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John A Hill · 29-09-2009, 14:42

Brings back a few memories - by chance I googled H&B and saw this thread. I was a student apprentice there from '70 to '73. During that time I spent time in the Jig and Tool Design Office, Tool Room, Design Office and then the Heavy Machine Shop (also 1 spell with the Maintenace replacing the Jetal Black baths down in the bottom floor one Wakes Weeks - not a pleasant job - not sure what the dust was but it prickled on the skin when mixed with sweat). Also did a course at Helmshore.

Seemed that nothing changed quickly in the business. On a visit to Smith and Nephew at Brierfield in '71, I saw carding machines nearly identical the new ones being built at Accrington (fewer guards) but with a H&B manufacturer plate showing 1909!

By '73, I began to doubt whether there was a long term future in textile machinary, saw a job advertised in the North Sea oil and never went back.

Happy memories though.

29-09-2009, 14:42	#40
John A Hill Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Norway Posts: 1 Liked: 0 times Rep Power: 0	Re: Howard & Bullough Brings back a few memories - by chance I googled H&B and saw this thread. I was a student apprentice there from '70 to '73. During that time I spent time in the Jig and Tool Design Office, Tool Room, Design Office and then the Heavy Machine Shop (also 1 spell with the Maintenace replacing the Jetal Black baths down in the bottom floor one Wakes Weeks - not a pleasant job - not sure what the dust was but it prickled on the skin when mixed with sweat). Also did a course at Helmshore. Seemed that nothing changed quickly in the business. On a visit to Smith and Nephew at Brierfield in '71, I saw carding machines nearly identical the new ones being built at Accrington (fewer guards) but with a H&B manufacturer plate showing 1909! By '73, I began to doubt whether there was a long term future in textile machinary, saw a job advertised in the North Sea oil and never went back. Happy memories though.