Alan Cavenagh’s Story

“On Christmas Eve each of the sections organised their own celebration, bringing in food and beer. The celebrations commenced at the start of the shift and continued to about 9 am when everyone went home. It was a half day holiday. With the alcohol in the workshop I was always happy when everyone was gone although I don’t recall any unpleasant incidents on Christmas Eve.

As Works Manager I was expected to walk around the shop and talk to people in each of the sections. Invariably I was given a beer in each of the sections so by the time I got back to the office I was also ready to go home. I am sure it was a deliberate plan of the employees to get as much beer into me as possible! However, it was a good opportunity to talk to the employees on an unofficial basis. I enjoyed the walk around.”

Crane Locomotive 1030