Done and dusted
Done and dusted, my memories of get thee behind me stories.
The long and wearing down road of job hunting was exhausting. I trudged home once more at the end of the usual suspects as far as leaving your name and address days was concerned. I used the long way home to clear my head and be ready for my Mother and her questions.
I passed an Engineering workshop, no more than a five-minute walk from my home, never noticed previously. I stopped and watched all the activity inside, one of the people working there came out and spoke with me, “Are you looking for a job young man?” I answered “yes” “Come in and chat with the Manager” he said, his name was Fred Norman, remembered all these years later.
The Manager, another well remembered name, Mr Lambie of Scottish heritage, asked me my name, how old I was and where I lived. Start Tomorrow 8am sharp finish at 4 30pm as a labourer. 6 months later offered an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner. Back to School for two years, night School as well as one day a week to be taught the finer skills of a trade. Bought a magnificent Norton dominator 350 twin motor bike at age 16.
The Family moved home to a newly created district out in the sticks miles from anywhere, thank goodness for my best friend, my motorbike. Girls were off the radar, busy playing sports and enjoying long rides on my motorbike. Sitting on my garden wall one evening minding my own business, a girl that lived opposite crossed the road and sat alongside me. We chatted as if we had known each other all our lives. Girlfriend, Boyfriend relationship followed, we had many marvellous adventures on the motorbike.
I suddenly found myself with a bank account, with actual money in it. My Girlfriend organised me into a normal human being, still sport mad, she loved sport as well, so all was good.
Jackie, asked her Dad how he felt about us, too young was his verdict, wait a couple of years and then try again. Dad felt as if the enemy was at the gate trying to steal his Daughter. As for her Mam, she welcomed me with open arms, let the enemy in, I can then keep an eye on them.
Time drifted by engagement was talked of all being organised by the amazing Jackie. Walking through our Town shopping centre stopped and looked in a jewellers window, that one there, said Jackie, pointing to the ring she had her eye on.
Engagement became Marriage, the Church was picked out, the bans were dutifully read as needed. The Vicar was the Brother of Harry Secombe, his name was Fred, the image and character of his famous Brother.
I would love to have the chance to revisit the day of our Marriage all over again, lots of fun as well as Family and Friends. The reception was held at the upper level of a Country Pub. The moment of the day came when Jackie and I left the reception and caught a double decker bus to her Parents home for the rest of the Family festivities. We boarded the Bus to a round of applause and good wishes from the other passengers.
Our honeymoon was spent redecorating our newly bought home, in a terrace of several houses where we started our Family of three sons.
We both worked long hours, the first one home had to light the fire, otherwise no hot water. An outside toilet that was a challenge, with the promise of building one indoors when money and time presented itself. On many evenings we fell asleep on the sofa from exhaustion. Sport tried to intervene in our happy married life, an offer to trial for a professional football club, we both discussed the opportunity but refused the offer. Although? I did agree with our decision, I sought out my Father's advice. The man of few words said the following, “At thirty plus years your sporting career will be near its end, your job will be with you until you retire”.
Done and dusted after my Dads advice, on with life. I did play a couple of representative games and thoroughly enjoyed them, 20 thousand people roaring approval or not were moments I treasure forever.
After one such game some of the players, including myself went to the local pub, to wind down after the game. One of my friends gave me a nudge and asked, “Who the hell is this old fella listening to all we are saying?” I turned and smiled one of the broadest smiles ever, there stood my Welsh language Teacher smiling broadly. Handshakes and hugs followed. He said, “I stood and watched the game, so proud to be watching a pupil of mine showing his skills, I wanted to shout out, “I taught that boy at School”.
A big leap forward as Margaret Thatcher the British PM at that time did her best to destroy the working class of the UK in the 60s and 70s. My negative thoughts as to how we as well as our sons could live in the UK as jobs and Industry fell by the wayside. The Australian Government were seeking skilled workers to help with their shortage of skilled labour at the time. The many days and nights my Wife Jacqueline and myself held each other as we discussed our Families future were both happy and sad.
Off we went on a dreary wet normal Welsh morning, a train station where farewells and goodbyes were given and received. My Mother with the look of will I ever see them all again, my Father holding my hand tightly not wanting to let go. I tried not to look at Jackie and her Parents as they said their farewells. Jackie cried all the way to London and most of the way on the plane that flew us to a new life in Sydney Australia. We settled and bought a new home in Campbelltown; it gave us a wonderful life and the futures that we had hoped for our three Sons. Then yet another fateful day when the industry I worked for closed, walking through the factory gates to catch a train back to Campbelltown was filled with sadness.
A comment from a friend working in the USA had me holding conversations with Jackie as to where to or what next. Words from a Woman that had fallen in love with me and me with her “I will follow you to the end of the World if that is what you want”.
A meeting with our three sons, “off you go Mum and Dad, follow your dreams just as you gave us the chance to follow ours”
That we did, six years in the USA and twelve months in Canada, we saved enough money to buy a block of land and build the house of our dreams in magnificent Shell Cove. There follows a poem from the folk in Canada and the USA. I am once again done and dusted, thanks for your patience in reading my story.
With a broad Welsh accent and an Irish name
To which small Nation does he put his claim?
Taffy’s and Mick’s always thought to be an unthinkable mix
By the laws of the land and the folk out in the sticks
Somehow, he survived ancestral pressure
Whether in Swansea, Cardiff Sydney, or Cheshire
Made a new home in Aussie Territory
Where they did not understand him, but he lived to tell that story
Then decided to go to the USA
However, they could not have liked him because they sent him swiftly away
Off to Canada you go, Ontario hello!
This was apparently better than North of Wawa!
There he was in the heart of Computer System applications land
Module consulting, Piloting, and training for all to see
Patience was tested; thank goodness, he was not a Mick
At this point, he was a Taffy slick as slick
The enterprising trainer with a pad in each port
Options always kept open at nothing would he stop short
The chemical Industry was having its trials and tribulations
There were times when he gritted his teeth to solve these situations
It was a year of challenges to teach them the basics
Complimented on his work, only a Taffy could provide the essentials
Then off to Coca-Cola where he found a new World place of charm
Leaving all newfound Canadian friends
many compliments of missing his placid nature
wish we were coming echoed all
Only a Taffy could grow for them so tall
Everyone had learned so much during their time together
In Atlanta, they understood the Welsh accent he would never come to harm!
Understanding the difference between Coke and Petrochemicals
Lots to do and make new friends, best wishes sent back to Canadian team
Best wishes returned, whatever you choose, be it in Sarnia, Atlanta, or Timbuktu!
Seven long years away from his newfound home
Time to return came the call, Wife smiled and said let us go
Off they went with a spring in their step, thanks to all for time well spent
Back in paradise and settled down, weekend BBQs with yarns to present
One thing for sure not new in Town anymore.
Comments