Norman Collier recalls his time at Hick Hargreaves

DURING the past few weeks, there have been numerous stories in the Bolton Evening News, both in this column and elsewhere, about the firm of Hick Hargreaves moving from Crook Street, Bolton, where it has been for 170 years, to the Wingates Industrial estate.

And they resulted in me being sent a letter from Norman and Elsie Collier, now in Canada, who say: "We feel we must be in the category of the oldest living ex-employees."

Mr Collier writes: "I started work there at the age of 14 in 1937 as the Tool Room boy, at the grand sum of 10 shillings (50p) a week. If you attended night school and passed your exam, management gave a bonus of one shilling (5p) a week. However, should you be late for work during the month, the bonus was forfeited!

"Management was very cost-conscious -- wages were paid, in cash, on Friday afternoons, packed in little tin cups (envelopes were too expensive). The foreman, in a blue suit and bowler hat, distributed it to each employee on the shop floor.

"At this time the most important employee was the gatekeeper at the works' side of the main gate. His name was Peter Duckworth, but was known by everyone as P. Duck. His influence was amazing; he knew every employee and no intruder could possibly escape his scrutiny. Many signs were evident around the entrance, such as 'Do not enter', 'Wipe your feet', signed P. Duck. His brother, Jack (not quite as officious), was the porter at the office side of the gate.

"After a year or so I was transferred temporarily as office boy in the drawing office. Once again, thrift measures prevailed. Pencils were locked up, and one was required to submit a two-inch stub before a replacement was issued.

"I was required to trim surplus blue from prints being mailed in order to reduce postage cost, and all outgoing correspondence was logged each day to account for postage costs. During this period I became more interested in the products presently being manufactured and, particularly, the history of the company.

"In the 1800s, several companies, including Hick Hargreaves, Musgraves, Galloway, Scott & Hodgson, Dobson & Barlow, all built steam engines to drive mills in the north. All failed with the exception of Hick Hargreaves, who now had a monopoly on mill engine repairs, since they had acquired drawings from the bankrupt companies.

"I was fascinated with many of these drawings; some were done in oils, just like a painting, and I would hope that these have been preserved for posterity. During the First World War, the company built motor vehicles of Vulcan design, and photos had been retained.

"The early years of the Second World War bring back many memories. The cost savings were no longer a factor; many new employees were hired and two shifts started. They were very lengthy by today's standards -- the day shift was 7.30am until 7pm, and the night shift from 7pm to 7.30am, seven days a week, with one Sunday off each month.

"During break periods we went for a glass of Tetleys at the Sweet Green Tavern right across the street. In spite of the long hours, spirits were very high, and almost every day someone would start singing 'Land of Hope and Glory', and, in short order, the entire floor would be singing at the top of their voices.

"A Home Guard was formed, just for the company, and I either volunteered, or was drafted, and spent many a miserable night patrolling the yard, waiting for German parachutists who, of course, never materialised.

"In the autumn of 1943 I volunteered for the Merchant Navy and sailed on the first ship into Manila harbour. Whilst walking around among the wreckage, I came upon a two-pounder anti-tank gun, manufactured by Hick Hargreaves!

"My wife, Elsie Jones Willder Collier, also worked at Hick Hargreaves during the Second World War, in the Drawing Office, from 1941 to 1945. During that time she was typist for Mr W. Burrow, engineer, and there were about two dozen draughtsmen and half-a-dozen women tracers in the Drawing Office. Mr George Arowsmith was Director and Chief Engineer. Miss Alice Stringfellow and Miss Evelyn Johnson were secretaries to Mr Arrowsmith and Mr Walter Grills respectively. It would be interesting to know how many draughtsmen are now required, in view of current technology.

"I met my wife at Hick Hargreaves' Victory Dance, celebrating VE Day in 1945; all employees and their spouse or friend were invited. We have been married and living in Canada for the past 55 years, and are both now in our 80th year!"

Mr Collier also suggests that the Archives and Local Studies Department at the Central Library might be interesting in these notes. I am sure they will be, Mr Collier - I know that they do keep the stories which appear in Looking Back, and as they have been involved in recording many of the items from Hick Hargreaves during the move, these notes will be of particular interest to them.

Incidentally, should anyone remember Mr and Mrs Collier, their address is 3519 Enniskillen Circle, Mississauga, Ontario, L5C 2M9, Canada (Phone 905 277 8048, Fax: 905 670 8246).