A Hand Cart Down Henn’s Walk: The Times and Trials of an Apprentice Carpenter and Joiner: 1959-1965

Bob Betteridge left school at 151/2 and started an apprenticeship with Midlands Electricity Board which was to last for six years. This book gives an account of the trials and tribulations that he went through to reach his goal-to become a carpenter! The book gives an insight into the makings of a good carpenter, moulded by the people he worked with who became his mentors. Bob loved his trade and became a perfectionist. Any job he did had to be right. Outside his workshop, on a small board states-near enough is not right-right is near enough. At the end of the six years he was a qualified Master Carpenter and Joiner, entitled to put MICC after his name-a Member of the Institute of Certified Carpenters. What an achievement. Bob worked for Midlands Electricity Board for 361/2 years, the only job he had, and took voluntary redundancy at 51 years of age. He died 25 years to the date that he retired.