CHANGES IN THE YARDS (14 CLIPS)

Yards today Bob Brand describes what it was like to work on an old-fashioned crane with no heating in freezing conditions. He compares the old shipyards to today's modern yards, and concludes that modern workers have never had it so good.

Changes in the Yards Derek Griggs reveals how ships were once built like Meccano, and compares this with today's pre-fabricated methods. He compares the techniques, and concludes that modern methods are a vast improvement.

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.

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.

Now and Then - Changes in the Yards John McKever compares the yards today with the traditional yards when he was working. He recalls the tremendous sense of camaraderie amongst the men in the old days.

New Technology and the Yards John McMullen describes how new technology had a big impact on working conditions in the yards. He describes how ships were built using prefabricated techniques in later years, and how this resulted in unbelievable changes.

The Future of the Yards Mel Davis talks about his hoped for the future of shipbuilding including the potential for new vessels such as hospital ships and aircraft carriers. He is optimistic about the future of the shipyards.

End of the Yards Mick Doolan describes his father's dismay and disbelief when the yards closed. He recalls the uncanny experience of when his dad died on the day that the last crane was ripped down.

The Modern Telephone Exchange Patricia Armstrong talks about coping with new office technology and the pains of learning new automated telephone exchange systems.

Importance of the Yards Mr and Patricia Armstrong talk about the ship launches and royal visits at Swan Hunters. They also talk of their sadness when the yards closed and jobs were lost.

A Shipbuilding Career Ted Davey followed his father into the yards, and talks about his early career progression. He talks about how men cried when the shipyards closed.

Sold Down the River? Ted Davey talks about employer and worker relations including strikes and the job of a shop steward in the shipyard. He also describes how he felt the yards were sold down the river by the Government.

The Politics of the Yards Tony Hall gives his account of the changes to the shipbuilding industry under British Shipbuilders and Margaret Thatcher. He talks about the strikes, the faded dreams and political changes in the 1980s.

End of an Era Tony Hall recalls the end of an era with massive closures and job cuts in shipbuilding in the 1980s. He remembers the devastating effect this had on the men.