I started working at Summer Lane for West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive (WMPTE) in 1976, and after 2 or 3 jobs was promoted to PSV Licence Clerk in 1979. I held and was responsible for the PSV Licences for all 14 Birmingham bus garages including Sutton Coldfield (which previously belonged to Midland Red). In those days PSV Licences had to be renewed every three years, but they were in the process of changing them over to go onto a five year cycle. I used to have to catch two buses, up to the Traffic Commissioners in Broad Street to take the licences to be renewed, often with a bag of cash, or a large cheque. I also had to look after the renewal of all the Mechanics HGV Licences, so it was quite a busy job. Part of the role also entailed Safe Driving Awards, so we often used to attend the WMPTE Stadium nights. As the role, was starting to diminish due to the two year gap in the licence renewals, I was then sent out to work at Washwood Heath Garage from 1982 until 1992 where I worked for John Loach the Garage Engineer and when we were paired with Lea Hall, worked for the Garage Manager, Garage Engineer and Traffic Manager. I loved working on the buses, but was just a tad to young to become a part-time evening/weekend Clippie. The Clippies went out round about the time I got married in 1978, and a lot of them got office jobs as they couldn't drive. Our Summer Lane "postman/courier" Dennis, was previously a conductor at Coventry Road. The van driver courier at Lea Hall/Washwood Heath was Nora, another ex Clippie.