Concorde.

I started work at Gloucester terminal on the fourth of January, the Teesside terminal closed at the end of January, 1983. My new work mates welcomed me but I found their mode of driving very fast. We took over all fuel oil deliveries to the Midland area, work which they took on with reluctance. When they found that I'd delivered fuel oil on a regular basis in the past they suggested that I take the vehicle working on fuel oil. I didn't realise what I was letting myself in for so went along with the suggestion. Over the next couple of weeks I went with other drivers to get a knowledge of the area, we visited military sites to deliver heating oil, canning factories and garages, all new to me. Even though it was only January I could see how lovely the area was and imagined it in the spring when the large fruit orchards came into blossom.
On one occasion I had to go to Bristol to the aircraft factory where Concorde was built. I was carrying aviation fuel to the factory that tested the massive engines. I drove my tanker round the corner of a building and what a sight! Sitting there on the tarmac like a huge bird with its streamlined body, its huge wings swept back and hanging slightly downwards and the four box like shapes that contained the massive engines sat Concorde. I quickly positioned my vehicle to offload but first samples had to be taken to ensure there was no moisture in the fuel. The operator watched me as I viewed that beautiful aeroplane. “Haven’t you seen the Concorde before mate?” he asked, “Go over and have have a look round, it will be a while before you can discharge your load”. I wandered round and round the plane trying to soak in all it’s striking features, this was really something to tell the family about. There was a chap leaning against the wall watching me and he shouted across “We're going to move the Concorde soon, go up the steps and have a look round inside?” I didn’t need telling twice I ran up those steps.once inside I noticed at a glance the massive a arrangement of electronic machinery lining the interior.While wandering around goggling at various instruments what struck me most was the area along the fuselage where the passengers would seat it seemed so narrow and cramped.I thought of the vast amount of money that had been used by the governments of England and France on such a lavish piece of machinery, then cancel the production on the grounds of cost.What a pity it is that only the very privileged few can afford any journey aboard this beautiful aircraft.
The following two years Doreen and I explored the whole area around Gloucester visiting very interesting towns and cities.We went fruit picking apples, pears, plums, along with the soft fruits in the Vale of Evesham. Our families came down to spend their holidays with us. but we wanted to be back home to our roots.Stephen and Linda had an addition to the their family. A baby girl Jemma. Doreen and I wished we were back home to see our first grandchild grow up.The opportunity came along when we were informed the BP Terminal was about to close. and once again I would be redundant. Rather than move on to another area, our next move was home, back to Teesside.Stephen had the opportunity to go to the Royal College of Art in London. We all thought of the privilege he had been given. After a short period of time my health started to go down the tubes again I was diagnosed as having Rheumatoid arthritis. The year nineteen hundred and eighty five.