Page 4. Shelvoke & Drewry Enthusiasts' Club Newsletter - Autumn 2011.
AN SD STALWART.
EDWIN ROBSON.
When Edwin Robson retired from S&D in 1969 he had clocked up a remarkable 42 years of service in the Company and was almost 70 years old. As a draughtsman he played a key role in the design of many successful vehicles. On his retirement he was chief of the Project Department.
Mr. & Mrs. Robson are pictured with SD's Chairman and Managing Director Morris Davenport.
Edwin's son, Jeff, has written:-
"My father was the kind of man who could not easily leave his work in the workplace and as a boy I vividly remember him sitting at home with cardboard shapes of vehicles and linkages trying to solve a design problem that he could not get out of his mind.
He was also one of those now rare people who cycled to work for the whole of his working life and although he spent so long in the Automotive Industry never had a car or learned to drive.
In retirement he was unfortunately very limited by the effects of a stroke, but despite this was thrilled to be able, with lots of help, to go with other SD pensioners on an organised day trip to Paris. He died in February 1972."
Edwin Robson was a keen sportsman and a founder member of the Letchworth Swimming Club in 1934. He later became President of the Club and was also President of the Hertfordshire Swimming Club.
Edwin Robson is pictured with the SD cricket team of the late 1920's or early 1930's. He is the furthest left of those seated on chairs.
This photo from 1963/64 shows a Pakamatic undergoing trials.
Jeff concludes:- "I still have his SD 40 club tie which he used to wear with great pride."
My thanks to Jeff for sending in all this interesting history of his father.