Margaret and Alfred's Children - Norman Stafford b 1910-1991

This photograph is a studio photograph taken (in 1914 at the beginning of WW1) of Alfred with his three year old son Norman Stafford (my dad).  

I was informed that photographers, at this time, supplied children's uniforms, in order to take this undoubtedly popular type of photograph. Must admit photographer's were good business men.  Doesn't my dad look cute?  I love this photograph

Norman and his Father Alfred Original

Norman and his Father Alfred Restored

We now move forward about 18 years circa 1930/31. I think this studio photograph was taken to celebrate Norman's coming of age at 21. How suave he is with the cigarette, probably emulating film stars of the time. Note the cigarette was not lit. I remember my dad was a heavy smoker, until he got a really bad cough.  He resolved to stop (he must have been in his 30s), and he never smoked again.  Well done Norman!

Norman Stafford Restored

Like his brother Albert, Norman was a handsome young man.  He was born with two displaced hips. (Displaisia of the Hips). In those days there was very little that could be done, so Norman, when he got older, walked with a distinct limp. This did not impede him in any way. As a young man he was a chauffeur, he started a lorry business, but his partner disappeared with all the money, so Norman returned to Bus Driving. He finally retired after working 25 years for the Venture Bus Company in 1974. 






Norman loved driving and loved cars, he spent most of his retirement fixing his split windscreen Morris Minor and growing vegetables in his allotment.  He also fixed anyone else's car around the doors.  He was very popular as he fixed their cars for nothing. 

Here is my mother drinking her tea with Bessie Redman and her husband Alf having a picnic, my sister Dorothy at the back.  My dad bought the split windscreen Morris Minor from Alf Redman. I learned to drive in this car.  Note it had trafficators. It also had red leather seats.

  

 When we were children, my sister and I had many great days out accompanying Norman on bus trips, going to the bus depot at High Spen and "getting the best seat in the house" in the front of the bus beside our lovely gentle dad.