Sid joined West Suffolk College in 1963 and worked there until the early 2000s. He remembers the College’s early years in their new location on Out Risbygate Street and the major building work at that time. Sid became Head Automotive Lecturer under the Engineering Department, run by Arthur Revett. He takes pride in his family and still enjoys receiving compliments from his former students who have gone onto careers in industry.
What made you join Eastern Education Group?
I was born and bred in Norfolk. Unfortunately, I failed the 11 plus exam three times, so I went to Windmondham Secondary Modern School. It was felt that I had more potential than this, so it was arranged for me to interviewed by the headmaster of Thetford Grammer school; as a result, despite my 11 plus outcome, he took me on. I was often top of the class at the grammar school. In Year 5, you take a school leaving exam to decide your future – either university or industry. I came through that with flying colours, and was asked by the headmaster which university I was going for. But I said, “No sir, my parents have got me an apprenticeship at a Norwich garage.” He could not believe it!
I did one day a week at Norwich College during my motor mechanics course. I was awarded a trophy for the top apprentice in the motor industry in 1955 towards the end of my apprenticeship, the ‘Norfolk Motor Trade Trophy’. I then carried on working and progressed through the roles: ordinary mechanic to tester – one of the key roles at the Mann Egerton company.
In the late 1950s/early 1960s, I was dared to do teacher training from a colleague who had failed to get onto it, who said that I would not be able to do it either. So, I applied and got accepted! The teacher training was in London. I completed the course and then Her Majesty wanted me for two years of national service. I knew I was going to get called up – so I got married to get extra pay (married man pay). The Army did not recognise my mechanical experience, so I was forced to retrain. I was on Centurion Tanks as a trained tank mechanic. The engine in the Centurion tank was the same as in Rolls Royce cars and Spitfires.
While in the army, I went to Hong Kong! The top 12 in the tank training company got to go, so we were flown out in a military aircraft – it took three days!
We met the commanding officer who asked why we were there – we said we had come to repair his tanks. He said, “We don’t have any!” They did have some bren gun carriers though. I was billeted in the New Territories – we spent most of our evenings living it up in the old town. The land border with China was called the Bamboo Curtain (a Cold War term matching the Iron Curtain in Europe). We felt ably supported as the Gurka Regiment was there at the same time.
When I left the army, education posts were always advertised in the Times Education Supplement – I looked, and West Suffolk College was advertised, and so was Ipswich. But I went to WSC first, and they offered me a post! So, I didn’t go to the other interview. I started the same day that Reggie Doggett (carpenter) did.
The department was Automotive with Cliff Woods as the Head. I started as an Assistant Lecturer in automotive engineering; it sat within engineering under Arthur Revett. When I stepped down, David Cleveland, my former student, replaced me as the Head. Arthur Revett’s principal supply of students was from Robert Boby, but motor vehicles’ was drawn from the rest of the county. One of my memories of him was that he was a big golfer.
I have a number of memories of that time. Although we did not meet, Watterson was still spoken of and called “Watty”. I recall the pit in Automotive – quite dangerous as people would fall in. I also remember the Engine Diagnostic Machine, which, despite its size, was quite mobile.
When the College opened in 1960, there was only one building – what is now Edmund House and the workshops behind it. During the extensions, we got a new workshop right at the back for general engineering and motor vehicles, and Suffolk House and Harvey Frost Hall. The small buildings on the right-hand side (now animal care) were the Agricultural Engineering buildings. Years later, an additional automotive section was added at the back; this enabled us at last to work on large commercial vehicles.
Do you have any special memories from your time with us?
Endless special memories; former students contacting me to say thank you. Recently, a garage owner from Sudbury contacted me to say I influenced his life! I enjoy seeing former students doing well.
Another memory: the day a lady finished her evening class and tried to drive away, only to discover a sinkhole had opened up and put her two back wheels into a hole. This was in front of Suffolk house.
Two trips stand out; I visited both France and Germany as part of my role. In France, David Cleveland and I went to help guide the French teachers on the newly introduced MOT. We were treated well, and they made a return visit to the College. John Shipston eventually agreed to support this.
I visited Paderborn in Germany on behalf of Manns of Saxham (the leading company for agricultural engineering in this area – their students would come here), to compare training techniques for apprentices in engineering.
Also, we were invited to do police vehicle inspections. This was a great honour. as a result, I was invited to a police party in London! It was lovely. I was later invited by City and Guilds to discuss the need for trained vehicle inspectors with the Met Police.
What did you go onto to do after College?
Retired to look after my family, who I am very proud of.
During my time and after, I was involved in Target Rifle shooting, I was secretary of the Bury Rifle Shoot and the European Champion. I am also a member of the U3A.
Is there a message you would like to share as we celebrate our 100 years of history?
I thoroughly enjoyed the whole service I gave here, and I found the students who came along to be very appreciative.
Lastly, do you have any advice for future students and staff at EEG?
I’d love the young people of today to appreciate the facilities that will equip them for life.
