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The transcript is an interview with Harry Hoyle as transcribed by Microsoft Word and summarised by ChatGPT and subject to errors.
Early Life & Family
- The main speaker grew up in Edenfield (26 Parkfield Rd) .
- Came from a family of five children; his mother was hardworking, running a small shop successfully while his father worked for the gas board .
- They moved homes due to changes in farming accommodation.
Apprenticeship & Early Work
- Served an apprenticeship with a decorating company (Worshams/Journey Workshops of Edenvale) working on houses, farms, and buildings for Marks & Spencer estates .
- During WWII, he was on war work at ACI and later maintained factories instead of being conscripted .
- After the war, he and colleagues became the first maintenance painters for Marks & Spencer mills and properties .
- Eventually promoted to foreman and supervisor, overseeing multiple mills, farms, and director houses across Helmshore, Bamford, Broadway, etc. .
Career Highlights
- Supervised around 20+ painters, many with their own transport .
- Introduced innovations like making their own paints from white lead, linseed oil, and dryers .
- Worked on prestigious jobs: director residences such as The Cliff (later a nursing home), where decorative plasterwork and wallpapers were carefully done .
- Dealt with mischief in the workplace (paint tampering stories) and adopted techniques like fireproof paints .
- Rarely dismissed workers—valued loyalty and had lifelong friendships with many colleagues .
Personal Life
- Married, raised children. His middle son struggled academically but became a successful chef, even sent to Germany and Switzerland for training
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- Another son joined the police force, later in Special Branch, married a fellow officer, and lived in Hampshire .
- Family holidays were often at Butlins camps, later abroad to Canada, India, Italy, Texas, and Ireland .
Community & Church Involvement
- Involved with church activities, fundraising, and trips.
- Helped organize events using projectors and educational displays for children .
- Had strong ties to Manchester and surrounding areas, often helping with community-based work.
Later Reflections
- Suffered personal tragedy with the loss of a son to cancer, which led to a breakdown, but he received great support from his company .
- Remained proud of his career, friendships, and reputation for fairness.
- Continued decorating work for family after retirement.
- Took great pride in his family’s achievements, particularly his children’s successes in sport, police service, and culinary arts
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In essence:
The transcript captures the life story of a Lancashire decorator and supervisor who worked for Marks & Spencer estates. It spans his childhood, apprenticeship, wartime work, rise to supervisor, craftsmanship in painting and decorating, family life, community involvement, holidays, and later reflections. It mixes detailed anecdotes about workplace practices, pranks, innovations in painting, and personal family milestones.
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