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Cincinnati, Kingsbury Road.

The building has now gone urban splash sold it to a developer who is building a housing estate I was the electrician at Cincinnati for 35 year's I started there in 1974 Harold Sparks was electrical engineer and Dennis Blewitt the forman
 
Welcome to the forum Dennis, thanks for your comments. The electrical engineer had a fitting name! Enjoy the forum. Viv.
 
lencops said:
A party of workers from BSA Tools, Kitts Green, went on a visit to the Cinncinati factory, circa 1950`s, after a tour of the machine tool manufacturing section we were shown a film of a new machine tool presentation in the USA, the cinema was luxurious with banked seats so that you had a great view of the screen, their other company on the site was Horden, Mason & Edwards they made power press`s, they were making some for the Royal Mint blanking out coins.
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Not sure how this will pan out But I was an apprentice from mid to late 50' s and we had to give the guided tour to other visiting people (apprentices included) I have read several of the write up's and feel a touch of sadness knowing the old firm has gone. When the plans for the new factory were sent over to the USof A the bosses over there liked the look of the cannel so the main entrance went fro Hanson Bridge Road to the other side Must say I think it looked far more impressive this way. Every Christmas we received £2.10.00 for every years sevice up to ten years plus a 16-23lbs turkey. I enjoyed my time there Good days. Danny Squires (Chopper)
 
hi danny welcome from me too...please keep the memories coming about where you lived..schools you went to etc..enjoy

lyn
 
Oh Danny you have sparked some memories now. You must remember me, I bought that 250 BSA off you when you lived in Castle Bromwich. Didn't you then get a Vincent Black Shadow ?. I was apprenticed at Cincinnati too in the 50s. I also remember we all used to go to the Locarno in Brum on a Monday night I think it was. Memories ahah.
Best wishes........John
 
An imposing building it seems, although I never saw it or was in it. I wonder of the company origins were well known?
The city of Cincinnati, on the Ohio river and in the State of Ohio, was originally known as Losantiville apparently named by its surveyor in 1788, That did not last long as it became Cincinnati two years later. This name was chosen from a war of independence society named after a Roman Consul.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lucius-Quinctius-Cincinnatus

Cincinnati is known by locals as sinsy (I have a good friend in Wisconsin who comes from there) but is also known as The Queen City in common with many American cities which have nicknames.
 
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Dennis, I started my apprenticeship there in 1959 in the maintenance shop. Harold Sparks was the foreman then, I remember Lou ? And Johnny Ray who was sadly killed when he got trapped in the winding gear of one of the overhead cranes. Somehow the driver had got into the crane and moved it not knowing Johnny was up in the top. We were all completely shocked as Johnny was a real character in the works. I later moved to Biggleswade with the grinding section ( Heald Grinders). We were subsidised for the move and I bought my first car. Happy days.
 
5backa28 said:
Oh Danny you have sparked some memories now. You must remember me, I bought that 250 BSA off you when you lived in Castle Bromwich. Didn't you then get a Vincent Black Shadow ?. I was apprenticed at Cincinnati too in the 50s. I also remember we all used to go to the Locarno in Brum on a Monday night I think it was. Memories ahah.
Best wishes........John
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Hi John, You are right I did live in Castle Bromwich and did have a 250cc BSA and did buy Vellocette Venom. I kept it until I went to go round with Geoff Clarke another apprentice. Dad sold it while I was away, never did get the money for it. So it’s John………… what forgive me.

Vic Turton, another apprentice has been in touch recently and given me a photograph taken in 1959 of all the apprentices at the time. If I knew how I would down load it and send we are having trouble identifying all of their names. If you can advise would greatly appreciate. Like me you must be over the 75 years of age mark and some of these gadgets leave me cold
 
5backa28 said:
Oh boy, has this sparked up some memories.
I worked there from 1958 until around 1968 serving my time as an apprentice machine tool fitter. I moved to Biggleswade for a couple of years with Heald grinders then came back to Brum. I used to run the projector in the theatre for the monthly film shows. I also helped with the plays that we put on and musical productions.
Remember every Christmas everyone queuing up at the kitchen doors for our free turkey. Tragedy when a guy called Johny Ray got trapped in the cables on the overhead crane, he died sadly. Remember Dave Sambrook, Keith Harbord, Rob Horton, Roy Kitchen, Sam Wild (my mentor). Sorry I've got no photos but the ones posted really bring back the good old days.
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You say that a feller got caught in the overhead cable and died what year would that have been. I left in 1961 to go round the world with Geoff Clarke, so it would possible be after I left. What a rotten way to die In passing I have a photo taken in 1959 of all the apprentices at the time would you be on and what is your full name. Regards Danny Squires (Chopper)
 
