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Leyland Chivers van

Following his stint at Schweppes, Frank came to Hall & Ham River to replace my chief engineer Jim Tayler who retired early (around 1963) due to ill health.

I worked with Frank as assistant engineer and during his time at Salfords, Surrey, the main works, he organised the rescue and restoration of our 1934 AEC Matador tipper, Fleet No 342, known as ‘Ron’s lorry’. Also rescued and restored was a Bedford WTH Fleet No 383, if my memory serves me correctly.

Frank passed away nearly five years ago and I regret not having visited while I had the opportunity as we were both in the West Country.

He spent his last years at Widemouth Bay and amusingly told me that he had taken a job as a van driver. He said it was the best job that he’d ever had. No pressure, no worries, and he didn’t even have to plan his day. I suspect, however, that it didn’t pay quite so well.

I may be the last person alive that knows the history of the two vehicles and following all the takeovers, mergers and the like that have left us with Cemex, I have lost touch with the AEC which went from Hall & Co to Wolseley and then reputedly to a scrapman in the Midlands who apparently said he would keep it. I certainly hope so, as it is very dear to my heart.

The Reg No I recall is OY 9058 but DVLA wouldn’t tell me anything. So, does anyone know where it is?

Geoff Ashley,
St Dennis, Cornwall