I‘ve just turned 90! I was born on Gillet Street, me Dad was a trawler man and Mam a housewife. And given I’m one of 10 – I’ve got 3 sisters and 6 brothers – it’s no wonder! When me Dad died at 57, from cancer, it got even harder for her. We all helped out in our own ways though. Three of my brothers were in the Navy during the war and a sister went in the Land Army.
I went to Westbourne Street School till I was 15, then I got a job for Cawoods who did Salt Fish. Then I went on the Fish Dock as a Barrow Boy. I became a Foreman Barrow Boy and then a Filleter – all by the time I was 18. Then I did National Service from 1953 – 54. I was in Jordan, Jerusalem and Egypt. I enjoyed it and made good friends. After that I went on the trawlers for 2 years and then worked for Brekkes. I was at Findus, at one point too, working on freezing of the fish fingers and packing them into boxes. Whatever you did was a job and importantly you were earning money.
As a Barrow Lad you’d start at 7am, you’d wait for higher up people to tally the fish and then we’d take that and put it on the barrow stand and the filleters would put in on the bench. Then when they’d finished it was packed and would go out for orders. I’d take it into the wagons and then it would go out all over the country. It was hard work and you worked in all weathers. You’d often work till 6 or until the work was done. Trawlers were coming in everyday – there might be 4 in one dock and 6 in another. The place was full of people and
characters, some were robust…swearing was popular! You also met men from all over. There was Norwegian and Icelandic fishermen who were really interesting people, they’d come off dock for a drink and then they’d be gone and you wouldn’t see them again.
Everyone who was part of that world also pretty much got involved in the club life of this area. So when the lorry drivers went on strike in the 70’s I was asked to run the Subway Club Bar. I was in my early thirties then. I loved it and also became the compare, giving out bingo cards, anything really. I loved the community of it. After that I went to the Cholmley Club, which was where the Nisa shop is now. I worked there for 14 years. And then I to Ryders and worked alongside my wife Rita, whose sadly been dead 20 years now. I like the people they’re good company. It’s like a family of all ages. Everyone together – lovely. When I walk in I’m really welcomed. Everyone says “Hey it’s Father Ted!”
I was also Father Christmas at Boyes for 10 years. Everyone knew it was me! I even go into the shop and they still shout “Here comes Santa!”
I’ve lived in the same house for 45 years. I’ve got 2 children, a son and a daughter. My son is my carer now. I’ve got 3 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Me and Rita looked after each and I miss her a lot. But I’ve really enjoyed my life and would do it all again. I loved working and running clubs, being helpful in the area and supporting the community. It’s nice to be liked and be known.
