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A Long Long Long Time Ago…..

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Yes…. it is me.  Back in the dark distant last century!

Inspired by Debbie’s post this morning title ‘Cherished Car’

(https://travelwithintent.com/2023/10/01/a-cherished-car/)

It is also an image that is posted to redress the balance, as requested by Sue (https://suejudd.com/) following yesterdays ‘Eyes’ post from the 60’s.

I should explain a little.  The car was indeed very special to me.  I didn’t own it, but it was my first company car.  I applied for a job that was advertised by a Leading Publishers, as Photographer…. honestly never thought I would get it, as the job spec. was detailed and demanding…. but I did.

At the age of 20, I was provided with this brand new Ford Anglia (red so it could be used as a photo prop).  Along with the car I was also provided with over £7000 of brand new photo equipment.  Not sure what £7000 would be in todays money, but it was more valuable than the car!

The brief was simple.  I was given a shooting script for the year (updated each year).  My location was to cover the UK from Lands End to John o’ Groats, Stately Homes, Cathedrals, Castle, Coastal Resorts and of course our beautiful Landscape and Villages.   The only area not included was London, Kent and Sussex. The script just simply stated, to visit the locations as seasonal changes and local special events demanded ….. with the by-line of ‘make your own arrangement and just get on with it’.  

The only other instruction was to always dress smart, a business suit ideal but clothing could be relaxed (what we would now call smart casual) if location and conditions required.

Yep… that is all there was to it, just an expense float and an encouraging boss who just said – be your own boss and make the most of the opportunity.

I did just that, along with the Ford Anglia, we covered over 90,000 miles that first year.  That hard worked car did me proud, as did several others that followed that worked equally as hard…..  but that Red Anglia was very special.

I have always said I have been lucky all my life.  I had already worked for an Engineering Group as a Staff Photographer, which provided the widest experience any photographer could hope for.  Heavy Engineering Works, Blast Furnaces, Chemical Plants, Coal Mines (yes you can photograph in black coal mines) to Flour Mills, Ship Yards and Bakeries.

Lucky you bet…. I know it and now I am just being a little self indulgent 🙂

Reflecting on your stories, planning the next adventure or simply dreaming…. as always….

Please Remember ….
Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

1st October

(C) David Oakes 2023

 

 

28 thoughts on “A Long Long Long Time Ago…..”

  2. Out of curiosity, if those were £7000 in 1970, they’d have the 2023 purchasing power of £138,539.82! think that seems a bit exaggerated but that’s what Google told me. I seriously doubt any company would turn over that much cash worth of photo equipment to a 20 year old! None the less, that was a nice testament to their trust in you, David. As best I can tell from sorting through photos of this model, it’s a 1967 car….

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    1. That car was 1962, brand new Anglia 105e. As for value well you can suggest a google conversation, but that cost was their investment. Cameras , lenses and of course lighting and certainly more valuable than the car …and it was to a young 20 year old…. and I repaid there trust.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for the correct date for the car. I was using the chrome treatment and some front end treatments to try to figure it out in photos that indicated the model year. Anyway, that truly was a sign of trust to hand over a car and professional camera gear to a 20-year-old employee!

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  3. £7,000 in 1965, adjusted for inflation, is worth £173,412 today. The car reg is pre 1963. Having just written that I note that Doug already got there and you confirmed the car date. The car would have cost in the region of £612 17s 9d. Whatever the values you were a very lucky man, but obviously a very talented photographer and, as you say, you repaid their trust! Super interesting post David and, my, what a handsome fellow!

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    1. Just to put the equipment price into some context… One lens I had to pick up from the dealer, after I had started, was a Schneider Super Wide Angle. Imported specially for the company, The delivery note they gave me said it had cost £650 plus Purchase Tax (which I think was 25% ) . After 18 months the Boss decided that with all the travelling I needed a bigger car and supplied a Ford Cortina Mk1-again bright Red. Yep… a very lucky lad. As for handsome…. well I couldn’t possibly comment 🙂

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        1. I remember the stylish Toledo. My very first car cost £150. Secondhand Ford Escort… not the Escorts that springs to mind, but the estate version of the Ford Popular. 100e engine that drank more oil than petrol and windscreen wipers that were vacuum powered meaning when you went up hill, using more engine power, the wipers came to a near stop the went like clappers when you descended. So that Anglia was super luxury and super modern….. and free. Had company cars for the next 30 years… it was hard when I had to start buying my own again, not just the purchase cost but insurance, not to mention fuel,etc. I did mention that I was lucky, very lucky. 😀

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          2. Never forget those wipers… they’ve really supposed to be so much better than those electric motor ones mounted on the windscreen with drive….oh the joys of motoring….at least the roads may have been narrow but not congested.

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    1. Time is so elusive to calibrate. Some things from long ago seem like yesterday yet other more recent events seem a lifetime ago. …… that said the overall thrust is one of time just flashing past at an ever increasing rate..xx

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  8. That would be my dream job, David. I recal the Ford Anglia, my neighbour who happened to be my headmistress, had one. Of course, I am more interested in the camera around your neck, a twin lens reflex by the looks of it – bit which model?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yashicamatt. That’s one area the boss exercised economy (no Rolli)..It was the start of a journey in the Publishing industry.. Then, eventually returning to hand on cameras. Dream job… still surprised I got it… but with a very encouraging boss, it lead to much more, always artwork and photo orientated. Above all, it was fun and that beats working for a living

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  9. I have to add my “Wow!” to these comments. Sounds like a dream job and you were blessed to have it. Not only does the car look classy – no wonder you liked it – but so do you in this photo. But I’m wondering, Mr. Amazing Photographer, who took this neat photo of YOU?

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