This was London in the Fifties

[Matt James]

Delivering a telegram to what was Watneys Brewery in Palace St London in the early 1950's l had to walk though the bottle washing plant which was staffed by lots of women and young girls,all of a sudden someone shouted " Let's get him and see what he's got" I don't think I have ever run so fast in my life.

South West District Office at that time was a very busy with about 30 boys on each shift, no bikes or motor bikes all delivering was done on foot

Another story ,when l was at South Kensinton office l was in Chelsea one day with a mate ,as you did. We called it SAPING. When a beautiful girl called out " Hey Boys give me a push" It was Diana Dors. We got her car started and she gave me a hug.

[Matt James]

Hi Charlie Strange we should join this site the same day. I joined Sou west as you left 1956. I too remember Watneys Stag brewary by the stench which hung over Victoria. People forget we Moppers as we were called never heard the name wags? we did Railex, to all London terminus. We did messanger all the way , I remember Saturday mornings doing the weekly shop for someone in Ashley Mansions , walking Andrew Cruickshanks dog around St James park which cost him one shilling a mile.The main guvnor of moppers in the DO was in 64 Victoria Street his name Vincent, PSM was Bond another guvnor Beswick. Please excuse me I contracted Meningitus in 1967 was off sick for a year I lost all previous memory of work , loved ones inclueding my financee so if I can excercise the old brain box makes me happy. I ended up at Buck Pal. Then took P&TO but never went higher due to my illness retired 1992 . I have just met up with Austin Gobbles from South Ken joined in 1952 Just remembered another boy Doubleday from Brixton.

[Matt James]

Hi WOODIE.
THO I WAS A MOPPER IN WC2 59-62 I THINK BESWICK

YOUR PSM WAS AT FULHAM IN THE EARLY 70S AS A.I. WHEN I WENT

THERE ON OVERTIME FROM SW5 ( EARLS COURT ) IN THE AFTERNOON,

I FINALLY RETIRED AT 60 AFTER 40+ YEARS

[Matt James]

I was with Charles Tye at South Kensington Sorting Office, where I stayed until National Service reared it's head.
1956 was the first time I walked into where the PSM was sitting, and being new I was shown the ropes, and when I was given my first telegram to deliver I could not get there fast enough!! Oh how things changed so quickly, especially when I found other messenger 'waxing me out'.
I delivered to Doris Day, but was not as fortunate as Charles to actually meet her, but there was the famous Jack Train, remember the song about The Runaway Train?
Other messenger colleagues were, Austtin Gobby whom I am still in touch with 50 years on, Eddie Elliott who went on to Buckingham Palace, I keep in touch with him as well, Derek (Jim) Beswick was my PSM, also, a Mr Pepper, great days, wonderful job, until 1958 when I was called up.

Woodie,

I have recently spoken to Jim Beswick he is ok, and he remembers me after all these years at South Ken, (see heading under Charles Tye

LES SIMMONS

[woodie]

I was in touch with Eddie Elliot who lived in Mitcham untill last year since moved & I have lost contact. Woodie