5backa28 said:
Dennis, I started my apprenticeship there in 1959 in the maintenance shop. Harold Sparks was the foreman then, I remember Lou ? And Johnny Ray who was sadly killed when he got trapped in the winding gear of one of the overhead cranes. Somehow the driver had got into the crane and moved it not knowing Johnny was up in the top. We were all completely shocked as Johnny was a real character in the works. I later moved to Biggleswade with the grinding section ( ). We were subsidised for the move and I bought my first car. Happy days.
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You say you worked on Herald Grinders, I also worked on that line under Jonny Jacobs and Ken Austin, cannot remember any other names. Finished my time in the Jig and tool drawing department. Regards Danny Squires(Chopper)
 
danny squires (chopper) said:
You say you worked on Herald Grinders, I also worked on that line under Jonny Jacobs and Ken Austin, cannot remember any other names. Finished my time in the Jig and tool drawing department. Regards Danny Squires(Chopper)
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Danny, my name is John Walker, I remember Ken Austin very well. You didn't want to cross him, don't think I ever saw him smile. Jonny Jacobs doesn't ring any bells though, after all it's a long time ago. That apprenticeship was the best thing I ever did, still have a lathe and miller that I use to build model steam engines etc. My toolmakers cabinet has pride of place in my workshop. I would love to see that photo if you can find out how to upload it. I think it must have been about 62-63 when Johnny died could have even been later, so yes, it would have been after you left. Like you I'm in my mid 70s this year.

Best wishes".........John
 
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hi danny would you be able to email me that photo you have?? if so i will send you a private message giving you my email address i can then post it on this thread for you

lyn
 
Astoness said:
hi danny would you be able to email me that photo you have?? if so i will send you a private message giving you my email address i can then post it on this thread for you

lyn
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Hi Lyn, Yes I am able to redirect an email your way with the photo included. While talking to you may be you could throw some light on why you use an alias as opposed to your full name. Any dark reason. Regards Danny Squires
 
No dark reason Danny. Some members use their regular name, a play on their name or some choose a name because it has a particular meaning for them. Others use a name totally unconnected. It's all a matter of preference. Viv.
 
5backa28 said:
Danny, my name is John Walker, I remember Ken Austin very well. You didn't want to cross him, don't think I ever saw him smile. Jonny Jacobs doesn't ring any bells though, after all it's a long time ago. That apprenticeship was the best thing I ever did, still have a lathe and miller that I use to build model steam engines etc. My toolmakers cabinet has pride of place in my workshop. I would love to see that photo if you can find out how to upload it. I think it must have been about 62-63 when Johnny died could have even been later, so yes, it would have been after you left. Like you I'm in my mid 70s this year.

Best wishes".........John
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Hi John, I am sorry to say this but I do not remember selling the BSA. Did you work at Cincinnati at the time? Soon after buying the Vello I left Castle Bromwich and went over to Balsall Heath. It was from there that I later left to start my round the world journey. So explain how I would know you. You are right about Ken Austin he was a right difficult man to work for. I am sure it was Jonny Jacobs, he was a short stocky feller did a lot of rock climbing and mountaineering. Do you recall Jeff Barraclough worked on the big overhead mill at the bottom of the ramp? He passed away at the end of 2016 so we are a diminishing breed. There are others that are now looking at the photo.

Regards Danny
 
Vivienne14 said:
No dark reason Danny. Some members use their regular name, a play on their name or some choose a name because it has a particular meaning for them. Others use a name totally unconnected. It's all a matter of preference. Viv.
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Hi Viv This makes it more difficult to know who you are taking to and how can you pick up on a person that you might know?
 
Hi Danny.

Sorry but we have no control over what names people choose to use. And it is with the individual member to disclose their identify if they choose. We have to respect a person's privacy.

I've removed your private email address from this thread. I shall send it to Astoness via the private message system for you. It's best not to put email addresses on open forum. Viv.
 
danny squires (chopper) said:
Hi John, I am sorry to say this but I do not remember selling the BSA. Did you work at Cincinnati at the time? Soon after buying the Vello I left Castle Bromwich and went over to Balsall Heath. It was from there that I later left to start my round the world journey. So explain how I would know you. You are right about Ken Austin he was a right difficult man to work for. I am sure it was Jonny Jacobs, he was a short stocky feller did a lot of rock climbing and mountaineering. Do you recall Jeff Barraclough worked on the big overhead mill at the bottom of the ramp? He passed away at the end of 2016 so we are a diminishing breed. There are others that are now looking at the photo.

