Two yachts on the River Tees with Head Wrightsons in the background.
Taken in July1974 by Len Toulson. Courtesy of Neal Toulson.
Picture Stockton Archive
A Pictorial History of Stockton-on-Tees
Two yachts on the River Tees with Head Wrightsons in the background.
Taken in July1974 by Len Toulson. Courtesy of Neal Toulson.
Yachts-on-Tees – interesting photo. In the background, the building with white walls, is Davy McKee Engineering and Construction offices. On the top floor of the white building (above the masts) was the main engineering drawing office, with three large design/drafting rooms.The old section on the left, had the old style long drafting tables. In the new white office section, it had new upright drafting tables. In the early 60’s, the long hut with red roof, was the Drawing Office Extension for the Whyalla Australia BOF engineering team. In 1956, I began my career with “Heads”, at the Teesdale Apprentice Training School with “practical workshop experience” in all the fabshops and foundry. Then into the Teesdale engineering office, progressing through the various engineering departments there. Yes, I have to agree with previous comments about the apprentice training, in itself it was the most comprehensive type of introductory training, and thank you Harry Soppet for you contribution. With that type of broad experience covering all facets of manufacture, with heavy engineering design and construction, it formed the basis of a successful career. Leaving McKee in 1966, and joining up again with Davy in North America and continuing until retirement in 2001. Now living in Florida. People at “Heads” that I remember from Teesdale – John Glasper (still in Thornaby), Rex Harrison (in Canada), Terry Easter (last heard of in Hong Kong), John and Richard Pallister, Owen Payne, George Bateman, Harry Dickinson, Tom Gaffney. At McKee – Bill Beck, Ray Goodwin, Len Kraus.
I was also in the Apprentice School under Harry Soppett and John Meacham. On leaving the school I started my apprenticeship as a Joiner from 1953. I can recall that I and several other Joiners replaced all the windows on the riverside view in the drawing office. Jim I went to Richard Hind School with a lad called Owen Payne but lost contact on leaving, would you know anything about his whereabouts now?
Hi. Do you remember my dad Tommy Dover? Regards Sandra Dover
Although she looks like two yachts she is actually only one Catamaran, South East Asia style.
Consider the huge number of apprentices In establishments such as this on Teesside who developed their skills in so many trades and went on to provide a good living for their families through gainful and interesting years as journeymen tradesmen.
My father Joe James worked at Head Wrightsons as yard manager in the 50’s and 60’s.