Is there anybody there that worked at Firth Browns particularly late 60's early 70's especially in the Engineers Dept

I worked at Firth Browns from 1937 to 1983 (with a gap of 7 years for the second world war). During my time I worked in the machine shops. I would be very happy to here from anyone else that worked at Firth Browns at the same time as me. My father and grandfather also worked at firths.

Look forward to hearing from any and all of my ex-colleagues.

Bill Howard

Err...my father worked at both Brown Baileys and Hadfields sometime 'tween 1960 and 1980... ;)

He hated it, but it put food on the table and clothes on our backs!

You could ask Richard Caborn as he used to work there as did his father. Mind you, he's probably not in the best of moods right now.:)

Hi Bill,

Do you know one of my Uncles, an Ernest Webster not seen him for years but still in touch occasionally (was union convenor I think)

another Bill

wifes Dad worked for them 50 years, Syd Taylor

Like many other prople I remember Richard Caborn's father George.

I remember him answering an enquiy of how he came to work at Firth Browns.

He replied, "I was out of work and outside Firth Browns was a notice saying,

WANTED- A man to replace two horses.

So I applied, and got the job immediately".

No further comment!!

My dad Frank Martin worked at Firth Browns Tools [Hard Metal Div.] for most of his working life,national service being the exception.He spent most of his time in hard metal tools and rose to become a production controller in that department.He,like many others,was made redundant in,I can't remember when,but it was his last permanant job.

My uncles Frank and Joe Simpson worked there in the 50s to the 70s

My mum worked there from leaving school.She was a tracer.With the knowledge she learnt from Firth Browns she also went on to get a little part time job tracing tatoos for a friend who had a tatoo shop.Dont think she stayed a long time though but someone may remember her.Her name was Lynda Taylor.

Hello,
I don't know if any of you or your relatives remember my dad, Albert Hall, he worked at Firths,I'm not sure how long exactly, but I think it was about 30 years, he left in 1968, when we came to Australia, I think the last department he worked in was the Electric Furnace...I would love to hear from anyone who remembers him,.......Kathy Hall

a mate of my dads frank sampson worked at fb for many years in the maintainance dept he told me it was the best job he ever had especially when doing the night shift when him and his work mates went in the local pub the gate then it was back 2 fb and get your head down no wonder these steel workswent under

Hiya,
Does anyone, remember the "Bolt from the Blue" that was the headlines in the Star, while my dad was working at FB a bolt fell x-amount of feet, from the roof, it hit him (Albert Hall) on the forhead, he ended up with stitches...and made headlines in the Star,.......Kathy Hall

Title
Firth Brown A Sheffield Steel Company.

Author
Catherine Hamilton

I saw it on the bookshelves today.

Just as a matter of interest it was 20years ago last Wednesday (May 26th 1984) that the last cast of steel was made at Firth Browns, I wonder how many thousands of tons were made on the Savile Street site

my dad worked there in 60s- frank worthington
and my uncle norman antcliffe.

My maternal grandfather, Arthur Monks, worked at Firth Browns/ Brown-baileys, during the 20's, to the fifties/sixties (he was born in 1900 approx, depending on whether you believe the birth-date he gave on joining up to the army in ww1 oe his birth certificate)

My mother's brother, Frank Monks, worked at the same place, until his death in 1973, in a lorry-crash.

My father, Brian Turner, worked for Shardlows (near Arthur Lees at the bottom of wincobank) until the mid 1960's.

Mr PT's father worked for Forgemasters , (Albert Howson) (and, funnily enough, the *first* mr PT was also involved in steelworking, he worked in the offices at Dunford-Hadfields, which was where the Mad-as-hell Shopping-centre is now.

PT

My mother worked in the offices there in the twentys.Her name was Jean Fogg.

I know a gentleman called 'Barry Smith' who used to work at Firth Browns.

Originally posted by Bill
I worked at Firth Browns from 1937 to 1983 (with a gap of 7 years for the second world war). During my time I worked in the machine shops. I would be very happy to here from anyone else that worked at Firth Browns at the same time as me. My father and grandfather also worked at firths.

Look forward to hearing from any and all of my ex-colleagues.

Bill Howard

Hi Bill,
My father worked at Firth Browns years ago, as a sawsmith,
his name is Ronald Turfitt, not sure what dates he worked there.
Also another family member did, his name was Leslie Shakeshaft, also not sure what year he worked there either.
Do you happen to remember them?

My dad used to work at Firth Brown's in the late 50s and the early 60s.I believe he was a steel examiner at the time.His name was Albert Deakin

my grandfather worked at "Dunford Hadfields" is this the same place?

I wonder how many steel ingots we have shifted when I worked there and the tonage that we have moved I worked on the internal railway at firth browns for about 6 years good job in the summer but not so good in the winter especially in the snow and the freezing tempretures, the night shift was the best shift to work even on 12 hours you could at least get out for a beer in between doing the shunts either in the melting shop or in the heavy forge what was the best part of the job having to wait for a forged crank shaft it could take anything up to 2 hours to be finnished hence ale time have maybe 3 pints then off to the heat treatment and on our way back to the cabin get the underhand shunter to call in the chippie and fetch the supper in for the other shunters and boss man.Oh happy days I once went down to have a look at were I use to work hard to believe that a railway system use to go right through firth browns and now where that business park is that there use to be the melting shops and heavy forge, rolling mills heat treatments machine shops, sidings for the scrap wagons.

I once saw steel workers pouring molten metal from a high balcony into iron moulds below, from huge cauldrens
It was dark and the scene was silloetted against the sky. It looked like a scene from Hell. A train was slowly moving along as each was filled and the steel workers were bending and stretching all in black apart from the golden/red metal which streamed down like a waterfall. I was mesmerised.

