Peter Hedley on Shipbuilding

Well of course it was one of the biggest employers on the Island, without a doubt and people came from all parts of the Island to work there.

I think ourselves and Saunders Roe, which was also in East Cowes, must have been the Island’s biggest two employers. Yes, it was, well, I felt that I was very privileged to be working with them and the fact that it was on the Island and I didn’t have to go to the Mainland, travel to the Mainland for it etc. but we enjoyed the time that we had there under very basic conditions.

I also remember when I went for my interview at the Orient Line, I only had to mention that I had done an apprenticeship at John Samuel Whites and then I don’t think I was asked more than two or three questions, one being “How old are you?”, “Where do you come from?” and “What are your qualifications?” They didn’t want to know anything else. John Samuel White’s name was sufficient for them and I’ve met other people who went to other companies, shipping companies had a similar experience.