GED LALOR - BOY LABOURER

Childhood Memories of the Yards Ged Lalor talks about his childhood memories of men in cloth caps walking down en masse towards the cranes and shipyards. He remembers how a swarm of men would head down Station Road in Wallsend daily at 7am.

Boy Labourers Ged Lalor remembers working as a boy labourer on a wage of £1 a day. He talks about the plater's shed which was cold and bleak even in summer, and the appalling health and safety record it had.

The Platers' Shed at Swans Ged Lalor recalls life inside the platers' shed, and remembers hanging around in the freezing cold.

The Welders Ged Lalor remembers the "terrible din" of the welders and the engine room of the ships. He also recalls old men standing around just watching the river go by.

Typical Day at Gregson's Ged Lalor remembers a typical day at Gregson's shipyard. He describes the company wages and shift system, and its strict regime.

Industrial Relations Ged Lalor talks about worker and management relations at Swan Hunter's. He also describes industrial relations in the 1950s and 60s which was the start of the consumer boom.

The 'Hacky Black' Town Ged Lalor describes life in a shipyard town with supertankers and ships overwhelming the small terraced streets. He recalls that "Wallsend was a filthy place" with an appalling stench from the nearby pits.

The Shipyard Community Ged Lalor remembers going to work on the smokey bus. He talks about the drinking and smoking culture that nobody questioned.

Life on the Street Ged Lalor recalls life as a child in a shipyard town with its tight sense of community. He has memories of playing on the streets and the pop wagon coming around.

Jobs for Life? Ged Lalor talks about the closure of the yards in Wallsend. He remembers the culture shock and devastation caused by job losses.