My road to matrimony

SIR: I was present at the opening of the Preston Bypass (February issue) on 5th December 1958. I had worked as a section engineer for the main contractor, Tarmac, for two years – my first employment since graduating from Cambridge – and my job initially was to set out where the excavations for the cuttings and drainage were to be dug.

The bulk excavation for the cuttings (called muck shifting) was the first main feature of the work on the motorway. This was done by massive machines called scrapers, which were selfpropelled with a huge tractor and box which was dragged or pushed from behind to fill the box with clay, sand or whatever. Big draglines were also used. It was announced that the muck-shifting season would begin on 1st March, after which no holidays or leave could be taken. As I had recently become engaged, I was told in no uncertain terms that my wedding and honeymoon would have to

be before that date. We actually got married on 7th February.

A very noticeable consequence of the opening of the bypass was the huge number of motorists who travelled from all over the country just to drive on the new road. For days and weeks afterwards, people clearly felt compelled to drive along this road just to experience the sensation of freedom.

A number of us oldies from Preston days still meet occasionally for a drink and a chat. John Baxter, Newport, Shropshire