On the day prior to the public announcement of the Vanguard III which appeared in most national and provincial papers, The Standard Motor Co. Ltd. invited all Standard Distributors and representatives of the Press to a luncheon held at the Banner Lane Factory to celebrate the occasion. Continue reading “Vanguard III Launch”
Harry Edwards – 50 Years Service
Harry Edwards was born in Kingswinford, Staffordshire, but eventually moved to Coventry. In 1922 he joined Standard Triumph at Cash’s Lane and worked in the Drawing Office for two years under the supervision of Mr Cowdell.
Pete Davis – Tinsmith Welders 17 Shop Pt2
A second photo has been sent through thanks to Pete Davis, again Tinsmiths, around 1970. Continue reading “Pete Davis – Tinsmith Welders 17 Shop Pt2”
Albert Bates Pt2
Albert worked at the Allesley Standard Service Department in the late 50’s and worked right through until he took voluntary redundancy in December 1979. Marilyn writes, The best days of my life was the expression always used by Albert when fondly speaking of his working days and experiences with Standard as a motor mechanic.” Continue reading “Albert Bates Pt2”
Activity at Allesley
The launching of the Triumph Herald in April was followed in succeeding months by its presentation in the capitals of Europe. In addition, all the other models in the Standard Triumph range had to be prepared for display in the company’s stands at motor shows on the continent.
Earls Court demanded the biggest effort of all, and Service Manager Mr A.G. Brown and his team at Allesley worked against the clock up to the evening of Sunday October 18, 1959 preparing the cars for the show, which was opened to the Press only two days later.
They handled 17 cars for Earls Court, three the the Berkeley Square showrooms and eight demonstration models, including a Herald Saloon in the latest colours of Signal Red and White. The cars for London showrooms and one for Berkeley Square were prepared – for the first time – by the London Service Division.
With all the cars all ready in their protective coverings, the Transport Department came into the picture for Phase 2 of the operation – successfully completed by Mr J.H. Holbrook’s* drivers, who delivered their precious cargo unmarked to the exhibition hall.
Meanwhile the Service Department had prepared and sent off six cars for the Turin Show and were getting 23 cars and commercial vehicles ready for the Scottish Motor Show.
Altogether, the Service Department prepared 117 cars and commercial vehicles for the shows in 1959, together with 29 vehicles for Press demonstrations – a total of 146.
*J H Holbrook – Jim. Transport Manager with 46 years Service. Retired 1972. MORE…
Arthur Brunt
A Welsh lad at heart, Arthur was born near Llanidloes and was one of 15 siblings. He came to Coventry at the age of 22 to work.
He was a manager at Standard Motors which later became Standard Triumph, and that is where he met his wife Norma, who is now 96.
“I was working under an aircraft, and saw her walk past. The next time she walked past, I asked her out.”
And it seems that pragmatism would come in handy as the war crept into their lives.
The couple were married at St James’ Church in Stivichall and enjoyed a fortnight’s honeymoon to Hampshire and Wales.
As the war drew on, the windows of their house in Queensland Avenue were “blown in”, and mass unemployment set in, which left Arthur out of work for two years after the war.
“Rationing was absolutely dreadful, there were coupons for everything, but we managed.
“Everybody was so friendly, people looked after one another.”
“It was horrible after the Blitz”
Tragedy was an every day occurrence as Arthur explains: “If you came into work on the morning, and someone didn’t turn up you knew what would have happened.
“After the Blitz….it was horrible after the Blitz, so many people went missing.”
But things got better.
“The celebrations at the end of the war were fantastic. There was street parties, drinking, just fantastic.”
Arthur and his wife Norma went on to have three children, five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
“Coventry is home to me, I have a lovely family.”
They moved to Beechwood Gardens, where Arthur had his prized allottment. Tales of his gardening prowess spread far and wide. and the land behind the house was named Arthur Brunt Way.
Soon after, the couple moved to their current care home, where they enjoy the regular activities such as tea parties, film screenings and even visiting the roof top garden.
In fact, Arthur (now aged 102) what advice does he have for this generation?
He says simply: “To eat good food, and live properly.”