History makers

He was then well into his 60s and was the senior partner in Henry Lea & Son. The interview went extremely well until I began to suspect a degree of misunderstanding. As the interview progressed it became clear that while I was looking for a job, Mr Lea thought he was interviewing a prospective articled pupil and that my parents would be expected to pay for my tutelage if I were offered the position. The interview was successful, but I had to explain that my parents had limited funds and that I would unfortunately have to decline his much appreciated offer.

To my surprise I received a letter a few days later explaining that the matter had been reconsidered and I was offered the job with a wage of 15 shillings per week during my training. I became the first youngster in that organisation to be taken on without articles.

I subsequently worked alongside Donald Lea (third generation) when he joined the firm. It was some years later that the amalgamation with Mr Hoare of Bristol was formed.