My Single Days 1921 to 1949

About the Book

The author was brought up on the Barbary coast of Monkwearmouth, Sunderland. This true tale starts from his birth and ends when he enters the Church of The Good Shepherd to marry Ruth. His adventures began at an early age. With uncles and their friends swimming? in the sea at Roker then his schooldays and out of school capers. Dock Street and Whitburn Street chapels and activities. Youth club, wolf cubs, the boys brigade. St Gabriel` rover scouts. With family on the beach and row boating on the River Wear. Looking and finding work. Roller skating, swimming, ballroom dancing, partying. Then came the war and air raids. Joined first aid party in Colliery School First Aid Post, Entered Merchant Navy, visiting several foreign countries mixing with the locals. My last voyage ended October 1947 and I returned to Civvy Street to court the girl I was to marry in February 1949

About the Author

I was brought up in Monkwearmouth, nicknamed “The Barbary Coast” possibly so named because of alleged unsavoury activities performed in the 1700s. I entered school before I was five and left to start work at fourteen. In 1940 registered for Royal Navy but not called up so I joined the Colliery First Aid Post at the Wheat Sheaf. After the last air raid in 1943 I joined the Merchant Navy and was discharged in 1947. I returned to Doxfords where I had learned my trade as a fitter and turner but I was unsettled from my sea adventures. Instead of sailing from port to port I worked from industry to industry. With each new engagement I gained experience because the machinery I helped to maintain were totally different producing (Chocolates and sweets) (Beers, spirits and mineral waters) (Glassware) (Radio and television valves) (Cranes) (Building materials) (Coal). My life style was changed when I married Ruth but I adapted easily to married life. Socially, with Ruth, I continued going to dances, whist drives, day trips, long walks, holidays, visiting friends or entertaining at home. I played darts and dominoes in the West End League then the Blue Star League on Monday nights also Sunderland North Darts and Dominoes Friday Night League and regularly went swimming. When I retired from work I continued to swim, play darts and dominoes. Adding to my hobbies were park bowls, carpet bowls. Cliff top walks along Durham coast. Fell walking in Durham, North Yorkshire and Northumberland