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A Worcester Engineers Memoirs

H W Ward was a machine tool company based in Birmingham and Worcester; they were a world famous manufacturer of capstan and turret lathes and employed large numbers of skilled labour.
Wards factory in Bilford Road, Worcester, was built in 1935. It was demolished during the 1980's to make way for a retail park.

I started work at Wards as a machine tool fitter in 1959.
The chargehand on the "Turret"section was Jack a short bolshey, bald headed bloke. He was envious of anyone who had a full head of hair. One day he said to me "what's it like living behind the iron curtain" my reply was I am going for a haircut on Saturday.

Working at Wards was a laugh a minute, if you were late clocking on, you were subjected to cheering and a cacophony of hammers as a greeting.

It would be a mistake to allow your workmates knowledge of your birthday, you would arrive at work on that day, and to your embarrassment, find your bench decorated with banners, placards, and rude verses, and the section would sing a chorus of happy birthday, loudly.

Our leading hand was Wally a swarthy short-tempered chap, he was always at loggerheads with Harry. The rest of us used to stir things up between them, one day it nearly came to blows, some one had told Harry that Wally had rubbised his work, to avoid bloodshed, they both had to be restrained.

A lot of time was spent reading the newspaper and choosing a winner, but if you had spent too much time in the reading room, away from the job, a piece of turf, complete with soil would be obtained from outside, and be put into your partly built gearbox, forcing you to strip, clean and rebuild.

Most of the workers at Wards had a second occupation.
At Christmas, My mate Sid, a champion darts player, being a resourceful chap used to supply the factory with turkeys, from his relative's farm. He roped me in to collect these in my Austin A35 van.
Sid was kept very busy distributing Christmas Dinners to fellow workers and not much was done for the firm at this time.

My van would often be used to collect and deliver many items for my workmates. It also would provide transport for the Christmas Booze up.

Parts of any description could be made at Wards.
If a part for your old car was unobtainable, a word with Eric the factory Manager would put the expertise of the entire workforce at your disposal to copy and manufacture.
The finished component part would also have been made to a much higher standard.

Roger, although disabled could supply anything, from a shirt to a radio, at a bargain price, he also operated a Lapping Machine, when he had the time.
He later left Wards to form his own successful business.

There also was a clock and watchmaker; he had a regular trade, repairing, cleaning, adjusting, and replacing glass in wristwatches and clocks.

In the excellent wiring department, electrical appliances could be repaired for a very modest fee, if a plug wiring or even an extension lead was required, a packet of woodbines would secure.

If an important written communication was required, you could ask Eric, (no relation to the manager) who would compile and write a prefect letter for you.
He also worked part time as an insurance agent and was ideally placed to collect the subs.

A retired baker worked at Wards. He would bake a cake to your requirements at his house for a very reasonable charge; (he made a superb cake for my wedding).

Large quantities of eggs, tomatoes, vegetables and produce would be sold in the factory.

Tom, who worked on our section, would come to your home, evenings and weekends to make a super job of making cupboards, rewiring, or decorating your rooms.

Ronny and a few of his workmates formed a rock group. They played in a few of the local venues and pubs.
They sometimes gave a performance in "Wards Social Club".

There was even Barry the bookie who had a brisk business taking your bets; he occasionally even had to make a payout.

Several mechanics that worked in the factory, would be able to service and repair your car cheaply, in the evenings or weekends and always available to give helpful advice.

If you required help or advice on any subject at all, there would always be someone in the factory that would be able to assist.

I will never forget the warmth and generosity of my fellow workers at Wards.
When I had a motorcycle accident, I was off work for twelve months, every month without fail my section workmates would have a collection for me, to make up my wages, and was very much appreciated at this time.