I’ve been away for a week so I’ve just been catching up, I noticed the Fergies pics sent in by nightshiftbri, nice to see my old Merc with a load on its back, these were boxes of machine parts etc for Nissan when the place was being built, collected from Bristol or Middlesbro, depending where the ship came in. Nice loads but if we loaded out of Teeside we usually done four loads to the factory and back which was a bit monotonous but par for the course, at least they didn’t need sheeting!
Just a bit about Bumpers Armstrong-Saurer’s, Saurer was a Swiss make and as far back as 1907 Pickfords had imported some as they were very strong and reliable, they later in the 1920’s ordered more. In 1930 Saurer wanted to build the vehicles in the UK under license to Armstrong Whitworth at the Scotswood Works where the famous artillery guns were also built. Armstrong-Saurer’s were a popular heavy lorry and found use in the Fairgrounds after their haulage days. As Bumper said they were all fitted with a 110 bhp heavy oil engine (diesel) air brakes and overdrive, not bad for a motor from the 1930’s and they were a rugged looking beast similar to early Scammells. The four wheeler was named the Active and the Durable at 7 Tons, 9 and 10 Ton six wheelers the Dynamic and Dominant and as mentioned the Samson eight wheeler. They stopped production in 1937 however, a short but fruitful run. Cheers Franky.
Here’s another old shot of my great grandad Thomas Bewick and his son my great uncle John and one of their Foden steamers.I remember my great Aunt telling me years ago (and I’m only repeating what she said!) that Siddle Cook’s were just a rag tag outfit in pre first world war years when compared to the Thomas Bewick operation!! Well she would wouldn’t she!!!
This is the the back of the shot and will have been written by my Great Aunt.Apparently they gave out these post cards to their customers who used them to order their transport requirements.The post was so efficient in those days that in a lot of instances it was delivered on the same day for work the following day!!! So much for our Postal system nowadays!!!Bewick
Thanks Brothertonmick, Just wondering, it’s twenty years or more since Normans closed down any news on old Mary and Hughie they must have passed over by now and if not must be a grand old age what about young Hughie and his sisters and the staff. Anyway many thanks for the pics greatly appreciated.
maureen opened a cafe in ferrybridge high st dont know if she still has it though,
would like to know what happened to the others, last time i saw joyce she was at the woodlands at micklefield, and i saw madge in their one day aswell.
Thanks Mark i have no doubt someone will know i realise non of us are getting any younger (just look at Kevmac) and will have finally put their feet upbut it is nice to remember them
Regards
beefeater:
Thanks Mark i have no doubt someone will know i realise non of us are getting any younger (just look at Kevmac) and will have finally put their feet upbut it is nice to remember them
Regards
Mick.
Are you trying to say I’m looking old Mick?? Pass me my zimmer frame and I’ll show you who’s getting old.
maureen opened a cafe in ferrybridge high st dont know if she still has it though,
would like to know what happened to the others, last time i saw joyce she was at the woodlands at micklefield, and i saw madge in their one day aswell.
mark
Believe it was Maureen I passed, coming off the A1 north to go to Normans. Did think I maybe should have stopped and asked if she wanted a lift to cafe. Was sittinging down with a cuppa when she stormed in, stopped by the table, grabbed the cup and slammed it back down, " dont you ever pass me again without offering a lift or youll be wearing your cup of tea " she shouted. God was I shaking with embarrassment, I then had to crawl to the counter for my meal. She passed the plate over, it was loaded to the gunnels !! and gave a big wink, what a place and a great crew working behind the counter. Remember arriving there one Sat after a week away with enough money for a cuppa and maybe a biscuit. Asked Mary for a cuppa and how much for a biscuit. Do you want a breakfast she asked, no just a cuppa an how much for a biscuit says I, again she asked if i wanted a breakfast so had to tell her I didn`t have enough for a breakfast. Picked up my tea and went and sat down couple of minutes later a full breakfast was put down in front of me, enjoy and pay when your next in says she.
maureen opened a cafe in ferrybridge high st dont know if she still has it though,
would like to know what happened to the others, last time i saw joyce she was at the woodlands at micklefield, and i saw madge in their one day aswell.
mark
Believe it was Maureen I passed, coming off the A1 north to go to Normans. Did think I maybe should have stopped and asked if she wanted a lift to cafe. Was sittinging down with a cuppa when she stormed in, stopped by the table, grabbed the cup and slammed it back down, " dont you ever pass me again without offering a lift or youll be wearing your cup of tea " she shouted. God was I shaking with embarrassment, I then had to crawl to the counter for my meal. She passed the plate over, it was loaded to the gunnels !! and gave a big wink, what a place and a great crew working behind the counter. Remember arriving there one Sat after a week away with enough money for a cuppa and maybe a biscuit. Asked Mary for a cuppa and how much for a biscuit. Do you want a breakfast she asked, no just a cuppa an how much for a biscuit says I, again she asked if i wanted a breakfast so had to tell her I didn`t have enough for a breakfast. Picked up my tea and went and sat down couple of minutes later a full breakfast was put down in front of me, enjoy and pay when your next in says she.
hiya,
Howay now nobody’s given Ann a mention, walked in one brekkie time there’s Ann she’d dyed her hair from blonde to a browny colour, did’nt recognise you with the new coloured hair says I, thought i’d have it all to match for a change was her reply, great lass as was they all, big miss when it closed
thanks harry long retired.
Many a time I’ve called into Norman’s on a Friday, Been away all week, skint (no cash machines in those days) same as you got a cup of tea. Mary says “nothing to eat?” no thanks I says ,skint. Next thing plate of chips and gravy sitting in front of me. Can you imagine that happening at a modern truckstop? Used to go for a pint at that pub down the back alley, can’t remember it’s name, the one with the Jack Russell all singed off lying in front of the fire. Back to Norman’s at chucking out time for a tea and a cheese sandwich made from two crusts and a door stopper of cheese. Happy days.
marcus 22:
your not old at all kevin, your just worn round the edges a bit
mark
Cheeky young whippersnapper, I’ll get your dad to stop your pocket money next time I see him!!! PS your right though I am a bit worn round the edges.
Keep posting them pics Mark. regards Kevin.