Hazel

reply to hazel. The cauldrons was the melting pot and the cast steel would have been going into the ingot moulds the biggest ingot we ever moved was a 800 tonne it was that hot we had trouble coupling the loco to the boogie infact we had to use a under runner and it took 3 loco's to move it to the 6000 ton forging press well it had to go into a big furnace to be heated up before they could forge it,I think it was for a press leg because it I remember correctly we had to move 3 more of them in the week.We was lucky to see them forge one of the ingots I was stood near the our loco which was just inside the doorway and I felt the heat from were the forging press was it had got to be 1000 yards from it.What a pity you didnt see them forging you would have been rooted to the spot in all the time I worked there I still got a thrill when they was forging just to see the ingot get crushed and forged into shape happy days.

my uncle once worked at firths, his name is john cartwright

Hi jules 99. What did he do at firths as the name rings a bell I use to know quite a lot of people who worked at firths as I worked on the internal railway moving ingots about and such we use to talk to quite a few people in a lot of the places where the railway could go.

not sure, but will be seeing him tommorow, how old are u, wondering if your the same age range

Originally posted by bigkev
reply to hazel. The cauldrons was the melting pot and the cast steel would have been going into the ingot moulds the biggest ingot we ever moved was a 800 tonne it was that hot we had trouble coupling the loco to the boogie infact we had to use a under runner and it took 3 loco's to move it to the 6000 ton forging press well it had to go into a big furnace to be heated up before they could forge it,I think it was for a press leg because it I remember correctly we had to move 3 more of them in the week.We was lucky to see them forge one of the ingots I was stood near the our loco which was just inside the doorway and I felt the heat from were the forging press was it had got to be 1000 yards from it.What a pity you didnt see them forging you would have been rooted to the spot in all the time I worked there I still got a thrill when they was forging just to see the ingot get crushed and forged into shape happy days.

Hi Bigkev
I was at a place called Applebey Froddongton at Scunthorpeand was collecting blood from the steel workers, we used to take about 3-400 pts on a session there
I've never forgotten the scene I saw and I must have been about 20 at the time so it was a long time ago.

Hazel

bigkev, my uncle john cartwright worked there between 1981 to1985, he was an apprentice turner, his dad bought him a coat and arranged an interview so he would get a job, lol, john got the job then sold he coat to his brother, hes still a turner now, lol

reply to hazel. oh I take it then that you was with the blood donor people then,appleby-frodingham at scunthorpe one of the biggest melting furnace in england was in scunthorpe the amount of steel that furnace could produce, to move it it went into what was called a torpedo a long vessel on a very big bogie so big in fact that they had to have it moved by a british railway locomotive as the shunting loco could'nt move it.I did a spell there in the early seventies stayed about 9 months, firth browns was looking into using the torpedo but it never came off for a start we had know where to pour the slag off when it had been finnished with did you know that the internal railway system in scunthorpe is about 60 miles in total fancy having to walk that everyday it was bad enough walking the railway system in F.B's and in the dark when you was on nights because not all the places was well lit seen some bad accidents on our job I wont go into details not a nice thing to talk about.

Hi Bigkev,
Yes I was there with the blood Transfusion Service, We went there every 6mths. The workers there had veins like drainplpes
never had any bother with the blood flow and a pt bottle was filled in a few mins.
I remember that the place was vast and a man with a old Rolls Royce used to give us a llift to the canteen, name of Mr Dodds or Dobbs very unusual chap. Very limp wristed!! his Rolls had flowers in containers at the side of each door.
I was there long bfore you ----prob in late 50's, but the splender of the place lingers on.
Hazel

reply to hazel. when I worked there which would be 1973 I had only gone there for 4 months as I was waiting for some to retire hence at to go to sunthorpe I didnt mind travelling,now then you say that a mr dodds who had a rolls royce use to take you to the canteen well I use to talk to one of the old melting shop blokes and he use to tell me some right stories about him and yes he was very limped wristed I dont know how true it is but he had a boyfriend who worked in the forge office and when he came to work in is car he always gave his bloke a kiss on the lips I wonder what ever happened to him ! mind you I use to know a limped wristed fella who worked in one of our offices and the suits he use to wear shocking pink was one of them can you remember the big collars on the shirts in the seventies well this chap had them all and I have even seen him with one of them liberace shirts on you know the ones them that had got lace down the front of them very weird that chap in all that time that I worked at F B's I never knew that he knew my father and my dads mate who worked on the public health service mind you everybody knew my dad where ever I went they always asked me if he was still playing the piano I will give it to him he could make a piano talk he was a dab hand at the boogie woogie and the blues and quite a lot of the classics. he was also a organist on the clubs and played a lot of the time for the artists who was on.

my dad (Brian Mellor) used to work at firth browns, i always remember he used to tell me he used to work with a member of screaming lord suches band

Hi melthebell. where did he work in firth browns as the name rings a bell ?

Originally posted by bigkev
Hi melthebell. where did he work in firth browns as the name rings a bell ?

Tbh i havent the foggiest, i just always remember him talking about firth browns when i was little, and i believe he worked there in the 60s / 70s??

well hes been agrophobic since the early 80s so doesnt get out much

Name rings a bell? There were about 5000 employees at that time. I was there from '61 to '68 and served my apprenticeship in the electrical trade. Was my first job on leaving school and spent the first 2 years in the training school before they let us loose in the various departments! lots of colourful characters I remember even now. Billy Hull, Aubrey Clover, too many to mention here. Great days growing up there and plenty of distractions. Started up the Spider Club with some of my mates, Chris Smethurst, Pete Hancock at the FB Social Club which really made the place buzz on a Sunday night for a while. Bit of competition for the Mojo... we thought! Happy days.................Ring any bells?

