by A. M. Smith
Having worked for 8 months at Bankton Colliery in 1924, I was rather
fortunate to get the position of an apprentice cooper in the local
brewery. In those days it was a family concern with the father,
son, nephews and relations all being employed in the various works
namely, Fowler's Brewery, Mellis's Soapworks, saltworks, Belfield's
pottery and Prestongrange Brick-Works, also the fishing industry.
Unemployment was rare in 1920. Coal miners were employed at Prestonlinks
Colliery, Bankton Colliery and Prestongrange Colliery.
It was a cold bitter morning when, at the age of 14, I made my way
to commence my apprenticeship at 6.15 am as a cooper. Hours of work
were from 6.30 am to 9.00 am, one hour for breakfast, starting at
10.00 am to 1.00pm, one hour for dinner, starting at 2.00pm until
5.00pm. Saturday hours were 6.30 am to 9.30 am, one hour for breakfast
then from 10.00 am to 12.00 am. Brewing beer started at 10.00 pm
and finished the next day at 2.00 pm approximately. The foreman
cooper was the timekeeper, and he had a long rope fixed to a bell
on the brew house wall: it was his responsibility to note that his
time was dead on to start and finish work. Other times of ringing
the bell were at 7.00 am, 10.00 am and 5.00 pm when the employees
would make their way to the cellar, where they would receive their
allowance of one pint of beer each time. Of Course there were many
other openings to obtain more beer, such as doing a favour for the
head cellarman or bottling hall manager, who would repay you with
bottles of strong ale (wee heavies). Apprentices were not allowed
any beer whatsoever. Saturday was actually a day of spit and polish,
which had to be satisfactory to the brewing inspection; failing
— it had to be done all over again, and he was a stickler for cleanliness
and perfection. Custom officers were allowed one barrel of beer
from every brew for employees' consumption. Any employee found under
the influence was instantly dismissed, which was very rare. Smoking
was forbidden during working hours, unless in the toilet.
My first job on that cold morning was to knock the two hoops of
a firkin (1/4 barrel), push the end (lid) in, and knock the hoops
out again |
