeah I remember Conlons tippers I think they had plenty of them.

2134

oiltreader:
Hi to all,
I came across this site quite by chance and this particular thread is bringing back some memories, some of which may be of interest. I arrived in Oxford 1959 to work for the bus company COMS, some of the drivers became my mates and in time we left the buses to drive for transport firms, mostly on car transporters. On the buses I met Alan Long and we became firm buddies. I retired back to Scotland in 1996 and kinda lost touch with Alan, but found him again this year, he tells me he is still doing 2 Hollands a week. We worked for Progressive Deliveries, a Coventry firm. I remember A. E. Booty they were in Ferry Road, Marston. B.J Hendry, Between Towns Road, Cowley they moved to the Industrial Estate up by the railway station, next to Hardings and H&M, also Dykes Bros opposite the Progressive yard. The Dykes boys mother had a sweetie shop and cafe in Between Towns Rd in the 50s. BRS were in Sandy Lane both general haulage and car transport.
Tuckwells drivers had a bit of a reputation, say no more.When I was on a wagon and drag I had a ex Tuckwell driver for a trailer mate, George Hook was his name. Some other names which might ring bells, Ken Booker ex BRS to Progressive, Colin Arnold, BRS, Johnnie Taylor ex BRS then Progressive, Mick Murphy, Roy Eagles, Hoppy Haines BRS, Ken Danby, Hardings, Alan Long and his brother John(ace fitter), John had contract tippers with ARC, as did Alan. Dave Rapley worked for Dealers Deliveries, driving one of their 2 transporters out of Cowley on a Stewart and Arden contract. Gerry Harris, MCD. Ron Cavender was another buddie, his wifes sister was married to Colin Moore, so I came across Colin socially from time to time. Joe Maddison left Progressive to go to Cowley Concrete, Doug Heale,(Cholsey)another good mate , he left Progressive to drive a bulk wheeler out of the Maltings at Abingdon. Ken Carter ex MVC,George “Tiny” Clarkson, Jimmy Roberts, Alex Dunlop, Dave Roberts all Progressive who of course were taken over by James Cars(I had left by then) Dealers yard was next door to Johnson’s cafe, we used to rib young Joe about bringing a thermos with him, cos he couldn’t stomach the tea he sold to us. What about The Last Chance cafe at Wheatley. In previous posts I seen a mention of a Ken Moreby, well there was a chap of that name at Progressive at one time, in fact I think he went to work for Banbury Buildings and very nearly talked me into doing the same. I have put this together on the spur of the moment and hopefully I will remember more in the next wee while.
All the Best
oiltreader

Hi Oiltreader, I joined BRS at Sandy Lane about 1961, They had 4 AEC Mercury car transporters running with twin tyred Dyson trailers carrying a lift off transporter pallet. Total capacity was 8 cars. The wagons were painted red and part of the general haulage fleet, unlike the grey body wagons. Colin Arnold drove one with a mate called Dave ? Gorringe. I was mate to Dave Mitchell, Monty Wheedon also drove one but I cannot remember his mates name nor who drove the fourth. Jock Campbell and Tubby Leach were foremen and there was a traffic clerk named Clapperton. Sorry cant remember any other names. I then went to London tipping Fodens for Silver Roadways at Silvertown before returning to Oxford to drive for the new H & M Transport which was based in a garden around a bungalow opposite the cafe in Rose Hill. Colin Moore ran the business and David Harding was also involved, I remember he had a red Sunbeam Alpine sports car. There were 3 or 4 BMC artic transporters with Brockhouse trailers to carry 5 cars each. This may have been the old Booty business. Two names I remember were Bob Woolacot from Witheridge in Devon, and older chap Chick Fowler who said he worked for Werrells at Boars Hill in steam days. There was a story which may not be true that “Wecancarryit” (John Werrills) were taken to court for copying the smarties advert “what a lot I got” The case was a long one until Werrills produced a very faded photo of a steam wagon c1918 and won the day with costs.

2135

Anybody remember Moreton Cullimore having a soft sand pit at Duns Tew? Opposite side of road to Smiths pit, next door to Smiths new dig. I’ve heard they closed it because the colour of the sand was not popular with their cotswold customers as it’s a rusty brown colour- popular around the Banbury area as its right at the end of the North Oxon ironstone seam.
Mentioning Smiths, does anyone know/remember Pete James? He worked for Smiths 70s to early 80s and left to work for Steeles spraying lorries at Cassington. Through Steeles he demonstrated/delivered DAF lorries until made redundant in 2004. He’s back on Smiths again now driving a Volvo 4 wheeler. You can’t miss him,he looks like Alf Garnetts stunt double! :smiley:

2136

Have I imagined it or are John Werrels running a Daf 85?

2137

no your have not they have 2 :smiley:

2138

pigpen:
no your have not they have 2 :smiley:

Oh good, thought this NVQ crap was making me imagine things! Wonder what Werrels will do when the 2nd hand ECX market dries up? Buy some MANS and badge them up as ERFs? I’ve thought of doing something similar when Smiths replace my Foden with a DAF, perhaps badge it as a Leyland Constructor or Bison! :slight_smile:

2139

Hi ExiledDevonian,
You joined BRS at the same time as I joined Progressive 1961, the BRS drivers I came across were Colin Arnold, David Yates, Ken Booker and Johnnie Taylor, David Yates tragically died quite young, Ken Booker and Johnnie Taylor left BRS general to come to Progressive, Colin Arnold stuck with BRS transporters under the name Cartransport(Midlands). I remember Tubby Leach(yard foreman) and Hoppy Haines(general), there are other faces I can’t put names to.
The first transporters Hardings’ had were rigids with electriic taillifts, then they had triple deck Carrimores with Guy units doing export, in fact all Hardings’ car transport was to the docks. Like I mentioned earlier Hardings started off in Hillsborough Road, but getting bigger move their fleet to waste ground up by Cowley Station which later became the County Trading Estate, they still kept a workshop at Hillsborough Road for a while. One of the contracts H&M had was for CKD (knockdown cars shipped in crates), the yard was where Tesco is now at Cowley, Dealers Deliveries had a yard between CKD and Johnson’s cafe. I worked on Dealers for a year before going to Progressive.
oiltreader

2140

Here’s a company that I don’t think have been mentioned yet; Burys’ Transport of Stanton Harcourt. They had milk tankers and finished up with curtainsiders. I remember them running Volvo (F6?) tankers and I think some of their last artic units were Seddon Atkinsons.
Their old tanker yard is now used by Wincantons (Stanton Harcourt ind.estate, Bury Family own it). I’ve seen several of their old tanker chassis used as bowsers on local farms-one near Burford on Brize Norton road.