Two of my former colleagues where I work now used to work in the X-Ray Dept at Firth Browns. Robert Ash and Vic Powell.
The Department was run by a gentleman called Derek Taylor.

When the department was closed down, our firm bought some of the equipment and still use it today.

I worked there as an electrician we had a workshop next to a pub on Carlisle street that would be about 1960 but only for a year or two. I had a big mate who worked there.Harry howarth ( he drove one of those three wheeled things, A Lister,I think) he must have been there about 20 years plus his national service and his dad before him ( I think he was also called Harry) worked there for some considerable time

My Grandad worked at Firth Browns 1950/1970 . Samuel Hoyland ring any bells? His nephew Tommy Hoyland played for Sheff Utd....

I've got a photograph which shows about 10 blokes and one woman getting their retirement clocks in front of a crowd of the rest of the workforce - it's quite a moving scene. I think it is Firth Browns but I'm not certain. Judging by the clothes I think it's dated sometime in the 1960s I bought the photo about 15 years ago from the Untitled gallery.

My first job when I left school in 1970 was at Firth Browns. I was put in the Sales Office of the Rolling Dept ( I think ) - the office manager was 'Chalkie' White and I think the department head was Mr Price.

The person I remember most in that office though was a guy called Mick Bullock - he lived at Handsworth I think and was very well known in Amateur Dramatic circles.

Didn,t know your grandad Bella but I,ve watched Tommy Hoyland play down at the lane many times. I wish we had him and his like now

i think my friends dad worked there , bill sproson

hello
is the harry howarth mentioned frank howarths brother?
frank was a universal grinder(is that right) at firth browns anyone remember him? he had a sister doris? married a brashaw and lived in attercliffe

No. the harry howarth I knew used to live in the first house on Windmill Lane (from Bellhouse rd end) in the 50s. He didn't have any brothers but he had a sister called Pat.. Unfortnately Harry passed away some years ago

Does anyone remember the Firth Brown's Percussion Band that used to liven up the Alexander Public house on many a night.

The pub was at the junction of Crown Hill and Carlisle Street?


Happy Nights!

frank howarth lived on Danville street , might your Harry have been related ? frank worked at Firth Browns at the beginning of ww2 sounds like you might be too young to have known him!!!!

bill
my grandad frank howarth worked at firth browns before and at the beginning of wwII he was involved in a legal issue where firth browns wanted to stop him from going to work at the royal ordnance any memories?

debjohn

My mate david braeley worked at firth browns between 74 and 81

My first job after leaving school in 1968 was at Firth Brown's as an apprentice turner, boy was I crap at it. Finished up becoming a welder and doing some maching work in later life. I remember one day getting a turning down my finger while in the training centre and having to go to the ambulance room. When I got there I was scared to death the first aid man was disabled he looked like he had polio and when he came towards me with a large pair pointed tweezers I nearly fainted, well I was only fifteen. Truth was he was fantastic he got the turning out with trouble and dressed the wound like a proper doc. Years later my old boss bought the nitriding factory in the same yard as the old training centre. I think by then Firth Brown's had shut down then and only Firth Brown Tools was still open. Before FB's shutdown I remember welding some hydraulic legs for them, when I delivered them back there was three blokes slinging the work and one driving the crane. I think that was overmanning.

:thumbsup:

My dad and grandad worked there at around that time!

They used to love working there, especially grandad!

I have always been told that Firth Browns and Ambrose Shardlows were the targets for the bombers during the Blitz, as they were making parts for Spitfire engines.
It was smoggy over the works but clear elsewhere, therefore the went for secondary targets, the City Centre and Neepsend Rd Gasworks, in the process killing a lot of people and doing a lot unrequested slum clearance.

I worked there fbt from 1970 to 76,remember k.ashmore,jigger ect,I was on flute grinding

I think Harry Howarth married in the late 50s (I only really saw him when on leave from the navy) and he went to live in Attercliffe. He may have had children who would now be in their mid 50s Harry's dad (feel sure he was also called harry) would have worked at Firth Browns during the last war. Harry and me along with Derek Lister Jackie Cooper and Frank Heppenstall all knocked about together on the Flower estate during the war. Harry went to St patrics RC school and the rest of us to the Shiregreen secondary Modern

The Annual Re-union of Frirth Brown Melting Shop and Brickies took place ar Park Trades and Labour club on Dec 29th.There was quite a good turn out this year,one or two of the lads looked a bit older with the passing of years but there was nothing wrong with their elbows One 86 year old (Fred Harrison) made the journey all the way from Middlesborough just to see the lads and have a chat about the old days Many thanks to George Holden for arranging the meets and keeping it going

Originally posted by Bill
I worked at Firth Browns from 1937 to 1983 (with a gap of 7 years for the second world war). During my time I worked in the machine shops. I would be very happy to here from anyone else that worked at Firth Browns at the same time as me. My father and grandfather also worked at firths.

Look forward to hearing from any and all of my ex-colleagues.

Bill Howard

hello bill, is that u????

Originally posted by billyblade
Hi Bill,

Do you know one of my Uncles, an Ernest Webster not seen him for years but still in touch occasionally (was union convenor I think)

another Bill
There was an Ernest Webster who worked in the East machine shop at English Steel he was union convener.

did you know/know of frank howarth

My dad Charles Edwards worked @Firth Browns in the 70's and 80' before redundancy..Sadly he passed away some years ago..so I never got to know what he did there.But in later years when I started work I met a man called Arnie Bowler and I think he liked it he used to say ''if he wasn't in bed before midnight summat were wrong'' they even used to bring beds in. I grew up in the Ellesmere area and remember hearing loud hammer going through the night 1000 pouder or higher?????????????no double glazing then..

i worked at firth browns from 1970 - 1976 as a turner in
#4 bay also my father worked in the wages dept.

hi kingfisher,i worked in the melting shop at firth browns from 1959 to1987 .started as an apprentice and worked my way up to sample passer on the asia furniss nice to hear that fred harrison end george holden are still going strong,is les stear still around whens the next reunion,like to see a few old faces and remeniss.
damar

hi kingfisher,i worked in the melting shop at firth browns from 1959 to1987 .started as an apprentice and worked my way up to sample passer on the asia furniss nice to hear that fred harrison end george holden are still going strong,is les stear still around whens the next reunion,like to see a few old faces and remeniss.
davided

My father in law, Eric Jones worked there as an electrician until the time of his death in 1975.

