David Whatley
New User
Hi, I am new to this forum, and wish to respond to 'Humbugsey' the grandaughter of Gordon Hayward, onetime draughtsman at Harewood Carriage Company. She posted some pictures she had found in her grandmothers archived papers. One of them shows Gordon with his hand on a drawing. Another picture shows a bearded man sanding down the spokes of a wheel. This man was Gilbert Given, who used to live near Anvil Corner, Nr Holsworthy, N. Devon.
I joined the company in 1974 when it had moved from Harewood Forest, Hampshire to a new , purpose built factory on Dobles Lane Industrial Estate, Holsworthy. I moved away from Devon in 1980
We went through some interesting times.
The company was started by Stanley Johnson and Betty Johnson.
I made some bodies of the carriages, and most of the laminated shafts for the two wheelers. I also made the draught poles for the four wheelers; Roof Seat Brakes and Waggonettes.
Several years ago my wife and I were helping a friend who was showing her Wenslydale sheep at the West Suffolk Agricultural Show, near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
During a break I wandered off to look at the horses and carriages , and discovered to my amazement a two wheeled Dog Cart I had made back in those days in Devon. It had beem made specifically for Lady Coleman, from Norfolk. There was no one in attendance , and so I do not know who was the current owner, but the carriage was in very good condition, had been well looked after and had the distinctive 'Harewood Carriage Co' nave plates in engraved italic lettering on brass.
I am not familiar with Information Technology postings, and struggled to find the link back to 'Humbugsey'. If anyone can post this to her , I would be grateful. Also happy to answer any other questions about how we made the carriages back in those days,
Yours sincerely,
David Whatley.
I joined the company in 1974 when it had moved from Harewood Forest, Hampshire to a new , purpose built factory on Dobles Lane Industrial Estate, Holsworthy. I moved away from Devon in 1980
We went through some interesting times.
The company was started by Stanley Johnson and Betty Johnson.
I made some bodies of the carriages, and most of the laminated shafts for the two wheelers. I also made the draught poles for the four wheelers; Roof Seat Brakes and Waggonettes.
Several years ago my wife and I were helping a friend who was showing her Wenslydale sheep at the West Suffolk Agricultural Show, near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
During a break I wandered off to look at the horses and carriages , and discovered to my amazement a two wheeled Dog Cart I had made back in those days in Devon. It had beem made specifically for Lady Coleman, from Norfolk. There was no one in attendance , and so I do not know who was the current owner, but the carriage was in very good condition, had been well looked after and had the distinctive 'Harewood Carriage Co' nave plates in engraved italic lettering on brass.
I am not familiar with Information Technology postings, and struggled to find the link back to 'Humbugsey'. If anyone can post this to her , I would be grateful. Also happy to answer any other questions about how we made the carriages back in those days,
Yours sincerely,
David Whatley.