Regards Danny
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Morning Danny, yes I remember Jeff Barraclough (RIP) still not Jonny Jacobs, maybe the photo will help. I was at Cincinnati from 1958 for my 5 years in the green overall brigade then 2 years at Biggleswade then back to B,ham.
 
Vivienne14 said:
Hi Danny.

Sorry but we have no control over what names people choose to use. And it is with the individual member to disclose their identify if they choose. We have to respect a person's privacy.

I've removed your private email address from this thread. I shall send it to Astoness via the private message system for you. It's best not to put email addresses on open forum. Viv.
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Hi Lyn, Thank you for that, did nor realise it could be a problem. Regards Danny
 
5backa28 said:
Morning Danny, yes I remember Jeff Barraclough (RIP) still not Jonny Jacobs, maybe the photo will help. I was at Cincinnati from 1958 for my 5 years in the green overall brigade then 2 years at Biggleswade then back to B,ham.
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Hi John, I have sent the photo to the Forum people and hopefully they willbe able to put it on line. Coming back to the Monday night dance, I think it was the Casino across from Lewis's in Corporationm St. Friday was at the Ritze Sat West End in the evening and Casino dinner time for 6p. Kept up with the jive untill five years ago did really well, had some sexy move . More to come. When you see the photo pick yourself out and I will try to recall Glad to hear from you Kind regards Danny
 
hi danny..reason its not a good idea to post your private email address/telephone number etc on open forum is because the world and his wife can see it therefore leaving your email address open to hackers and maybe phone calls from strangers so it is always best to send anything private via our private message system (inbox top right of the main page) the private messages are just that....private between the sender and the recipient...by the way the reason i chose the user name of astoness is because i was born in aston:D

i have sent you an email so hope you can email that photo to me...i will check my emails later on today

all the best

lyn
 
thanks danny received the photo ok and here it is..danny thinks taken in the 1960s so does anyone recognise any of the cincinnati apprentices..danny i have posted the photo full size and also thumbnail...if you click on the little thumbnail one to enlarge then click again on the arrow top right of the photo and click on the photo once more you will be able see the faces more clearly hope this helps

all the best

lyn

Cincinnati.jpg Cincinnati.jpg
 
Brilliant, can see many familiar faces there but can't name them. That's me third row back fifth from left. I think the eighth from left in back row is Paul Moseley who joined the fire brigade a few years before I did.
Which one is you Danny, I seem to remember you wore glasses but not sure which one in the photo. I'm guessing 5 from left second row from back?
 
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5backa28 said:
Brilliant, can see many familiar faces there but can't name them. That's me third row back fifth from left. I think the eighth from left in back row is Paul Moseley who joined the fire brigade a few years before I did.
Which one is you Danny, I seem to remember you wore glasses but not sure which one in the photo. I'm guessing 5 from left second row from back?
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Hi John ,Just had a look at the emails and I think I said that's right . But I am thst good looking feller firth from the right back row.IM have no ides who that is that you have singled out. I have passed your position and that of Paul Moseley to Vic to include in the photo line up. Any more names so that we might complete the art gallery. Can you tell me did I work with you in Cincinnati if so which line ?. Do you remember when the canteen was located on theshop floor next to the "2MI" line . The foreman there wote a trilby hat I think his nams was Mr Brooks, one of the old school. Thats how you addressed him.First job there was belly scrapping Thats was so boring.See you soon with any more information Regards Danny
 
tayrich said:
I used to work next door a the Coca Cola Schweppes factory (long since gone) and remember the beautify kept gardens bordering the canal bank at the front of Cincinnatti
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For those who worked at the Coca Cola Schweppes factory I will let you into my dark secret We at Cincinnati had two of your pop machine in the factory where we could get a drink any time for 6d The bottles were plain no makings anywhere, but quite often there were some that got through with the cola label on. These were put back in the empty rack with the rest of the or the bottles, but I could take these back to the local shop and get the 3d refund so six of those a day if I was lucky made my wage up by 5/- 6/- Not to be scoff at when you only took home. £2-2-6 There after 60 years my crime is revealed
 
Vivienne14 said:
Welcome Danny. Sounds like a good company to work for. Enjoy the forum. Viv.
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For those who worked at the Coca Cola Schweppes factory I will let you into my dark secret We at Cincinnati had two of your pop machine in the factory where we could get a drink any time for 6d The bottles were plain no makings anywhere, but quite often there were some that got through with the cola label on. These were put back in the empty rack with the rest of the or the bottles, but I could take these back to the local shop and get the 3d refund so six of those a day if I was lucky made my wage up by 5/- 6/- Not to be scoff at when you only took home. £2-2-6 There after 60 years my crime is revealed
 
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