Hi davided,
I used to work with you at Firth-Browns in the Melting shop.
You can guess my name by the username I use. If you carn't my dad
worked in the head corner,owd harry.

hi radiomick,
its not hallam is it old harry had a bit of a stoop loking into the old heads

Its nice to hear that some of the melting shop lads are still around,we have our annual reunion on the Wednesday after xmas at the Park and Labour club,Duke St.there was quite a good turn out this last Xmas,the numbers have slowly dwindled over the years.I am sorry to say that Les Steer passed away whilst on holiday in Tennerife a couple of years ago.George Holden and myself went to George Sismans (george the burner) cremation a couple of weeks ago.

Hi davided,
Yes you're correct,it's mick.Give me your email address and we'll chat off-line.

hi radiomike
davidmary1@btinternet.com
reading the time of your reply i guess youve been suppin
nowt changes

Hi my granddad Jack Pickering worked there not sure of the dates though! Does anyone remember him? Also I think My gran Flo worked there as well (same surname)

hi kingfisher,
sorry to hear about les & george,still i suppose were all getting older and cant go on forever good thing weve still got our memories apart from the shifts and the work they were good times. thanks for replying .still cant make out who you are though. ive had contact with mick hallam today remember old harry the head man. its been a nostalgic day today, like the song goes memories

i know my nan worked there she was mabel dungorth then mabel martin

PopT, I remember the nights in the Alexander, my mates brother in law used to run it, after 10-00pm on weekends we stayed behind until the early hours.
We called the pub the Shakers, as everyone had a tin with dried peas or rice etc and get stuck into the percushion with the juke box blaring.

I worked at Firth Brown Tools, in the mettalurgy lab when I left school, My dad , Douglas worked at Firth Browns though, variously in the rolling mills or as descaler.

i worked at firth browns from 1970 - 1976 as a turner in
#4 bay also my father worked in the wages dept.

was that 4 bay in the light m/c shop? is the neth short for kenneth:confused: :confused: :confused:

I worked there as a turner from leaving school in 76 to the strike in 85. Anyone remember me?

Hector

Hi,
My dad, Jack Green, worked at Firth Browns for years as a shunter, and also at Dunford Hadfields for a while til they moved.

My first job after leaving school in 1968 was at Firth Brown's as an apprentice turner, boy was I crap at it. Finished up becoming a welder and doing some maching work in later life. I remember one day getting a turning down my finger while in the training centre and having to go to the ambulance room. When I got there I was scared to death the first aid man was disabled he looked like he had polio and when he came towards me with a large pair pointed tweezers I nearly fainted, well I was only fifteen. Truth was he was fantastic he got the turning out with trouble and dressed the wound like a proper doc. Years later my old boss bought the nitriding factory in the same yard as the old training centre. I think by then Firth Brown's had shut down then and only Firth Brown Tools was still open. Before FB's shutdown I remember welding some hydraulic legs for them, when I delivered them back there was three blokes slinging the work and one driving the crane. I think that was overmanning.

I joined FB's in 1969 as a maintenance fitter,and I remember the same first aid man.I didn,t have a turning in my finger,I had something in my eye! He had to steady his right hand with his left,as he made short stabs to extract the piece of grit.Luckily for my eyesight he got it at the third attempt.
I worked in most of the maintenance departments up to leaving in 1979,and have many happy memories .Can anyone recall the inter-departmental cricket match,when the ATS played the Lorry Garage.I scored 3 runs & was given out.I looked at the score book & i'd scored 15 ! Yes,we were fiddling the scores.We got found-out & had to replay the match,& got a severe reprimand from the sports club.

Can anyone remember the guy who took over the coaching of the football teams. I think he joined about 1975,and his first name was Keith. His claim to fame was he played for Rotherham and he was the 1st player in the football league to be substituted.

my dad Roy Wilkinson worked at Firth Browns from 40s to 70s, he was a tool and cutter grinder then worked at Gordan Tools on Rockingham Street until he retired.

Just learnt of the sad death of Dr.Donald Hardwick, 79, who headed the Johnson and Firth Brown steel group. He was a prominent metallurgist and led the field in developing high temperature alloys.

My brother Tony Sellars worked in the offices of Firth Browns for many years from around 1960, Also my father in law Thomas Wills worked there prior to 1950s

My father worked at Firth Browns up until his death in '88, his name was Jack (John) Cockayne and I know he was a Roll Grinder.

I seem to recollect names of people he worked with (amongst many others) being Frank Allott, Graham Woodhouse and someoone called 'Bigtime' :-)

I think at the time of his death the company had changed it's name to (I think) Forgemasters but I could be wrong there...

Hi Andy,I worked at Firth Brown from 1951-1958,going thro apprentice training shop for 18 months, then finished training in 3@4 machine shops on Carlisle street. There was a Turner in there called "bigtime" dont know if it was the same one you mentioned, funnily enough his mate on the same machine was called Tommy Allot, "coincidence"? The manager was a \Mr Elliot and the under manager a Mr Robinson. Anyone who worked in this machine shop during those years, please reply. When your my age its nice to reminis. A few of us played football for the sports club --Atlas & Norfolk, and we had a cracking team for 3 or 4 years,

The Annual Re-union of Frirth Brown Melting Shop and Brickies took place ar Park Trades and Labour club on Dec 29th.There was quite a good turn out this year,one or two of the lads looked a bit older with the passing of years but there was nothing wrong with their elbows One 86 year old (Fred Harrison) made the journey all the way from Middlesborough just to see the lads and have a chat about the old days Many thanks to George Holden for arranging the meets and keeping it going

The re-union this year is on Friday the 29th december at the Trades & Labour Club.

