Graham Whyte Story

                                                                                                                         whyte.g@hotmail.com Harrogate

  Now resident in Harrogate

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I was born in 1952 to Alec and Marjorie. We lived with our grandparents at 36 Madiera Street,until my dad decided to buy a flat around the corner.43 Prince Regent Street,1st floor on the right as you look at it. 3 brothers and 3 sisters; yes I was in the middle. I went to Fort Street Primary, then on to D.K.  My register teacher was Mr CONCHA, one of those names you never forget. One of my first jobs was believe it or not, was delivering milk and rolls with a barrow. I am sure was bigger than me.

Actually I was working for my older brother Ian, as he was in charge of making sure the deliveries were done. from the old butchers shop just below Jimmy Crean`s shop.  I remember that Got paid 10/6 sometimes 11/-., 10/- for the milk,a tanner or a bob for the rolls.

My  mum took the 10/-, I got what was left. My first real job was packing Uncle Bens rice, fortunately,it didn't last long. Moved to the Leith Provvy Bakery,down Bangor Rd. The only people I can remember from there are Danny Hoy, and Betty.  She did all the cake decorations. One reason for remembering that place. Danny and I every day,at the end of the shift, one of us took 4 plain loaves up to the loft,while the other went outside to catch them. Then ran home as quick as we could.

I would cut off two heels about 2 in thick, plaster them with marg or, if it was Monday, my dad sometimes  sent us out for a packet of Jacobs Cream crackers from Joe Maloney's and get this  and a quarter of Murchies, slightly salted

butter. Only if he got drunk in the Vine on a Saturday.  I bet you are all drooling!!.    

After doing other things, I decided to join the R.A.F, why I dont know especially as I had forged my mum and dad`s signature. Boy was my mum not best pleased.  That was in 1969 whenI  met the light of my life, (she says I have to say that), Christine.

We married on the 1st July 1972. 35 years ago today. We still live in Harrogate.  We have 3 sons Alan, Richard and Ian, 6 grandkids, all boys. 

I am still working driving an H.G.V, delivering steel around the north of England, occasionally to Glenrothes.  At least I get the chance to call in to the bakery at Newhaven roundabout for my fix of bridies and real rolls and scotch pies.  Jeeze I'm slavering now, the thought of them,makes me want a Scotch pie and roll, taking the crust off, stuff it in a roll.  MMM,lovely.

Christine and I are still happy.  LONG marriages are they a thing of the past?  My latest interest is building as in the photo in our front garden.  Wife wants a stable block doing next.  I have cut some stone up ready, the old mill is on a 3ft x 2ft stone slab  The garden is crazy paved with real plants in the front.  At xmas when the lights and cotton wool for snow are on it, the grandkids love it.  The terrible weather we are getting at this time is holding me up from doing anything outside. As you are all getting bored by now Iwill sign off.  If the weather gets better, I promise to send in some better photo's, honest!!