The first photograph shows the Malleable Works Electrical Department c1910 the person stood on the far left of the group is my grandfather William Hepple (1886 – 1966). His family moved from Birtley Co. Durham late in the 19th Century where from around 6 years of age my grandfather had been working in the pit. The opening up and expansion of the South Durham Iron & Steel Works gave them the opportunity to at least work above ground but in another very physically demanding industry. He became a self taught electrician going on to be foreman.
His four sons Herbert (Bert),William (Bill), Joseph (Joe) my father John George (George) Hepple and his brother Herbert all followed him into the industry. Collectively these family members even before retirement had clocked up over 200 years of service a remarkable achievement, an era never to be repeated sadly. From left to right : Bert, Joe, George & Bill.
Photographs and details courtesy of David Hepple.
David, very pleased to see these photos and the information given. Bill being my wifes father finished work there as a manager in the pipe division at Portrack works. I have his long service watch now.
Bob, Glad you like the photos. I know you agree that their collective service is more than worthy of recognition. You spent many a happy Friday night in the upstairs lounge of The Brown Jug with my father and uncles Joe and Bill putting the world to rights. I have both my father’s and Bert’s long service watches.
I worked at the Malleable from 1964-83 and knew George & Joe quite well
Pity we couldn’t put names to faces – there will be some well known Portrack families among those lads