Hi Mick;
Thx for the information regarding the date for our meeting you have saved me a phone call ,i was going to phone Geordie tonight to ask the date,lets hope that we get a few more new faces this time ,hopefully David Edwards will show his face, i have,nt seen him for a long time now,Give my regards to George Birks.

I had a call from George Holden yesterday to tell me that Fred Harrison passed away earlier in the day (it was the day before his 89th birthday)Fred was shift manager (sample passer) on the new Atlas furnace and had many years servive with Firth Brown. He had,nt been well for a while with dodgy legs and failing eyesight but still made the trip from Middlesboro for the annual re-union at Xmas. Geordie is going to Middlesboro for the funeral.

My dad Mick Littlewood worked at Firth Browns until Xmas 1976 he used to be a union man any one remember him?

my grandad work there all his working life not sure what he did tho..his name is jack/john norcliffe depending on who you spoke to...my great uncle worked there as well he was somesort of union rep..his name is jack illingworth..also my great grandad workd there aswell his name was alfred illingworth and he something to do with a football team there

hi does anyone remember any of the little arab blokes that used to work there? well some wernt so little lol

hi does anyone remember any of the little arab blokes that used to work there? well some wernt so little lol

giant midgets?

Hmmm maybe u read it wrong and the ppl that worked there will no wot i mean :)

by the way... say hi to kenya for me melthebell, been years ;)

Hmmm maybe u read it wrong and the ppl that worked there will no wot i mean :)

by the way... say hi to kenya for me melthebell, been years ;)
lol hmmmmmmm
*gets worried*
so who be you?
*scratches head*

tbh your closer to kenya than me, i aint seen him in time

lol hmmmmmmm
*gets worried*
so who be you?
*scratches head*

tbh your closer to kenya than me, i aint seen him in time


Oh mel im talkin like 6 years ago :suspect: maybe more

jus bin talking to my g/dad on the fone..he said i brought some back some memories for him listing some of the names on here....he,s 93 now and worked at firth browns

I worked at Firth Browns from 1937 to 1983 (with a gap of 7 years for the second world war). During my time I worked in the machine shops. I would be very happy to here from anyone else that worked at Firth Browns at the same time as me. My father and grandfather also worked at firths.

Look forward to hearing from any and all of my ex-colleagues.

Bill Howard


I did not work there but my father and uncle worked there until their retirment, do you know them 'Stan (Gus) Platts and Harold Platts', Sadley they have both passed away but i would love to here what they got up to. Please e-mail me on psp21302018@yahoo.co.uk


Peter Platts:hihi:

hi, my grandad has a copy of the Firth Brown glossary of metallurgical terms pre 1957, does anybody know how much its worth?
and is there anybody that would like to make an offer for it?
thanks jemz x

my grandad worked there around that time.he is called alf benson.think he was an electician there.

Do you know these from 1970 Firth Browns News Autumn 1970http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w303/lazyherbert/?action=view&current=firthbrown1.jpg

These thenhttp://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w303/lazyherbert/?action=view&current=firthbrown1.jpg

Sorry cant get it to work but will keep trying.

http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w303/lazyherbert/?action=view&current=firthb.jpg

http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w303/lazyherbert/?action=view&current=firthb1.jpg
or these.

http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w303/lazyherbert/?action=view&current=firthbrown1.jpg
or these All from Firth Browns august News book 1970

Also lots of photos about presentations & the sports day of that year in the book.Will post some more if you want to see them.

Hi my dad was called Jonty Parker (Soss) he drove a mobile crane at First Browns in the last Gate on the left going away from town and he used to go drinking in the pubs round there.

Hi Bill,

Do you know one of my Uncles, an Ernest Webster not seen him for years but still in touch occasionally (was union convenor I think)

another Bill

Ernest Webster was convenor at ESC/BSC not Firth Browns. I served my apprenticship there.
He worked in the East machine shop.

Also lots of photos about presentations & the sports day of that year in the book.Will post some more if you want to see them.


cant see them, it says This file no longer exists ?

My Grandad was Timekeeper for Firth Browns from around the end of WW2 to his retirement in 1969/70 after he had become Chief Timekeeper. His name was Willis Matthews - he died in 1980. His son (my dad) started working there in 1955 as an office boy, he then had another spell with something to do with Thermal Couples and then a third spell as a Radiographer. My dads name is Gordon Matthews. He is now in semi retirement working part time at Castings Technology International. My other Grandad Albert Thompson was a Saw Driver at Gate No.4 - Rolling Mills? he passed away in 1980 too. Anyone remember these names?

I have promised my dad Dennis Lee ('Alf') that I would access this site to get to know if any of his friends and colleagues are still around and in Sheffield.

He worked for Firth Browns between 1947-1981 in 3 and 4 machine shops.

He was based near Carlisle Street and had a wonderful reputation for playing boogie woogie on the piano and in the Alex pub.

We have just all been together at a family funeral and dad just did not know where to start to know if any of his friends are around. Do let us know.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Hugs Denise x

My grandad worked at Firth Browns before, during and after WWII. He was one of the few men that didn't get called up as he had been rejected and sent home in WWI on medical grounds. He was a foreman and during the war everything was turned over to shell production. Because of the war effort, the lathes were then being operated by women to turn the shells but because they weren't skilled, my grandfather (and others) had to centre the shells on the lathes by eye before they could be turned. This led my grandfather to invent a self-centring chuck, which Firth Brown later patented and which bore his name. I have been trying for many years to get more information on the patent but suspect it may be one that is still 'under wraps' because of the war.

