Page 74 - It's a Rum Life Book One "In the Beginning 1947 to 1960"

the road.
Reporting back to the works manager with the good news that
the papers had made it, I had also to impart my tale of woe.
Frank was a brick; a totally unflappable, grey haired
departmental boss, who had total control of the 50 or so
composing room and works staff.
“Take it straight round to the garage,” he said.
“Not a word to a soul, I will telephone them that you are
coming.” He concluded.
The van had gone in for a “service”. Plus new sump and
complete exhaust system that could be see dragging along
behind. Most of the other van excursions paled into
insignificance after that.

CUBS NEEDING TRANSPORT
Down on Custom House Quay the boys were arriving in small
groups from different parts of the town, complete with football
boots and duffle bags. But only boys, there was no sign of
parents or any other supporters with vehicles.
Seat belt regulations and their like had not even been
contemplated in this period of the development of motor
transport. I was working at the “Standard” and still living at
home. I had an arrangement with my parents that I shared the
second car. I paid part of its running cost and did all the
servicing.
The car of the moment was a bright red Renault Dauphine
because father had a passion for the marque and a good friend
in Pete Taylor the local Renault dealer. These remarkable little
four door cars had independent suspension, (no cart springs)
and the engine in the rear. This left the whole of the internal
floor area totally flat with no transmission tunnel and no exhaust
pipe running front to back.

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