An interview with... a quiet gentleman.

Ten years ago I asked my grandfather to complete a prompted journal for me. I'd bought it for him as a last minute gift, but I acknowledged that it was really a gift for me. It made me cry at the time, and I put it away.

Last week, as I was rifling through a cupboard, I found myself struck to the core by a quiet gentleman's wisdom.

It’s #thinkselfemployed week and his brief retelling of his entry in to self employment, all those many years ago, struck an extra chord - particularly after the recent 1940s themed Armed Forces Weekend. It prompted a decision to share a very personal input from one quiet and truly much loved gentleman, as a posthumous piece in the 'An interview with... someone I admire' series.

What have you found most difficult in your life? When I wanted money to open my own business in the 1940’s, the Bank’s weren’t prepared to lend because of the war and eventually I managed to rent a scruffy, decrepit, place and I had only £20 (old money) in my pocket the morning I walked in. My sisters – two of them were sisters who worked in sewing, so they made me some towels and haircutting cloths! There was a launderette right across the road and [my] apprentice used to take the washing every Monday to there. One of the wash basins had a hole as big as my fist so I asked a plumber client if he could let me have a piece of putty to stick underneath it and when we used the basin I aim[ed] the hose to the side of the basin, so as to avoid knocking the putty out and flooding the floor.

I had no choice in the unemployment years, except the ‘dole school’.

What are your earliest memories? When I was about 5 years old my sister Janey, then about 22yrs old, took me down to Dawson’s Newsagents […] and bought me a toy as a keepsake. What I didn’t know then, she was going in to hospital that day with what was then called consumption (T.B.) and the next time I saw her was in her coffin. A Tin model of the ‘Berengaria’ Liner.”

What do you remember about the place/s you lived as a child? We were fortunate in that we had hot and cold running water – most houses only had one cold water tank.

What did you study at school and what were you best at? I wasn’t best at anything but passed for the Grammar School but my parents couldn’t afford to let me go.

Did you have an idol when you were young? Tell me who and why… Jimmy McIlroy – one of the finest footballers to grace the game and a most gentlemanly person. 2 PERFECTLY TRUE stories – When he came to Burnley he started coming in to my shop for his haircutting and he had a donkey fringe which kept bobbing up and down whilst he was playing so he asked me if I could get something to hold it down. There was a firm at Blackpool which made a cream called Strenzola, so I got him some. After a short while he said, “Don’t get me any more. I cant get a comb through it – it sets rock hard.” Burnley Football Club transferred very suddenly and it was the week he was due in the shop so I never got to say goodbye. 30yrs later… I was in [the] club when my son-in-law was at the bar and found himself stood next to Jimmy, so he mentioned I was in the club. Straightaway, Jimmy came across and sat with me and said “I have an apology to make to you – I was transferred so suddenly I never got the chance to say goodbye.” I was stunned, how many men would remember after 30 years?

Describe your memory of some major world events that have happened in your lifetime. • The second world war • 9. 11.11 • The sinking of the Graf Spee • Buckingham Palace being bombed • Burnley Crown Point getting a bomb or two! • Duke of Windsor abdicating • The death of George V and George VII. • The Atom Bomb and the Hydrogen bomb explosions and now the Nuclear bomb • Princess Di’s death.

Describe the greatest change that you have seen in your lifetime so far? The splitting up of massive communist Russia into separate smaller countries.

Do you think life today is better or worse than when you were young? How is it different? There is still the same poverty and greed but there is more selfishness.

If you were an animal… what type of animal would you be, and why? A placid dog suitable for all the family to love.

If you won the Lottery… what would you do with the money? Family First! Then as many ill and infirm I could help. But not through organised charities who siphon off ‘expenses’ first.

How did you meet my Grandmother? At Empress Ballroom. I was in the entrance hall when she came walking along the balcony with her pal and I said to my pal “I’ll marry that girl” and I did! And that was the first time I’d ever seen her! My pal was called Bob […]. I lost touch with him but I think he was killed in the war.

I would love to know more about my parents… what can you tell me about them? They always been thoughtful and caring to you and [your brother] and to us. Nothing has ever been too much trouble to them. Very sociable couple and well liked and always willing to consider others.

In what ways am I similar or different to my Mum/Dad? A more enlightened outlook.

Describe some of your favourite memories of the times we spent together… Your happy outlook on life is my favourite - too many to be recalled.

Describe what you like about me… Your thought for your grandma!

Is there anything you would like to change about me? No – always be as you are!

What is your biggest regret in your life?

That I couldn’t give grandma and your mum an easier lifestyle and more pleasures.

Can you do anything about it now? Borrow off you!

Describe something you still want to achieve in your life… I’d like more care for your grandma!

What would you like your epitaph to say? I made every effort!

Given your experiences, what advice would you give me? Follow your heart and your common sense.

Dear Shushi-Hush, I’ve spent four nights on this. My eyes ache and my fingers have writer’s cramp

But my love for you has made it a pleasure. Love Grandad.

#aninterviewwith #highcroftwriting #jimmymcilroy

#armedforcesweekend