Privileged Work

       IN 1947 I became an apprentice to the Gas Light and Coke Company, otherwise known as the ‘bad light and smoke company’, at the training workshops at Watson House, Fulham. A friend recommended me and told me every day was a holiday. After working for three months after leaving school in cold, bombed-damaged buildings, it did seem like a holiday to me.

       Every morning we had half an hour’s physical training on the flat roof above the offices, and on Fridays we had a swimming session at Fulham Baths. This and other sporting activities were organised by the sports and game co-ordinator, a 5’5” ex-paratrooper named Sandy Yexley – a wonderful and great man.

       The main attraction was the annual camp at Little Holland on Sea, near Clacton. We went by train from a central point and then by coaches to the campsite, which was just a large field with rows of white conical tents. I wonder how many old apprentices are out there and reading this.

       I’ve many wonderful memories of my time served with the Gas Light and Coke Company, later to be nationalised as the North Thames Gas Board. We received a full and comprehensive training programme, of which two years were served in the workshops at Watson House and the remaining three years with a qualified district fitter.

       On a Thursday we had to service the boilers at number Ten Downing Street. There was no need for tight security then; just enter by the basement steps or go in through the front door opened by the police officer. I remember a day or two after budget day, we emerged via the front door opened by the police officer. I was carrying my fitter’s fold-up leather-handled tool bag. Being in a silly mood, I held it high, budget style, for the tourists to see, only to get a clipped ear for my troubles.

John Morgan, Westminster, London.  

At Our Expense

       I GET so cross hearing about MP’s expenses. The world has gone mad. Politicians are plain money grabbers. The more I read of parliamentary members’ antics, the less confidence I have in any of them and their reasons for becoming politicians.

       We need MPs who have a vocation and a true interest in making the country a better place to live in, instead of trying to milk the country for all they can. They say they are entitled to large salaries and expense accounts because of their responsibilities. Was it responsible to go to war to support President Bush when everyone else was against it? Was it responsible to send our troops and equipment out to face great danger regardless of cost? Was it responsible to allow so many immigrants into our country, and cause overcrowding and unnecessary demands on housing, the NHS, schooling, prisons and other facilities? I could go on for ever.

       If all MPs went without a rise this year and didn't receive outrageous expenses – which are in excess of most peoples’ salaries – there would be ample money to fund the fire brigade, police, hospitals, libraries and post offices. Perhaps pensioners could even have a decent increase at last.

       Those aged seventy-plus are a forgotten breed. We went without after WWII with all the shortages; we went without when our young men did National Service, especially when wives had to manage on £4 per week. We coped with our families without government aid. Women took part-time jobs to fit in with family commitments, with no holiday pay, pension rights or sickness benefits. We coped with domestic chores after doing a day’s work, as we couldn’t afford a nanny or home help. Holidays – what were they?

       I would suggest a fixed average executive salary for the time a party is in government, with the choice of a car or expenses with use of their own car. No second home, but a furnished apartment owned by the state. Perhaps this would make them more conscientious, and have more genuine feelings for others in society.

       Look at all the volunteers in the country. Most are average earners with families, who have spent years helping with Scouts, Guides, Sunday school classes, youth clubs, and running organisations like the Lions Club, Round Table, Women’s Institute and bowls clubs. There are no expense accounts here; they donate from their own limited pockets.

       David Cameron must be joking with his bright idea of giving new parents 52 weeks paid maternity leave in the hope of keeping young families together. He says many couples split up a year after the birth of a new baby and his scheme would help them bond. Hasn't he heard most divorces happen at Christmas or holiday times, which is when they spend most time together?

       New mums are better off without a husband at home under their feet while they are learning to cope.

Shirley Ashman, Seaton, Devon.

·        See the May issue of Best of British for six pages of great readers’ letters.