Second Letter From Fred Burtoft to David Lee Describing his Time at Burncross School in the Early 1900s dated 1981 (Page 2)

Transcription of letter:-

 

[page 2]

No canteens or places to buy food at the works. – hence the “Carriers”. --- I was one – and my Mother stood at the end of our yard in Smithy Carr Lane – with my Father’s hot dinner in a basin – with a handkerchief tied round it for carrying. – they put them into a basket. In her other hand Mother had a piece of cake – for me to eat as I ran up to the “Tops” down to the “Bottom’s” over to Thorncliffe Lane and into the Moulding Shops in the middle of the works, turn round and run back home for my own meal – then back to school by 1 pm.

No wonder I became the Champion and Undefeated Distance Runner of the British Navy, - from when I joined in 1912 to when I left in 1926, along with dozens of other Top achievements In fact I am mentioned in many publications of Naval Books. –

Will you please thank Mr. Kirbyshaw for his invitation to me to view the School. – I would be delighted to go over the School again – and see the pupils in the classrooms. However, I have had to ease up my travelling all over the country – as when I was 81 [underlined] I had a ‘Stroke” – which left my right arm completely paralysed with no feeling and unable to hold anything. – But with my own Physio – Therapy – every day for 6 months – I cured myself and was able to slowly write again, which of course has decreased in quality.

Then at 84  I contracted “Shingles in the Legs”  and now have to use a stick – plus a lot of ‘will-power’ – otherwise I am healthy & strong bodily. – It is the same kind of “will-power” – I used to win 100s of races and dozens of Boxing encounters.

I enclose 2 more cuttings which may be of interest to you, - one from 1974 – the other 1980.

Your sincerely

Fred Burtoft

 

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