I am seated comfortably on the living room settee enjoying a nostalgic conversation with an old drinking mate of mine from more than fifty years ago (when I was in my early twenties) and he is Mr Herbert Hughes Esq, although from a very early age he has always been known as 'Wire' Hughes. This was not a nickname created with malice but one out of affection as Herbert was always of a wiry build, weighing some 9 stone wet-through, so the name 'Wire' was very much appropriate to his stature, hence the name. He is a Knottla lad through and through and has lived here all his life, which will be 89 years come the 24th of November 2006.

'Wire' was born at home in Wood Square, off Aire Street, in 1917, and lived there until he was 14 years of age when he and his family moved to the Englands Lane estate, occupying a house near to the Swan public house. Many of the older residents who lived on Englands Lane estate during this period will remember having a pint or two there.

His education began at the tender age of 3 years old, when, with great clarity, he remembers being accompanied on his first day to school by his brother and George Horton, (nickname Bile Horton) to be enrolled at the Ropewalk School. During this period in the 1920's you remained a pupil at the same school until you were 14 years-old.

Once he had completed his education, Wire left school to work at Bagley's Glassworks in the fitting shop where his stay was but a brief one after he realised that he was working a 65 hour week and his pay was just 11s and 10 pence a week. He stayed with Bagley's but was able to arrange a move from the fitting shop to find work in the Crystal Glass Co to learn the skills required to be a 'presser' making fancy glassware. Crystal Glassware was produced in several colours with Amber, Green and Blue being the most popular colours for dressing table sets, fruit salad bowls and dishes etc. This employment enabled him to improve his earning potential. Many of the lads he worked alongside have sadly died but he remembers Jacky Bowers, Willie Rhodes and Joe Swales.

During his time working in the Crystal, cupid played a part in his life when he met his future wife Gladys Sykes who was also employed in the Crystal department. Their courtship was to last more than three years before they took the 'plunge' and were married at the Button Park Registry Office, Pontefract, in June 1940. His chosen best man at the wedding was Glady's brother Charlie Walshaw, who coincidently was my foreman when I myself started working at Bagley's in 1950 as a 'yard lad'. Wire and Gladys went to live on Aire Street just a couple of doors from the Waggon and Horses pub. Ted Pease was their landlord until they left in about 1952 to live up on the Broomhill Estate. Wire told me that he and Gladys had 59 wonderful years together until tragedy struck the family, when Gladys died just one month short of their diamomd wedding anniversary, one can only imagine the sadness Wire and family endured during this very sad period. They had previously celebrated two milestones in their marriage, their Silver and Golden Anniversaries, at the Hungry Fox, Beal.

Wire and Gladys had three children, two daughters, Margaret and Janet, who are both employed at the Knottingley Doctor's Surgery, and a son Derek who becomes a pensioner this year.

Wire has a great love for football and began playing for Bagley's Rec's in 1933, in company with Joe Swales, George Charlesworth and Charlie Walshaw. He continued playing football until he was about 34 years of age, when age and fitness overtook him and he reluctantly retired from the game.

Returning to 1940, Wire and Gladys had only managed to enjoy a few months of wedded bliss before he was called up for Military service and was enlisted to serve as a driver in the R.A.S.C at Warrington, Cheshire. During a short break from working in the Crystal, Wire had previously taken up employment at Hargreaves Quarry in Knottingley as a lorry driver and so, already holding a driving licence, the choice of service was most appropriate. For the next three years he was stationed in several locations around England, such as Folkstone, St Albans, and Redcar, he also spent some time in Scotland.

After serving his first three years in England, Wire was given some embarkation leave before he was posted to India. His journey from Southampton to India was onboard the troopship S.S.Stratheden via Freetown and Cape Town and took six weeks. He served here for another three years. His duties throughout his 6 years service, were mainly to deliver supplies of food and ammunition, etc to the forward troops and Tank Regiments. This role was accepted as playing a vital role in keeping the Army moving forward against the enemy.

Wire arrived in York in 1946 to be released from the Army. His first employment in his new found civilian life was with Chester construction, Knottingley, later, to become Chester and McLauchlan, Hilltop, Knottingley. This was to last only for a brief time, before he returned to the Crystal Glassware Company at Bagley's. His very best mate after he left the services was a lad called Tommy Dunning. He recalls the many happy hours they spent at Scarbough playing football and other games on the sands. Another pal who was also a neighbour was Jim Wright who sadly died a few years ago.

Wire recalls one particular incident when he called at the Post Office in Aire Street, which many people will remember was owned by Mr Benton. For both of them it came as quite a shock for when they saw each other, Wire realised that Mr Benton had been his Sergeant Major during the war. Another memory that came to mind was when he was standing outside the Aire Street Hotel many years ago and he noticed Buller Wilde sat on the floor in the street. Jimmy Hollingworth came out of his shop carrying a pot of tea and some sandwiches, which he gave to Buller. Jimmy remarked to Wire that once upon a time, Buller was one of his best customers. Rumour has it that Buller was rejected by a women and in despair became a tramp, living his life in a cave at St Botolph's quarry. In his latter years Wire spent his time having a pint or two in the 'Rat Trap' (Central Working Mens Club) and for thirty years was a member of the club committee. These days his health is not too good, but he enjoys regular visits from his son and two daughters. He also has daily visits seven days a week from his local meals on wheels service provider, which he says are alright and he enjoys them. He has always enjoyed his life living in Knottingley and most of his memories are happy ones.

Interview with Mr Herbert 'Wire' Hughes

by Maurice Haigh