Happy years that changed Ted's life

Jun 30 2010 by Evening Gazette

TED Brown was the first employee of the Anderson Foundry in Middlesbrough to be given day-release by the firm to attend Constantine College during the War years.

Now 85, Ted, from Boosbeck, studied mechanical engineering at the college from 1943 to 1946 and those years gave him a lifetime of happy memories.

“We studied maths and technical drawing in the evenings and science for one full day a week.

“Going to college was an absolute contrast to being at work and it was marvellous being able to spend one day at the college. In the lab, I can remember a large flywheel which explained the difference between horsepower and brake horsepower.

“In those days, the main entrance was on Borough Road and the first port of call upon entering the building was the ground floor office to buy any necessary stationary. College opened up a new world for me, along with a new circle of friends including Louis Moore, Ray Hind, Steven Day and Malcolm Mansfield,” said Fred, pictured with an old photograph of some of his college pals on a day out.

Ted recalls the social side of being students being just as important as the learning. “Every other Saturday evening a dance was held in the main hall of the college. Admission was by ticket only, which was purchased before the event, priced one shilling. The ticket also entitled the bearer to one free glass of lemonade”, he said.

Ted was conscripted to the Royal Air Force when he was 21 and stationed with 608 (North Riding) Squadron in Thornaby. After leaving the Forces he joined ICI Wilton, where he worked for 30 years.

He said: “When I was conscripted into the Royal Air Force it brought an end to my involvement with Constantine College.

“But they were three happy years which truly changed my life.”