Morris Engines, Courthouse Green

Just discovered this forum about Morris Motors, Courthouse Green. I started as an apprentice August 1962 and worked there until 1971. A lot of the names being written about bring more memories flooding back. I ended up gear setting before leaving just before I married. I lived in Canley when I started work and remember having to catch two buses to get to work. Had some happy days at Courthouse green. Also spent some time at Durbar ave site.

I was there round about that time, and worked on the gears. My setter was a guy we knew as Tom he had a Triumph TR2/3 most of my time was on the nightshift. I cannot say I enjoyed my time there but the money was good if you got stuck in, as it was all piecework in those days...

I worked at Morris Engines 1964-72 I was first off gear cutting inspection I knew most of the gear cutters /shavers.

Hi Nat, Sorry for delay. I was in Apprentice school 1969 then Drawing Office, Toolroom & Durbar Avenue Riley Works & back to Toolroom. Havent seen Sarah since I left but went to school with her. Hope You are keeping well. Kind Regards Roger

Here's a foundry retirement from around 1953. I will chuck in a few names in, Bidder Stanley, Tommy Harrison, Ernie Brown, Pop Harris, Fred Copson and Johnny walker.Presentation by Ernie Alan foundry manager.

I have joined this site today and it is superb. My father worked at Morris Engines from 1944 until 1973 ish, having moved down from Rolls - Royce at Hillington, Glasgow. His name was Alec Dickson and he was a welder attached to the toolroom. As has been mentioned the kids christmas parties at the factory were great. If I remember correctly there was more than one party in order to accomodate all the workers children, and you were given a present before leaving. I noticed in an earlier post a photo of the christmas party in 1949, I do not appear on the photo but I was there. Happy days.

Memories, thanks for running this site. I did my apprenticeship here at courthouse green,seeing the pictures sure brings back happy times and sad times. My Grandad, Oliver Casey worked in the crankshaft grinding area for many years, I remember waiting outside the gates for him to come out on his bike after I walked from Stoke Heath School which was just round the corner. My dad Terry Casey was the turning instructor in the apprentice school. He is now retired and living in Scotland. I was an Electrical apprentice under Bob Ashton in the school and can remember many fun days. I spent most of my experience time in B block, (valve grinding building) with Pete Hill and Roy Smith, it was right next to the compressor room and water towers, will never forget the day Pete and myself climbed up the big tower to have a look around, I have a photo somewhere which I will download one day. I spent some time working in the foundry also and remember the excitement of seeing my first furnace being dumped out at the end of its shift. I also remember the rust and ash from the furnace burning the paint on workers cars.

Hello & welcome, Mikekc. Thank you for your post. We have members from, like you across the pond & then stretching all the way down-under. Pull up a chair, as we hope you will enjoy your time with us here in Coventry.

this photo is of MG /Riley football team December 1959 who played at courthouse green against Tractor and transmissions at courthouse green they lost 6 2 I will just throw in a few a few names to jog memories Allan Mott goalie Billy Patton Jimmy Lane Ray Midwinter

This is the tractor and transmissions team again I will throw a few names in Ivor Wright Allan Cockle Len Swinsdale Bill Harbour December 1959

when Billy Badger retired from the paint spray section at engines Branch after 36 years service his foreman Wal Blower presented him with a clock on behalf of his workmates

In 1960 this Presentation was made to Sister Gregson on her retirement from engines branch gifts from the shop floor included a gold watch a cheque and a bouquet Mr C Hartland presented on behalf his colleagues a brooch and earrings. Presentations were also made by the fire brigade and St Johns ambulance and on behalf of the management Mr E C Dickenson foremen and staff.

This was from 1959

Hi Mike, nice to here your dad is alive and well. I remember many an hour bent over a lathe under the instruction of your dad and if I remember right the other instructors were Dennis Wells and Bill Jones with Ted Dinan being the apprentice supervisor. One of the enjoyable times was when we had to machine an engine block and head to show the inside workings. I was an apprentice there from 1964 -1969 then worked in the toolroom till courthouse green closed. As you said many enjoyable times were had there.

Hello Mikekc I was also an apprentice electrician. I worked at the Morris from 1979 until 1982 when it closed. I remember Terry Casey well. The other 2 apprentice instructors were Don Jones and Bob Ashton. Many years later while working at Longbridge I worked on a small IT project for Bob Ashton. He hadn't changed a bit. The atmosphere at the Morris made every day so enjoyable. The Morris was a great place to work for many people which is why 33 years after it closed we are still talking about it. We once entered the apprentice raft race which was held at Monmouth rowing club. Our raft wasn't the best, we were so slow we came last, finishing 3 hours after all the other teams, but we had a great time.