C Shift lads

Alginate's Workmates

The day that I learned from our dear friend, Hugh Campbell, of his terminal illness, was one that came as an absolute surprise! Most people have some understanding that we do not have an eternal lifetime, and we shed this 'mortal-coil' when one 'passes away'. Hugh, Hughie as we preferred to call him, had a peculiar attitude to life and all that it may mean to us! Anyway, I was honoured that he felt he could confide this “serious information” with me - I reacted as rationally as I could, of course.

Hughie had worked with the 'Alginate Industries  Factory' for very much longer than myself and many of our fellow workmates. After starting there, and getting used to their shift-work system, I gradually got to know the wide range of individuals employed there... an incredible range of skills and interests. A fascinating place of work. Hughie worked beside our mutual friend, John, 'Ginger' Beaton, and they were both ranked as 'floatation-operators': responsible for the maintenance and operation of the process which compressed and milled the product - a vital phase of the Calcium Alginate process (details are too complex and unnecessary).

Having introduced Ginger, we've now met two stars of this story. John, frequently quipped: “half the lies I tell aren't true” - unfortunately, many workmates were 'too gullible' to recognise what was credible, or not! Many were ex-tradesmen, builders, gardeners etc.  or employed in other remarkable lines of work. Ginger is very talented at various forms of brickwork, and eventually gained a position with the venerable Scottish Historical Monuments branch – congratulations, John!

Looking back at the factory-days is similar to reminiscing about school days... a mix of fine memories, of course. To combine Ginger and our Hughie, was to invite incredible results... woe betides those that didn't understand them and their friends! Ginger is a practical man, but blessed with fathomless imagination and lightning-fast humour! When this met Hughie's childlike innocence (regardless of being a veteran of the Korean war), interesting intrigue must follow!

Hugh has had wonderful experiences in his life... coupled with innocently sharing too much information with far too many people, including Ginger and 'Snowy' (Ewen), who's presently writing this piece. Please forgive the late mention of my nickname - which was bestowed by Hughie, when he declared: “at least they never called me 'Snowy', at that age”! in reaction to one of Ginger's 'wind-ups'. 

Eventually, Hughie 'passed-on' - perhaps, he'll be back with his darling wife, and a much happier man now? One day, I'd referred to his wife keeping an eye on us, while we were having a 'cuppa', beside their self-made seat (we called it 'the throne')... an explanatory tone came to his voice: “ah, Ewen, but she's dead now, you know?” (was aware, of course), however, when I explained: "I don't believe in the Bible's God, Devil and suck like, yet, I do believe in an 'Afterlife'!" 

 Immediately, Hughie became happier than ever before! our 'quick cup' had gone from quick to lasting far, far longer than normal. I still find myself glancing around and looking for him, whenever we enter a certain retailing store's cafe area - he'd become a regular visitor - he seemed to like meeting visitors there! After Hughie's demise, perhaps he's joined his late wife again?. Bless you both, Mr and Mrs Campbell! 

Hughie, Ginger, 'C-Shift', and the other shifts, were involved in a wonderful era, and all deserve a high degree of acknowledgement and thanks - the forerunner of eternal gratitude! My personal involvement is due to fates' vicissitudes... I  can't say much more, bar reflection, gratitude and fond memories! Dear reader, please enjoy being part of life's story also!

Moran taing/Many thanks,

Ewen

http://ewenart.blogspot.co.uk