A firm who really looked after their workers
I was recently given a number of Black Country Bugles from 2017/18.
I have been interested in the Bugle for a long time (Harry Harrison was a friend of mine) but it is not very often it features Walsall, where I was born.
However I was pleased to see articles on F.H. Lloyds Ltd of Darlaston. My father W.E. Brown was Transport Manager,
Chairman of the Welfare Committee and Chairman of the Foremen & Supervisors Social Committee. He worked there for 43 years until he retired in 1960.
In issue 1322 there is an article on their children’s Christmas party and he is in one photo serving sandwiches. I would have been at that party but I do not remember it.
In issues 1325 and 1329 there are articles on Hilton Valley Railway and you asked in anyone had any memories of this and FHL’S flower show.
My father helped line up the Hilton Valley Railway back in 1957. He was very close to Michael Lloyd, who was organist at Worfield Church – in fact he played the organ at my wedding.
At the time of his sudden death he was president of Worfield Cricket Club. As a matter of interest, forty years later I was elected president, the first lady ever. I am sure some of the old players were turning in their graves!
As for the Flower and Horticultural Show, there were once some photographs in the Express and Star, and one showed me presenting a bouquet to Mrs F.N. Lloyd in 1950. There was also a photo of my dad auctioning the produce of the Horticultural Show.
F.H. Lloyd was very good to its employees. Each year they had a party for employees who had worked for them for 25 years or more. Each one got a solid silver medallion and every year after they attended the party and were all given presents. I remember my dad receiving a coffee table, a china tea service, a bedding bale, and a set of towels, to name but a few. I don’t think they have firms like that now.
Vilma Buck, nee Brown Norton House, High Street, Albrighton, Wolverhampton
ALTHOUGH I vividly recall the primary school lesson where we learned of tuyeres and the name for cold-blast slag, the latter slipped from my memory a long time ago and it’s bugging me!
Would anyone who knows the name for this ubiquitous, multi-coloured
“stone”, made extinct by Nielson’s 1832 hot-air process, please forward it to me on 07950 206256 ?
Remi Hodister 76 Bunkers Hill Lane, Bilston, WV14 6JR