I was very interested in the picture in the Review of the Lydney railway gang sent in by Mrs Bayliss.
To see a couple of ex Lydney tinplaters in the front row brought back memories for me when I worked there from 1930 to 1939.
Rueben Fisher worked in the same mill as me when I was a boy in Number 8 mill. He was 'second helping' and I was 'heaving up' for the shearer, Mr Albert Neale. Sitting next to Rueben is Sid Nelmes who, like me, was a boy behind the shears. In the back row Ern Bayliss was employed in the 'fitting shop.'
You often hear people say in this day and age you never see a policeman. Well on a Thursday once a month I would think all the police from the Forest would converge on Lydney Park.
The police sergeants would have them marching three abreast whilst Supt Shelswell would stand in the middle keeping an eye on his flock. With us boys finishing at 5pm we would watch by the railings to see them on parade.
I wonder how many of my former colleagues from the works can remember those far-off days? My memory is still quite good although I have just celebrated my 86th birthday.
Going back to Rueben Fisher, I can remember the other five millmen on that shift of 70 years ago. They were Tom Bayliss (roller man), Bill Brice (doubler), Fred Ridler (furnace man), Jim Jones (first helper) and Bert Jeffs (catching).
Happy days. – H.O.A Miles, Oakfield, Littledean Hill Road, Cinderford.