His name was Joseph Webster and I would love to hear from anyone who knew him or more about the Webster self-centring chuck. Lol, one interesting bit in this story is that he used to work on it at night, having worked all day and took my grandmother's sewing machine apart to create the prototype and prove the concept.

Kathy

My dad worked at Firth Brown's.....at Gate 12, he wasn't called up to fight in WW2 because he was a steelworker, but he had to almost 'live' at work, for the war effort.
He actually dropped dead while working at Gate 12 in the late 50's.

My dad worked at Firth Brown's.....at Gate 12, he wasn't called up to fight in WW2 because he was a steelworker, but he had to almost 'live' at work, for the war effort.
He actually dropped dead while working at Gate 12 in the late 50's.

My Grandad worked at Firth Browns, he was called Leonard 'Bun' Hoole and his mate who worked with him was called Charlie 'Cyril' Cryer. Two great men, must have worked there late 60's to late 70's before retirement. Both men sadly no longer with us.

My grandad Terence Jackson worked at Firth Browns as a maintenance fitter,im sure i have seen a picture of him in the "FIRTH BROWN" archive book????? Did anyone know him?My mum said he was a very outspoken person and often spoke out at union meetings!!!

He may have worked with my dad, Ted Robinson (1917-84) who worked for Firth Browns as a maintenance fitter at Carwood Road from 1939 to 1978. Did anyone know Ted? He was a keen St John Ambulanceman and a First Aid instructor.

(Later) I've just seen 3dogman's post on this thread (#51) and melv's reply (#78 ). The first aid man must have been my dad. He was indeed disabled; he had a pronounced limp - the result of an accident at Firth Brown's in 1941. During a night shift, he fell from a crane on to the concrete floor and "collected a few fractures" as he would put it. He spent many months in the Infirmary and having follow-up treatment. The limp was due to a leg fracture and nerve injury (he couldn't lift his right foot). He used to ride to and from work on an LE Velocette motorbike – the only type he could ride as it had a hand starter and hand gearchange lever. Dad was a very good first-aider, and he was particularly adept at extracting various bits of metal from where they weren't supposed to be, and then sterilising and dressing the wound. His dad used to say that Ted would have been a handy bloke to have in the trenches at Ypres. The teams of first aiders that dad trained often won awards.

I have vague memories of the christmas parties that they used to have for the workers kids. I can remember going to them for a few years in my younger years. They were always loads of people and a visit and a pressie from santa. Can anyone else remember, I think they were held in the dining rooms at the factory!!

I have promised my dad Dennis Lee ('Alf') that I would access this site to get to know if any of his friends and colleagues are still around and in Sheffield.

He worked for Firth Browns between 1947-1981 in 3 and 4 machine shops.

He was based near Carlisle Street and had a wonderful reputation for playing boogie woogie on the piano and in the Alex pub.

We have just all been together at a family funeral and dad just did not know where to start to know if any of his friends are around. Do let us know.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Hugs Denise x

Hi Denise,
Just a few names your dad might remember,firstly David Parrot, if I'm not mistaken worked with your dad, was still working with me up to about 8 years ago. I've not heard from him for a while but last time I spoke to him he was still doing OK working for a building society. Rex Binney retired and can be found at the dogs (Owlerton) on a regular basis, still fit as a fiddle. Alan Goodinson is still working with me at what is left of Firth browns (old HED Dept). Keith Lancaster still looks as if he's in his thirties, see him for a drink now and then. Mick Pheonix lives close to me, still well, see him occasionally. Last but not least Kev Flanagan, my cousin, don't see much of him, still doing OK.

Best wishes

Shaun:):):)

I worked at Firth Browns from 1937 to 1983 (with a gap of 7 years for the second world war). During my time I worked in the machine shops. I would be very happy to here from anyone else that worked at Firth Browns at the same time as me. My father and grandfather also worked at firths.

Look forward to hearing from any and all of my ex-colleagues.

Bill Howard
I think my father worked there at the same time.
nicknamed Tango Ernest Bamford

any one remember Les Shingler (roll grinder) and Charlie Collins (turner)

any one remember Les Shingler (roll grinder) and Charlie Collins (turner)?

I worked at Firth Browns from 1937 to 1983 (with a gap of 7 years for the second world war). During my time I worked in the machine shops. I would be very happy to here from anyone else that worked at Firth Browns at the same time as me. My father and grandfather also worked at firths.

Look forward to hearing from any and all of my ex-colleagues.

Bill Howard
My dad worked at firth browns from the 1960s to 1980s his name was Doug Lister he was a goods checker he used to go in the wellington pub on the corner unfortunately my dad passed away in 1994 but we all have happy memories of his time at work.

Does anyone know much about the Firth Family from around the 1940s - 50s? The only details I have are Lord Firth and Sir Jack Firth and that they spent some time in South Africa. Thanks, Lisa.

Hi there, first post here. Was hoping someone may be able to help me on here.

My dad used to work for Firth Browns, and left in the early 80's, before the company was taken over and formed forgemasters.

Hes coming to retirement age, and just remembered that he was part of the pension scheme, before the company disbanded. he has no ideas what type or pension scheme it was or which insurance company it was with?

hes not overly fussed about it, but out if interest has asked me to hunt it down if possible.

Do any of the ex employees know which company it was invested with? i filled in a form on the governmental pensions tracing site, but thought it may be quicker if i can go to the insurance company direct.

thanks for your help

Hello Bill, my brother worked at Firth Browns for many years Jack Marsden I think he was "small tools" but I'll check with him. He is not happy using the net.

