I started work aged 14 in October 1931 for Fred Hawkes (N.V Engineers.) Ltd, Telephone numbers, Rushden 345 and 346, and remained for 48 years. Their premises were in Portland Road, next door to H. E. Wilmott and Co Ltd - Shoe manufacturers, which later became the school canteen.

My wages were 6 shillings per week and after 6 months I was given 1s and 6d extra for the wear and tear of my bicycle. I was in the office by 7.30a.m, having collected the mail from the GPO sorting office. Thence on to Fred Hawkes home, 'Eastonwood' in Newton Road. I got a puncture one morning and was late, having had to walk and was told off by his wife.

The business was Machinery Specialists to the Boot and Shoe trade, stocks were, 3,000 machines and 1,000 tons of grinderies, sent to customers all over the world.

Telegrams and Cablegrams were addressed to NU VALUE. RUSHDEN.

The telephone hung on an iron pedestal, my job was to answer it. We had a bad thunderstorm one afternoon, it rang and when I picked it up, it flashed. I threw it across the desk in fright. So doing, no phone until the engineer came to repair it.

The premises became too small and a new factory was built next to the connecting walk way between Portland Road and Queen Street.

The malleable iron Heel and Toe Tips used on Army boots, were made at John Richards foundry in Tipton, Staffs, packed and sold in gross pairs. Hob nails, protector studs, heel pins, tacks and wires were made by Hall and Rue Ltd of West Bromwich and sold in 28lb bags.

The above was delivered to the Portland Road entrance. Heavy machinery was handled at the Queen Street entrance, moved from the large showroom with pulley blocks running along iron girders in the roof. The floor was of concrete and there were four wheel trucks handled by storemen for loading and unloading tips and grindery.

Machinery going abroad was collected by L.M.S. railway, by horse and dray in those times. The draymen called every day, one of whom would ring the door bell and shout "Hell of a Mess". Mr. Fred Hawkes would ring the Rushden rail office and stress the consignment was very urgent and had to be on a certain ship. I often had to call at the station with documents and was greeted with "here comes 'Miss Urgent' ".

The draymen regularly came early (on purpose I think) and the crate would not be quite ready, so Mr. Fred would ask him to come back for which he was given a tip.

Another man who got a tip was the road sweeper if 'he would kindly keep leaves and debris away from the front door'.

The vestibule entrance was very ornate with lovely stained glass panels depicting emblems of the Countries we dealt with. One gentleman boot manufacturer whom I answered the door to, had his hands clasped as if in prayer and said “Oh it is like coming into a cathedral.”

The main large office flooring was mottled blue rubber tiles bought from a ship, the lady cleaner used to wash the floor on her hands and knees. The Boardroom was carpeted and contained very nice furniture. The tops of our desks were covered in plate glass.

When the business grew we moved into newly built larger premises opposite Alfred Sargent and Sons, still in Portland Road. Mr. Cyril Slater and Mr. Jack Franklin became Directors and had their own offices.

The first Burroughs Accounting Machine in Rushden was purchased, for which I was responsible having gone to Leicester for a weeks training.

Mr. Bert Mepham was foreman in the rebuilding and repair shop. Mr. Jack Lake was over the machine shop. Mr. Jack Franklin was head of the drawing office. Mr. John Wallis and Mr. George Coleman were the carpenters crating up machines to go overseas.

Every one of us had a monetary gift for Christmas.

We had a canteen employing 2 ladies and were given 10 minute breaks morning and afternoon for a cup of tea.