Bill Bendelow
Bill belongs to: The Doxford Engine Friends Association
Bill was born in Sunderland in 1927. He served his apprenticeship at the Doxford Engine Works, starting fifth January 1942. After five years at sea he returned to Doxford's where he worked until its closure in March 1987. Bill was the last person to leave Doxford's and was given the task of switching off the power to the works.
Bill was interviewed by Carl Greenwood on 26 January 2006. The interview took place at Sunderland Museum and lasted 40 minutes and 53 seconds.
First day at Doxford’s
"My father already had my name down to start as Doxford's as an apprentice"
My father already had my name down to start as Doxford's as an apprentice, so it was January 5th 1942, the day I started at Doxford's. My father took me down to the engine works entrance, or the main gate which you see on the photograph there. He took me down to the main gate, took me through into Doxford's itself and we stood on the bottom of the bank and waited for the head foreman turner to come down. A Mr Wilson, Bob Wilson, huge man, he looked bigger still walking down the bank towards me, built like a proverbial. My father said, ”this is my son, this is the foreman Mr Wilson,” and he said, “it's over to you now."
Bill has 13 memories in the memorynet:
Bill's memories with a The North East theme:
First day at Doxford’s
- Staying until the closure of Doxford's
- Industrial action at Doxford's
- Sounds and smells
- What does the sea mean to you?
- First trip to sea
Bill's other memories:
50th birthday cardThis memory has these themes:
Relationships | The North East | Training | Work
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