Hi all, thenks for the replies, what a site this is, ask a question and the responses come pouring in, it's great.
John-I worked for the City and District from the day after I left school in 58 until 1961. My two cousins George and John Austin had worked there for years(thats how I got the job) The company was owned by the Hossell family Peter and Pim also the mother,they lived near the cricket ground Edgbaston. I was part of Frankie Greens gang (later taken over by my cousin George) I was posted onto the hotels, Grand in Colmore Row and Imperial other side of town, I was put with Eric Mason (another Aston guy) we occasionally would go with the bigger gang to Brum University, Malvern, Rugby, Droitwich etc etc.
What great days they were, going on the bus from Aston Cross getting into town at 7.00 breakie in the Milk Bar in Colmore Row, then a prompt 7.30 start, pushing the barrow with all the ladders and steps, bucket of very cold water(ice on it) lashing big extension ladders together so as to reach 3rd and 4th floor windows, freezing cold, but always happy to see the foreman peering at me from inside (in the warm) telling me it was 'character building stuff this' nice hey? all for £3/00 a week plus 12/6 for saturday morning, ha!!! happy days.
Names I remeber from the City and District
Brian Green-Ralph Taylor-Brian Gibbons, Barry Aston-Alan Harris-(his brother Ted worked for Hocktons) Brothers Jimmy and Alf Davis-Jimmy Haynes-I could scratch my head and think of more. John when did you work for the City and Dis? I went on to do painting and decorating with the Sunlight Brush and Spray from perry Barr (they did window cleaning as well) then somehow got into Steeplejacking worked with Swinnerton steeplejacks from Winson green,then to Clovers Erdington way.
wonderful memories all.