SkiBoy

In particular, a reply refering to Darren Oldfield's post in 2015. My mum worked at Charles Kirkby's for some years running upto mid 1980's. I think anyone who worked there during this period would know her simply as 'Vera - The Tea Lady'. She was a very bubbly, friendly lady and I know she enjoyed her work at Kirkby's. I can't be sure what date she started work here but she was certainly there in 1976 possibly a few years before. She'd often bring my young sister, Tracey, into work during the school holidays. She worked here when the premises were on Arundel Street and then moved down to Sydney Street. I recognise some of the names mentioned over the different posts, some of the people my Mum would talk about. Her friend Audrey worked there aswell in the Liners department, I think. Also Gillian Claxton, another friend who lived close to us, she was there (Arundel Street) probably late 70's and was it Wendy in reception/office at Sydney street. I remember my Mum collecting sandwiches and drinks etc, from the Sandwich shop on Howard street and I believe there was a Chip Shop aswell. I know they had great Christmas parties, my Mum loved every minute of it! I got the opportunity to work at Kirkby's in 1978/9 but only for a few months. I worked with an old guy who used to burn all the wood shavings and trimmings in the back furnace. I can't remember his name now (may be Arthur??). Anyway, my (Terry) three month stretch came to an abrupt end when there was a blow back of burning sawdust from the furnace which hit me head on and stuck my Nylon overall to my skin. No compensation or H&S as such those days, I went home never to return with some nasty burns!! Thankfully they healed well but I still have the souvenir scar or two still there. Mum left mid 1980's I believe from Sydney street, I think she got made redundant. She was presented with a beautiful polished cabinet and some lead crystal glasses, which I still have today at home. Mum sadly passed away in 1995, aged 66 with Cancer. She made a lot of good friends at Kirkby's and I know she loved her time there. Be great to know if anyone remembers her from that period. (Terry, her son)