 |  | | | Coalmining Closures | There are 9 messages in this section. |
John Miller from Drongan, Ayrshire. Posted 10 Mar 2002.
I was a miner in Ayrshire for many years, but what will always stick out in my mind was the strike in 1984 and the hardships it caused for us. I have vivid memories of going to the Agricultural College at Auchincruive to steal vegetables.
One night in the village when a whole group of miners went out to steal tatties from Jiner Tams field, someone called the police and a car soon arrived. When it started shining its headlights into the field onto all these miners digging up tatties, quick as a flash we all stood up and sang "We Want To Be Smiths Crisps" like in the tv advert of the time. Eventually the strike began to crumble and with a young family to support I went back to work. The first day was terrifying as we got on a bus with grilles over the windows and had to pass through the picket line, who were all shouting and throwing things at the bus. As we passed through there were almighty shouts of "Scab" at which point the guy sitting next to me turned round and said "Youre alright. Youre not a scab, you're still just a plook!" | | |
|  | William McGibbon Jr. Posted 6 Apr 2002.
From 1952-1966 I worked at the Albion Motor Works in Scotstoun. The last time I was home to visit, it was gone. It's so sad that something which was such a big part of people's lives has just disappeared.
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| | Harold Fenwick. Posted 17 Apr 2002.
I was a 23 year old returned ex-serviceman serving the completion of my apprenticeship with James Barr & Son, well known Chartered Surveyors in Glasgow. I was working on War Damage repairs at Albion. The GM was called Kennedy from Newcastle. The work was very secret as they were developing the first vehicle engine to be laid on its side. Testing of the engines took place inside the factory and outside in all weathers on bare chassis which travelled the west coast for long distances. It was the success of this revolutionary new engine which led to Leyland Motors' take over of Albion and its closure. How proud the men in Albions were!
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| | JMichael Bain. Posted 18 Apr 2002.
I was an apprentice with Albion Motors from 1960 ‘till 1965. During that time my father, John W. Bain, an engineer with the company for many years took on the role of Supervisor of Apprentices. I think he was popular with apprentices. He certainly made revolutionary changes including the introduction of ‘block release’ for studying apprentices which meant they could study during the day for 1 month at a time alternating with practical work in the factory. After years of night school 3 nights a week then day release, it was wonderful.
When I started, the EN 335 engine was supplementing the highly successful EN 286 (cu ins). These were the engines which drove Albion vehicles all round the world. I never understood why Albion had to sell out to Leyland at all. I think Albions were generally regarded as the superior vehicles in their power range. The gearboxes too were well respected and were, I understand, bought by Leyland and others for use in other vehicles. The M.D. was Mr Kirkwood. His highly respected executives included Mr John Pollock and I think his top designer was Mr Stead.
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| | Jim Todd from Cumbernauld. Posted 18 Aug 2003.
Mr.Bain was the Apprentice Supervisor who interviewed me in early 1963. I commenced employment with Albion Motors on 22 April 1963 and spent the next 13 years working in a variety of departments ending up in the Millwrights. This was the best job I ever had.
You are correct what you say about your father; he was a revolutionary individual who introduced a number of changes that today's youth could benefit from. He was also a gentleman and I remember him talking to me one day, encouraging me to change my technical course to a higher level. I gained much from that change and have a great deal to thank him for.
I could go on as I have a number of good memories of those I worked with and for during my time.
If you are interested let me know at my e-mail address. Jim Todd
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| | George Ellis. Posted 5 Oct 2002.
I was born in Bonnybridge. My Ellis's came from Bo'ness/Bathgate/and then Glasgow. An uncle James and his wife Jemima around 1930.
Any of your Ellis's come from around these parts?
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| | John Young from Glasgow. Posted 17 Jan 2005.
I worked in Albion Motors for a number of year. Served my apprenticeship from 1964-1969.
Then working as a toolmaker in the toolroom, until leaving late 70's. I remember you Jim, and of course Mr Bain and his son Michael. I agree with your comments that the albion was indeed a very good place to work and it is a great pity that it has reduced so much in size, and now is only in the old Harland yard. Mr J. Bain was indeed a gentleman and really looked after his apprentices and ensured individual training was of the best.
please get in touch Jim, if you read this wee note!!
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| | Russ Denny from Scotland. Posted 16 Sep 2005.
Seeing these messages from former workers at Albion Motors, I wonder if anyone remembers my father Robert (Bobby) Denny. I know he worked there as I have a watch belonging to him engraved on the back for 25 years service at Albion (dated 1972).
Sadly my father passed away in 1974 and it would be nice if anyone remembered him from his days at Albion and also share some anecdotes of the man who died when I was only 5 years old.
Thanks
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| | Gordon Gunn from New Zealand. Posted 3 May 2006.
I started my apprenticeship with Albion in Oct 1961. I can't remember many names now but my first foreman was John Vetters. The apprenticeship scheme at Albion was second to none, you learned everything there was to know from the ground up. My father also worked at Albion in the Yoker repair shop (William Albert Gunn-big Willy), anyone remember him?
The other foreman who sticks out in my mind was Jack Mcfarlane (Black Jack was his nickname). I have many fond memories of the company and the people I worked with even though my memory fails me now as to their names. My apprenticeship there stood me in good stead when I joined the MN then later at Barcley Curle's then in general engineering here in NZ. Sad to here that a company with such a proud past has diminished as far as it has.
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