Hi there, just a query if anyone could tell me anything about my grandfather - George Arthur Bricklebank. He started at Firth Browns as an apprentice Turner around 1919, and worked thorugh the war years and onwards until the mid 60s. He was transferred to the Scunthorpe branch in the mid 40s when the family moved from Sheffield to Cleethorpes. Any information would be gratefully recieved.Many thanks!

While preparing to move house I found my father's long service certificate, which he was given in 1965 after 25 years with the company. In case it's of interest to anyone, here is a photo:

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u219/twigmore/FirthBrownCertificate.jpg

My dad, "Ted" Robinson, was an electrical fitter at Carwood Road from 1940 until he retired through ill-health in 1980. He was also a skilled first-aider (see post #115 on this thread). I remember him telling me about going to collect his 25-year certificate from the managing director. As he was welcomed into the plush office, he apologised for being in his overalls, having come straight from repairing a big motor. The managing director* said "Never mind, Ted, where there's muck there's money".

* Can anyone tell me the managing director's name? His signature has faded on the certificate, but it might be "A. Broadhead" or something similar.

my grandad jack/jon norcliffe worked thee for quite awhile so did my great uncle jack illingworth

Does your brother remember a Joyce working in the offices around the 60's?My brother Tony Sellars worked in the offices of Firth Browns for many years from around 1960, Also my father in law Thomas Wills worked there prior to 1950s

This is a message for Shaunfl and regarding the message he posted in response to Denise C and Alf Lee working at Firth Browns.

Dad is here with me at the moment after going to a party on friday and he says he recognises the people in your note. Dave Parrot and Mick Pheonix. His memories are quite funny about going to the pubs and getting in to trouble with the women for drinking, nothing too naughty!

We are remembering the good sessions at the Alex pub that is sadly like many pubs not here any more. Indeed the workshop at the side of the pub is knocked down which was 3 and 4 machine shop. No wonder they needed a few pints working in those hot and dusty conditions.

My dad thanks you for raising these memories and we will make sure he gets any further updates.

Kind regards

Denise C x

ps does anyone remember Don Rose?

jus bin talking to my g/dad on the fone..he said i brought some back some memories for him listing some of the names on here....he,s 93 now and worked at firth browns

Does your grandad remember Bill Elsdon? worked many many years at FB heat treatment....

This is a message for Shaunfl and regarding the message he posted in response to Denise C and Alf Lee working at Firth Browns.

Dad is here with me at the moment after going to a party on friday and he says he recognises the people in your note. Dave Parrot and Mick Pheonix. His memories are quite funny about going to the pubs and getting in to trouble with the women for drinking, nothing too naughty!

We are remembering the good sessions at the Alex pub that is sadly like many pubs not here any more. Indeed the workshop at the side of the pub is knocked down which was 3 and 4 machine shop. No wonder they needed a few pints working in those hot and dusty conditions.

My dad thanks you for raising these memories and we will make sure he gets any further updates.

Kind regards

Denise C x

ps does anyone remember Don Rose?

Does your dad remember the Flanagans, Brian, Eddy and Vin that worked in the Heavy Mill, they spent quite a few hours in the Alex. Brian was my Dad.
Alan Goodson seems to remember dragging the piano back round to 3/4.

Best Wishes

Shaun

My father Dan Smith worked at Firth Brown Tools from 1950 thro to his death in 1970. His mate Alf Brooks would travel together on a Francis Barnett moter bike. I oftern waited for him at No 1. gate on Carslile St. Not sure who his other workmates were.
Dad was in Walshs basement when it was bombed during the war.

I Was Employed There From 1959 T0 1967( When Anyone Said How Many People Work At Fb We Said About 1/2) I Worked As An Apprentice Plater And Then A Plater In The Boiler Shop On Carwood Road. Left In 1967 And Went To Work For Various Companies Ended Up Lecturing In Fabrication In Hull. I Remember Both G & R Caborn. I Worked With Graham Savage, Malcolm Hirst, Ian Shouler And Brian Carr As Apprentices And Can Still Remember All The Guys Who Worked In The Boilershop. Because I Worked On Maintenance All Over The Company I Can Still Tell You The Position On Every Department (its Sad I Know)
I Often Wonder What Happened To The Other Apprentices I Know Ian Shouler Became A Lecturer At Rotherham College As We Kept In Touch Till 2000 But The Others Who Knows

While preparing to move house I found my father's long service certificate, which he was given in 1965 after 25 years with the company. In case it's of interest to anyone, here is a photo:

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u219/twigmore/FirthBrownCertificate.jpg

My dad, "Ted" Robinson, was an electrical fitter at Carwood Road from 1940 until he retired through ill-health in 1980. He was also a skilled first-aider (see post #115 on this thread). I remember him telling me about going to collect his 25-year certificate from the managing director. As he was welcomed into the plush office, he apologised for being in his overalls, having come straight from repairing a big motor. The managing director* said "Never mind, Ted, where there's muck there's money".

* Can anyone tell me the managing director's name? His signature has faded on the certificate, but it might be "A. Broadhead" or something similar.

Arthur Broomhead - also ex SWFC Director. My dad & I were at a presentation night in 1958, front row. AB came up to us ( from the 'top table', which included the Lord Mayor of Sheffield ), shook my dad's and my hand, and said " Ah din't know this were tha' lad Jim !". I was a 'gobsmacked' 18 year old apprentice. They were old school pals ! Nice man!

