We were surprised and delighted to
receive an e-mail from Australia in 2008. It was from Angie Smark,
granddaughter of George Jones, who was Chief Mechanical Foreman at Swansea
Docks until his retirement in 1972 after 48 years service. George was a
well-known figure on the docks at Swansea, and is fondly remembered by all
his former colleagues.
George’s children and some of his grandchildren – including Angie – were
born on the docks where he and his family lived, firstly in Dock House
adjacent to the old Prince of Wales Dry Dock and, later, in the Bungalow on
the north side of the Prince of Wales Dock. Upon his retirement George
emigrated to Sydney, Australia where, Angie tells us, after many happy
years, he passed away in 1984.
George’s retirement was quite an occasion, and was celebrated with friends,
family and colleagues at a function in the Railmen’s Club in Wind Street,
Swansea. George was presented with an album containing photographs of
various locations on Swansea Docks, and of many of the people with whom he
worked. These photos, taken by our colleague Viv Howells, are still in the
family’s possession, and Angie has kindly e-mailed us the following
selection:-
Bessie Bevan presenting flowers to George's wife Vi.
Charlie Grey, Anon, Tony Harrison, Anon, Hopkin
Hopkins, Des Burns,
Wally Evans, John Ware and Roy Jefferies.
|
Includes Left to Right :-
Ken Hughes, Gareth Evans, Gwyn Nicholls, Ernie Tovey, Harold Hardy, |
Harry Dalling ( Driver ) and Ray Vaughan.
Colin Dyer, John Ware, Hugh Bevan, Dennis Davies,
Albert Wastell,
Tony Harrison, John Doel and Ray Black.
Anon, Jack Charlesworth, Phil Davies, George Morgan and John Pilot.
Bill Lewis mechanical engineer and George Jones.
The main entrance to Swansea Docks.
On the right the Immigration Building and behind the police box the main
Police Station.
|
Bill King presenting a cheque to George
Jones on his retirement. |
Gwyn Nicholls and George Jones.
The Signal Tower at the Kings Dock Locks.
In later years it was fitted with clusters
of red and
green signal lamps
to inform shipping whether the access to the locks was
available and if the Lay by Jetty was free or occupied.
In the photo Angie and her brother on J Shed Wharf.
Almost the same view as the photo above taken today. ( 7/7/2008 )
Train going over the Communication Passage Bridge. In the background G Shed.
Ronnie Payne and Dai Thomas.
Standing L to R :- John Godden, Emmett
Molloy, Cyril Davies, Harold Twells, Charlie Grey and Viv Howells.
Seated Lto R :- Dick Jones, George Jones, Jack Taylor and
Norman Jenkins.