In this new feature we look back at times past and for this edition we turn the spotlight onto 1983. Twenty years ago we had 16 vehicles in our fleet and the three new trucks pictured above were a considered a major investment to our business.

The ERF'S were supplied by James Bowen and Sons Limited, through salesman Dennis Carmichael and fitted with Gardner 265 engines, to take advantage of the recently introduced 38 tonne weight limit. The lucky drivers assigned to these vehicles were, Jim Hunter and now retired colleagues, John Marshall & Harry Campbell, who would no doubt be delighted with the amount of power available to their right foot and the luxury of the latest high roof double sleeper cabs.

The lorries covered the country with their general haulage work, operating from a much smaller Earl's Road depot than we know today, which was home to a grand total of 22 employees!

Just for the record, 1983 was also the year that Margaret Thatcher started her second term as Prime Minister, Derby winner Shergar was kidnapped and never seen again, CD's appeared in record shops, the film 'Ghandi' won 8 Oscars and breakfast TV was first broadcast, the most memorable presenter probably being one Rat called Roland!

Feedback on The First Grange Courier

Reaction to the first edition of our newsletter has been very favourable, thank you to everyone who passed on such positive comments. Our new venture has not gone unnoticed by the road transport enthusiasts website, Lorryspotting.com. The November edition of this premier sites monthly Journal states that, "John Mitchell are to be applauded for being the first known (Haulage) company to produce an e-newsletter, "The Grange Courier". Their article goes on to say, the newsletter and fleet list sections of the company's website should be of considerable interest to members".