Jim was an apprentice instrument maker with Siemens Brothers, Charlton. He was subsequently employed with Brown Bros, Acton, and Colliers, Burrage Road, Plumstead. Colliers, now extinct, manufactured the Matchless motorbike and three-wheeled cars. It started in Burrage road as a cycle repair shop, where I used to buy parts. He was also employed at Oliver Pell Control, Burrage Road. He was manager of a department there during the war, and was a corporal in the Home Guard. He was a member of the YMCA and helped a lot at social and athletic clubs. He played football as a goalkeeper and cricket for Charlton Park. A good swimmer, he had life saving medals. In later life he was keen on bowls. He ran a football club, Woodville, two senior sides and a minor (see photos). They were regarded as the youth teams of Charlton Athletic, and some of the players were promoted to that team.

He was on the staff of Charlton, unpaid I think. I can’t remember the leagues they played in, but they won many trophies. The minor team was well known in the London area, together with Woolwich Army Boys teams, Dockland Settlement, Eton Manor, etc.

Jim was a good Gymnast and belonged to St Brides Institute, Blackfriars.