Carl Williams:
Looking at the Photo of GPT with promoting Spennymoor garden Guild reminded me of the other two occasions we went round the North East with a van promoting an event.
The next time was the 1975 referendum for membership of The Common Market. We were approached by the organisers of the Yes vote who hired a van for two weeks to travel round the North East to be parked where speeches were taking place.
In this case as the van had to be used over a two week period and the paper writing was being made to the exact size of the van, it was going to be well stuck on, and we were concerned that it would damage the paintwork when it was removed. It all happened at the time we were buying nine boxvans from ATM Crook, and employing their drivers as we secured the contract to do their work. As all the vans had to be repainted (Five in WHW livery and four in ATM’s new livery) we used one of these vans. (I cannot remember which)
The third occasion was in 1978 for Spennymoor Round Table, of which I was a member. We were raising money to buy a PUVA machine, to be used in the treatment of psoriasis. At the time Dr Adrian Ives was an expert in this treatment and as money was not available within the NHS, we decided to buy one which was to be based at Chester Le Street Hospital.
It was decided our members would run right round the boundary of County Durham, and I would drive a van round promoting the event. The van I used was GPT233H, and I travelled along with the runners, who from time to time also took rest and refreshments in the back of the van. As we parked up in each town and village people came along and put money in collection buckets and it was a huge success. This was helped by my presence with the van as it highlighted what was happening and was a focal point for the collection.
The money raised was more that the cost of the machine, and the remainder was spent on providing a heart resuscitator for Spennymoor Doctor’s use, which they claimed saved quite a few lives. I also in my day to day life met three people with psoriasis who used had treatment with the PUVA machine and it improved their life.
I certainly wasn’t fit enough to run, but I played my part by helping with the van
There are strong transport connections with this photo.
A couple of posts ago I told the story of how I drove GPT233H round County Durham publicising a Round Table appeal to raise money to buy Medical Equipment, whilst my fellow Tablers’ ran.
Well this is the presentation at Spennymoor medical centre. To gain as much publicity as possible we arranged for the young lady in the centre to present it on our behalf. She was either Australian or from New Zealand and a presenter with Tyne Tees Television. As I was engaged at the time I had to keep secret how much I was looking forward and enjoyed meeting her that day. Yet I cannot remember her name, perhaps someone reading this will remember her and tell me.
From Left
David Raine, joint proprietor of H Raine and Sons the spennymoor Coachbuilders. David’s Grandfather had built our Chip Van in 1908 and my grandfather’s first model T Ford cab and body, and had carried out work for us throughout the existence of our business.
Next Barry Summers my cousin. It is Barry’s brother, Peter who keeps me right on this site as his knowledge of our vehicles surpasses even mine. Barry also helps Peter lovingly restore and maintain their Bedford Van in that horrible black colour and also their beautiful Foden platform.
Me
Hiding behind looking over my shoulder is Billy King, who had a milk business at the time of this photo, but might be known as a driver for George Spence. Billy is now a self-employed driver with one of the last ERF badged tractor unit and can be usually found delivering bricks.
Taking centre stage in red is the late Mike Gowland. Many who worked for Dents will remember Mike as at the time of the photo he was married to Caroline Dent and was manager down at Tudhoe. I had known Caroline since when we were about 8 years old, and went to Rosa Street School in Spennymoor. Caroline left to go to Durham High School about the same time as I left to go to Bow School Durham, when we were both about 11, however I am proud to number Mike amongst my friends. He was a lovely guy, who was flung out of his job by John Henry on their marriage break up without any compensation, and although as a father of a daughter, I can understand how Harry Dent felt I cannot help think it was unfair dismissal, and advised Mike accordingly, but Mike had his pride and was sadly taken away from this life so young in his early forties. It would be good to hear views from anyone who worked with Mike.
Looking over mikes shoulder trying, obviously to snuggle up as close as possible to our celebrity is Alan Whitley, another character, who I seem to remember had started his life as an apprentice at Dents, and went on to open a chain of carpet shops, The last I heard from Alan was when he had developed a guest house in Shincliffe into a fully functional hotel and was successfully running it, in particular its restaurant. Alan always had an artistic gift.
Next to Miss Tyne Tees we have Paul Harper, who at the time was manager at Radio Rentals in Spennymoor, in the days that many people rented their televisions. Paul went on to hold a high position in Durham County Fire Services in their training division.
Receiving the resuscitator we have Dr Corrigan, Dr Addan, Dr Wood, I cannot remember name Mrs Corrigan also a doctor and finally Doctor Andrew Sanderson.
Somewhere I have a photo of GPT233H dressed with it’s Round Table advertising. However I am on there with my ex wife so I had decided orriginaly not to show it. Now when I thought I might I cannot remember where I have put it.
