Ray Cooke wrote on 04-08-2013

Longevity

I worked for this company circa 1964 as and apprentice/labourer as did my father who was a welder. Mr Collingwood, the owner, was willing to give me a chance as a young school-leaver as he already employed my father. He was a really nice man and gave my father permission to teach me to weld as well as my other duties. I was paid more then other friends who were also apprentices and Mr Collingwood made regular visits to see us at work bringing our wages each week and also came to our house once on my birthday when he gave me some tools for my present with a card as well. I even remember the job we were doing at Gainsborough Ready Mixed Concrete. We were replacing the mix/exit blades in the delivery lorries. It comes as no surprise to me that the company is still going and run by Joyce Collingwood who I imagine may be his daughter. A family firm that has withstood the ravages of time can only mean the quality of work has been maintained over the last 50yrs. If you read this Joyce then thank you for a pleasant period in my past.