Morris Engines, Courthouse Green

This photo was taken in 1956

this was 1956 when my dad retired to become landlord of the Five Ways pub Harnall Lane which has now been demolished he then moved on to the Golden Fleece happy days. I had only been at the Morris 3 years. In 1978 I had my 25 years long service award and continued my service and transfered to the Jaguar plant in 1982. I finally left in 1992. In 1978 my son Steve started at the Morris as an apprentice electrician, he eventually transfered and is still working at Jaguar Land Rover. Between us we started in 1929 and we are still there. We have done 106 years continous service between us.......so far

This is a photo of the engine despatch loading bay

OK people that's a few more to get you talking still plenty more to come so stay tuned you never know you might find yourself or a relative in future photos all the best, Les

Sometime in the late fifties, The Morris weightlifting club wanted to put on a show but lacked a star billing act, I tried to get them Joe Robinson, who had a 'gym' in Trafalgar square London, but he was far to big a name, 'Kid for two Farthings' and later the lift scene in' Diamonds are for ever' for the Morris. So I put them in touch with Dick Orbell, a friend from Brighton, to attempt the British 'Squat' record as top billing. He came, broke the record and a good crowd cheered him on.

Hello Kaga. Well I never it's surprising what memories these post revive I've got some photos in one of the works magazines Teamwork I will trawl through them and put them on for you it may take a little time because a film company is making a film about the motor industry and they've borrowed. Them But I should get them back in a couple of weeks so stay tuned all the best. LES

LesBeard, thanks, look forward to those, give the brain cells a little nudge. Regards kaga

I was apprenticed from 66 to 70, and thoroughly enjoyed the Morris. It was just like a big club - everybody was so friendly. We left UK in 82 so missed all the trauma of the death of the Morris. Any idea what happened to Bob Glenister and Tony Dolman? Roy Smart started on the same day as me - he and Bob Eldon went off to run Oleo Pneumatics. Other names from those days are Mick Jones, Mick Louth, Ray Ashby, John Bibb, Harry Gray, Sid Markwell, Mick Davis, Dick Mason, Rich Trim, Dick Williams, Dick Sheasby... and many more. I married Christine Smith from the Welfare dept in 1970, and we now live in New Zealand with three big sons and three fantastic grandsons.

Hi Nat, I married Christine Smith in 1970. We left UK in 82 for a 12 year adventure in Africa, and then hopped over to New Zealand in 94. I have the fondest memories of the Morris, and often go back there (like the old lady in "Titanic"). We are very happy here with 3 big sons and 3 fantastic grandsons. All the best to you and the family. Nik James (Courthouse Green 1966-1977)

hello people sorry for the long wait had quite a lot on these last few months all sorted now so here are a few more presentations photos to hopefully bring back some memories cant remember all names the front row were all beduth lads centre is Pop Harris back row on left is Rusty ? he had bright red hair the rest is up to you the presentation is being made by Jim Hazelwood tool setter this is just a page from the works mag (teamwork) interesting item 1949

Hi Les, My morris career came in four stages.The first part started in 1968 in b block on the a series fork rods,the foreman was Joe Tedds and the charghand was Chris Withey with Vernon Lowe eventually taking over from him. A few names from that period were Bill Webster,Jack Jones,Bill Murray,Billy Bazell,Bill Raybould,Rog Clarke,Bill Sharpe,Bob Pigg and the unforgettable Jack Dicey. We stayed in b block for another two years before moving to Durbar Avenue,which I will go into at a later date. By the way my name is Rich (Dick) Williams,my fathers name was Ron Williams who worked in the paint shop from 1947 till the foundry closed, my brothers name was Shane Williams who worked on the con rods and the A series blocks. PS keep flying the flag Les

Hi Mowog fc Thank you for the responce I remember B block well I don't remember the fork rods being produced in there it was a full valve shop when I had any dealings in there I new Joe.Tedds well and Chris Withey he finished up as night shift supt he died some years also Vernon Lowe as you probably know was the son of Jack Lowe managing director he stayed on till the closure 1982 I also finished in 82 but had to stay behind to put the lights out it was during the staying behind period that I took all the photos glad I did now or we would have lost all those memories the only other chap I knew that you mentioned was BillSharpe he was a supervisor at No 2 Works I will throw a few names in who I new we'll see if you recognise any Ken Hoilis Harry Jeffries Ted Cambell Len Gibbs Ron Green Roy Baker CecTurner Harry Barratt the list could go on So stay tuned you never know what turns up next have you read all the Forum pages there could be people you know from earlier insertions. All Best Les

Anybody remember Aurthur Lomas, think he was foreman in the foundry late 60's early 70's ?

Hi again les The next part of my time at morris was a very happy year at no2,there my forman was Charlie Jeffries and the charghand was Bob Bates. The next post was back to courthouse green on the gear honing section which was in j block,a few names from then was Fred Walbeoff,Nobby Clarke,dazzel,Eddie King,Mick Dancer Molly Morgan,by the way Less I remember you when you were nightshift supervisor.

Hi Paulguy Yes I knew Aurthur Lomas he was a foreman in the Foundry 1953 he was also quite a high rank in the St Johns Ambulance always being presented with an award of some sort I've got some presentation photos of him I will try and put them up in the next insert he was a real gent. Best, Les