Keelavite Hydraulics

We left for Oz in the 70's although my hubby was settled in his job (Keelavite Hydraulics, Meriden). Were they taken over by Lucas? However he landed up working for Lucas here a week after arriving in Perth. Moneywise, as a hydraulics engineer, he never looked back.

I was employed by KH from the mid 60's until the late 70's. Prior to the takeover by Lucas it was a family orientated company. Daily, George Keeling would walk through the factory speaking to the workers, most of them he would know by name. Take over by Lucas and the atmosphere changed overnight. Ok, we had new litter bins throughout the factory and new lines painted along the walkways, but the family feeling was gone. Your husband would remember the children's parties and the skittle evenings organised by John Ashfield, the walkabout by Arthur Downes with his Churchillian cigar and the special bus to take the workers to and from Meriden. It was almost a pleasure to go to work.

Thanks for that TEKMELF. If only hubby was here now (Tony Shepherd - broke his ankle playing soccer). He got his leg pulled over that one!!!! Phil Roxborough, Fred Pully, little Bob Appleby and Bill, sorry Bill never did know your surname, it was always just Bill. Great cricket on the green too even with a couple of shattered windscreens. My daughter remembers the Christmas parties, I think Bill had a hand with those. The old bus I am surprised it lasted so long. Good days well remembered

My father worked at Keelavite in the stores, his name was Bill Williams.

That must be him, mickw, always had a cheeky grin, and the name Williams clinched it.

For those who might remember.

That could be my dad in the centre of the photo with the bald head but I can't make out his features when I expand it. Is that the Bill you mention DT?

There you go then mickw, it could well be Bill Williams. If that is your dad in the photo then I hope it brought a smile to your face. I bet you didn't expect that. Sorry I could not make the photo any clearer but it is an old one. Tony is the one on the left with all the hair on his face!!!!!!!!

Hi Dreamtime, have you any idea what year your photo was taken? My dad retired around 73 or 74

My wife Dyanne worked at Keelavite between 1985 and 1990. She was canteen manageress, mainly for Stone Caterers. She had to leave in 1990 because of severe pre-natal problems. Her main assistant was Cath Baskerville with whom we still keep in touch, if only at Christmas. I remember when Dyanne landed the job, I had to act as co-pilot "6" times on the Sunday evening from her parents house in Keresley to the Keelavite factory and back so she wouldn't be late or get lost on her first day. I was also roped in to man the BBQ a couple of times and to help out on Bonfire night celebrations.

Fred Pully went on to open his own hydraulics factory on the estate at Aldermans Green Road

Mick Strong, Yes, although Tony has passed away the memories still remain and we did hear from Fred since arriving here in 1974, in fact Phil Roxborough posted a message on here a few years ago but nothing since. What a great bunch of workmates Tony had and always considered himself lucky.

Hello all, an ex-colleague from Keelavite named Barry Holmes sent me this link. I was amazed to see the messages and saddened to learn of Tony Shepherd's passing. Thought you might like to know who is in the photo. From the left, Tony Shepherd of course, then Bob Appleby (Geordie) in front of Frank Jeavons (foreman), centre is Dick Harry (one of the nicest persons to know), John McGinnith (top dribbler at footie), next is me Fred Pulley (worst dribbler at footie) and Phil Roxburgh (aka Andy Lochhead, Villa!) on the right. We all worked (bit of an overstatement!!) in the fitting shop at Keelavite. Very happy days and lots of fond memories.

Fred you old scoundrel! Thought you'd be a retired old millionaire by now. Hope all is well and improved on your 'dribbling'. Tony always hung on to his memories of you all at Keelavite. Keep safe and well.