This photograph was taken at the ICI Long Service Presentations in 1957. Courtesy of Keith Parnaby. 
Picture Stockton Archive
A Pictorial History of Stockton-on-Tees
This photograph was taken at the ICI Long Service Presentations in 1957. Courtesy of Keith Parnaby.
There is an incredible coincidence here – my Father, also called Lawrence Parnaby, worked for ICI and also went on to get the 40 year long service award. He died several years ago and I have a picture of him and my mother at one of the award ceremonies (which I will dig out and post) I think it was the 20 year award. Also like Kieth’s Dad’s watch both watches are still working well.
Very interesting Keith, to hear of your relations in Distribition and Supply Department. They must both have known my Father Joe during his thirty three years service since 1922. The name Paraby wrings a bell. Dad died in 1978 and I still miss him. I still have his wristwatch presented in 1952. It was made by Buren of Switzerland and also in perfect condition.
My Father-in-law Bill Hepple worked at the Malleable at Portrack with his 3 brothers Joe, Bert and George. They all received 40 year watches at the same ceremony. They did not all attain their 40 years at the same time so some were 40+ years when getting their watches. Their Father before them also received 40 year gold pocket watch from the same firm.
The photo was taken in 1957 and shows my father Lawrence Parnaby on the left behind my mother, and my uncle Addison (‘John’) Parnaby on the right behind my aunt, admiring their gold watches presented by ICI for 30 years service. It was unusual for two brothers to be awarded similar long service awards at the same time. Both went on to receive 40 years service awards in 1967 before both retiring in 1970 – my father from Distribution Dept and my uncle from Supplies Dept, both at Billingham. Sadly, all four relatives are now dead but I am now the proud owner of both watches shown in the picture – both of which are in perfect working order – as well as the canteen of cutlery awarded for 40 years service.
Keith, is Addison (John) Parnaby by any chance the J. A. Lawrence-Parnaby associated with the Lawrence family?