HOW WELL I remember 1934 when at the age of 14 years I had the pleasure of working 48 hours per week for William Morris, i.e. Lord Nuffield, where my father, two elder brothers and sister were already working.

There were medical, hairdressing, a savings bank and club facilities, including outdoor activities such as football, cricket, tennis, bowls, shooting, rowing, all supplied for a few pence per week. Each year Lord Nuffield accompanied by his wife, would attend the inter-departmental sports awards and present the prizes.

It was in the 1950s these harmonious working conditions were brought to a halt when union activists started to spread their Russian ideology.

Over the years we were to experience this infiltration with the factory swamped with little dictators known as shop stewards, controlled by a senior steward who was now implanted with his own office and phone.

Those who didn’t wish to join the brotherhood would, in the union’s sinister way, be recommended for dismissal.

Union members would express loyalty at the end of meetings by standing with fists held high and singing the Red Flag.

Thank God along came Maggie and sorted out the unions, but too late to save the factory where between four and five thousand were once employed.

Now not a nut, bolt or washer can be found except a plinth to Lord Nuffield and an empty Royal Mail sorting office.

D ROTHERY, Horspath Road, Cowley, Oxford