Thanks Richard and Thanks David, Much appreciated.
As regards George Hooson, (and appreciate that this is a history forum), I am hoping to pick your brains David (if I may please?). George and Grandmother Kathleen divorced, which was a cardinal sin in those days from what I can gather, and so there was little to go on as regards contact and memories etc. My dad told me that George was a draughtsman in Engineering, but I have found out a bit more, and the Chief Designer at HW Ward & Co was an interesting and pleasant surprise.
I am guessing he was at HW Ward & Co for a long time, but do you know how long approximately please?
I have looked at the equipment on the internet and recall a Ward lathe in the metalwork room at secondary school, and regret that I never used it (or any lathe, but that is now added to the proverbial bucket list), as I didn't take metalwork as an option. I did however study technical drawing and recall drawing a chuck, fly-press, pawl and ratchet etc.
Looking at the HW Ward & Co equipment and different models, which were exported all over the world and there is still a spares business operating today, which is incredible, given they ceased production in the early 1980's. I am getting the impression that Ward's were a bit like Land Rovers and can potentially run forever!?
Apologies for droning on, and in keeping with the history objects of the forum, I will be grateful for any memories you would like to share, and absolutely no pressure or obligation.
Much appreciated and thanks for getting in touch.
Best regards,
Mick Hooson