The Story of a Barwell Carrier
G. W.Woodward, GW to his drivers, started in business in the late 1920's, with two flat lorries from a small wooden garage in High Street, Barwell. There was a daily service to London and Manchester.
Drivers were delayed during not infrequent strikes by dockers. More lorries were bought including two Red Speed wagons, with Luton van bodies.
Vans would be packed full, often with a loaded tail board, well sheeted down and set off each working day at 4a.m. to London and Manchester. Winter brought frozen radiators, engines frozen up and windscreens...there were no cab heaters, and a speed limit of 20 m.p.h.
Under the Labour Government, transport was nationalised in 1948. A unit 412 was formed and it consisted of E.E.Bee, Bailey & Mason, W. Bailey and G.W.Woodward. GW was Depot Superintendent assisted by Ivan Bailey. After denationalisation. G.W.Woodward Transport returned to Barwell and expanded, eventually running 70 trucks nationwide.
Recalled by Mrs. Powers for Hinckley & District Museum in 1999.
Drivers were delayed during not infrequent strikes by dockers. More lorries were bought including two Red Speed wagons, with Luton van bodies.
Vans would be packed full, often with a loaded tail board, well sheeted down and set off each working day at 4a.m. to London and Manchester. Winter brought frozen radiators, engines frozen up and windscreens...there were no cab heaters, and a speed limit of 20 m.p.h.
Under the Labour Government, transport was nationalised in 1948. A unit 412 was formed and it consisted of E.E.Bee, Bailey & Mason, W. Bailey and G.W.Woodward. GW was Depot Superintendent assisted by Ivan Bailey. After denationalisation. G.W.Woodward Transport returned to Barwell and expanded, eventually running 70 trucks nationwide.
Recalled by Mrs. Powers for Hinckley & District Museum in 1999.