GLOS

.Replying to post 129-Denise/Alf Lee. Hi Denise,sorry about the delay,but I have just come across this thread. I knew your dad very well-worked with him for about 30 years in fact.Tell him Eric(of Russian lathe)was asking about him.I well remember the piano episode-I was "gaffering" that night+was standing in 3 bay when Inoticed this piano sailing through the air in 4 bay up to the mess room! Diplomatically,I pretended not to have seen it! I read in "The Star" that Cliff Burnside had died about a month ago,Alf would certainly remember him. "Larry" Parkes,Big Donald,Harry Fearn,Harry Childs,Bernard Chapell-just a few more names for him.Bye Now

my grandfather worked at FB's sometime between 1900 and 1930 ish. His name was archibald harry shepherd and I believe he was an office worker dealing with the purchase of the raw materials. My mother said they all had to be quiet at home when the metal market prices were given out on the radio! He met my grandmother, who was then Bessie Pell, when she worked at FB's either before or during ww1. Any anecdotes would be welcomed.

The annual re-union for the Melting Shop at Firth-Browns is on Monday 29th december at the Trades & Labour Club-- 12 noon onwards.

thanks for that mick ,dont be late, first man there gets them in

my brother in law steven wyatt, worked there from 72 to the late 90,s. anyone remember him?

My grandfather worked at Firth Brown for most of his life. He retired around 1966. In 1954 the Master Cutler visited and FB published a commemorative book which was given to all employees with more than 25 years service. I still have the book, which details history and has serveral colour plates.

It is a hardback book with a grey cloth binding.

As a teenager I received sponsorship from Firth Brown Tools, who paid my way through university. A far cry from the student loan fiasco that we have now.
It was a good insight into industry that involved walking through Firth Browns to get to the various FBT divisions.

My maternal grandfather John (Jack) Walter Marshall worked at Firth Browns all his adult life (he died in 1969) I recently found and scanned a marvellous picture of many of the staff at Firth Brown, taken inside a foundry in 1933. If anyone would like the photo emailing, send me a PMS with your email address.

Hello everyone,
I started at Firth Browns in 1959 aged 15 years in Progress and Planning Dept. and then moved to Forgings Sales aged 17. At age 19 I worked at Sheffield Smelting on Windsor Street but returned to FB aged 20 in Central Warehouse, finally leaving aged 22.
The names I remember who are posted on this site already are Mr. Ernest Price who was second in command of Forgings Sales in my time, Mick Bullock who was also in Forgings Sales and Mr Arthur Broomhead who I saw occasionally at the impressive wood panelled ,polished brass and marbled floor main entrance end of the office block where, as an office lad, I used to collect the director's silver serviced tea tray each morning....awesome!
Names I particularly remember are Ann Proudlove from the typist pool, Barry Ferguson from Roll Sales and Roy Leake from Photocopying, I think it was called.

Peter Rowley (known to some as Pete.)

Arthur Broomhead - also ex SWFC Director. My dad & I were at a presentation night in 1958, front row. AB came up to us ( from the 'top table', which included the Lord Mayor of Sheffield ), shook my dad's and my hand, and said " Ah din't know this were tha' lad Jim !". I was a 'gobsmacked' 18 year old apprentice. They were old school pals ! Nice man!

GLOS

From PeterR
I occasionally saw Mr Arthur Broomhead at the wood-panelled, polished brass, marbled Main Entrance of the office block when, as an office lad in 1959, I collected the Directors' silver-service tea tray each day.... awe-inspiring!

Peter Rowley (known by some as Pete)

My first job when I left school in 1970 was at Firth Browns. I was put in the Sales Office of the Rolling Dept ( I think ) - the office manager was 'Chalkie' White and I think the department head was Mr Price.

The person I remember most in that office though was a guy called Mick Bullock - he lived at Handsworth I think and was very well known in Amateur Dramatic circles.

PeterR
In 1961-3 when I worked in Forgings Sales, Mr Ernest Price was second-in-command of Forgings Sales and Mick Bullock also worked in this department. Not surprised he went into Amateur dramatics as I remember him as having a very outgoing personality. I remember him as a very pleasant young bloke!
Peter Rowley

Other people I remember during my time at FB (1959 - 1966)

Bud Abbott - Progress & Planning
Bob Precious - ditto
Keith Riley - ditto
Albert Marsden - Central Warehouse
Ron Skinner - ditto
Derek Higgins - Forgings Sales
Mrs Cartwright - ditto
Ernest Powell - ditto
Mr Crease - ditto

My mum worked there from leaving school.She was a tracer.With the knowledge she learnt from Firth Browns she also went on to get a little part time job tracing tatoos for a friend who had a tatoo shop.Dont think she stayed a long time though but someone may remember her.Her name was Lynda Taylor.

I worked at Firth Browns for a short period in the 70's. I was in the drawing office when Arthur Eades was the DO manager and Cliff Evans was the Engineering Manager. There were three tracers in the same office, one was called Jean who was a redhead, one called Silvia who was of a cuddley disposition and one called Anette who |I had a "bit of a thing" about, your mothers name does not ring a bell.

Anyone remember grandad Harvey Day worked there 40 years retired 1965 toolmaker?

My Dad is Len Marsh, he's 83 now and frail, but he worked in 3 & 4 Heavy M/c shop and lived in Grenoside almost all his working life. He walked to work when the snow was really bad, I don't think he ever had a day off in 30+ years. He talks about Frank Allott and the Caborns especially Richard. If anyone recalls my Dad I would like to know if he was as quiet at work as he is in his private life. He was involved in the clean up when a fire gutted the machine shops and ended up at Forgemasters, took part in the strike and is more proud of his strike badges than the pen and pencil he got when he left, still sealed in the box btw.

hello
i have a posting on this site called english steel coporation-forgemasters i am looking for any pictures of the large loads that have been moved through sheffield castings etc including concrete beams that were brought up to sheffield by rail then moved by road for the m1 any pics would be appreciated contact details are on my posting
pickfords-econofreight-sunters-wynns-a.l.e etc just a few of the old transport companys that have been involved

http://www.flickr.com/groups/1289035@N25/