by David Hockey
Chapter 11 The Milking Parlour
Everyone was studying Ken’s sketch as Bob walked into the milking parlour. The big doors and the equipment had been removed and the place looked much bigger than it had earlier. Someone had chalked lines on the floor showing where the walls would be.
“Hello Bob. You’ve come just at the right time, all the hard work’s been done!” said Ken. “Here, let me show you the lay-out. We can change the plans easily if there’s something you don’t like. Look, that’s the door customers or trades people enter,” and he pointed to the door in the wall next to the yard. “The room on the left of the door as you come in is the waiting room, although I expect it will be mostly used as a tea room. I don’t think we’ll have many customers or tradesmen visiting us. We’ll put three or four soft chairs and an electric kettle; that’s where we can have tea or coffee. Now, the room on the right-hand side of the door is the office. It’s twelve by twelve. Do you think that’s big enough?”
“I’m sure it is. Why do we need one so big?”
“Because we’ll both need a desk and we’ll need some filing cabinets. The waiting room is the same size and that leaves a twelve-foot, unused space behind it. I’ll store new wood there in some racks. This door here,” and he pointed to the sketch and walked to the chalked lines that marked the spot, “leads from the waiting room to the workshop. Now come over here,” and Ken took Bob and Jack to the other side of the milking parlour. “The room on the right is the first-coat paint shop. It’s small, only twelve by eight, but I think that’s all we need. Next to it is another eight by twelve room. The second and third coats can be painted here. What do you think so far?”
“Let me see. The new wood will be stored in the racks next to the waiting room.”
“Yes. They would be delivered by a new delivery door, a smaller door, that will be where Joe’s big doors were.”
“Okay but after the wood has been cut it would have to be sanded right?”
“Ah yes. I’ve forgotten about sanding. We’ll need a booth for that. Now where can that go?”
“Why not here, the other side of the back wall? Just past the back door. A twelve by six foot room would fit there and the dust extractor duct could go through the wall. Would it be okay to cut a hole in the wall Joe?”
“Sure, as long as it could be covered if you later leave the place.”
“Right. Then that’s what we’ll do. Well, do you think it’d work Bob?”
“I’m pretty sure it would. If it doesn’t then we can change it later can’t we Jack?”
“Aye. Do t’walls fer sandin’ room go t’ceilin’?”
“Yes,” said Ken.
“Where will you assemble the toys?” asked Bob.
“On a second long bench. See those chalk lines? We’ll have two benches, the first, nearest the side door, for cutting and shaping and the second for assembling, gluing and boxing.”
“Okay. The whole process will be like an assembly line then.”
“That’s right. Once the wood has been cut it’ll be sanded, then painted then assembled on the second bench.”
“Where will you store the full boxes Ken?”
“Ah. I thought that you could store them in your workshop Bob. You’ll be the one delivering them so that would be the logical place to use. Don’t you think so?”
“I guess so. Oh Peter said I should buy a van, not a car, to deliver. It holds more and costs less to run. We could use that to move the boxes to my shed.”
“Sounds good. Any other suggestions or ideas Bob?”
“There was a toilet here wasn’t there Joe? What’s it like?” asked Bob.
“Come and see.”
They walked out the back door. The toilet was on the right and Joe opened the door.
“It’s messy ‘cos we didn’t clean it. I’ll get rid of the rusty pails and give the place a sweep.”
“I think the walls should be painted Ken, otherwise it looks fine. Does the toilet flush?”
“I’ll have to turn the water on first. The valve’s by the house,” Joe replied. “I don’t mind paying for your water, I don’t think you’ll use much.”
“Thanks Joe,” said Ken. “How long do you think it’ll take to make the rooms Jack?”
“Wi’ John, four, five days. Once t’wood’s here. Give me t’sketch,” and he pointed to the sketch in Ken’s hand, “an’ I’ll order t’wood an stuff. Do you want windows in t’office?”
After some discussion they agree that they should have a windows between the office and the waiting room and small ones near the doors of the painting and sanding booths.
“I want to paint all the walls white,” said Ken. “It’ll make the place brighter.”
“Right,” said Jack. ‘You’ll need an electrician t’wire walls before we gyprock ‘em.”
“I’ll get one, and someone to install a telephone,” said Ken and added them to his list.
“Can we park our cars and the van alongside the long wall Joe?” asked Bob.
“Sure as long as you leave room for the tractor and wagon to pass. There should be enough room.”
“Good. Thanks.”
“Jack can you order the wood and other materials? Asked Ken.”
“Aye, termorrow. If it comes Tuesday might finish nex’ week.”
“Wow. I’d forgotten how big the parlour was,” said Jane who had just joined them. “What are all these lines for?”
“Let me show you,” and Joe walked her around the building and explained what each area was as Jack re-measured each line and annotated the sketch. Bob walked slowly from room to room thinking about what would be done there.
“The lines for the benches are a bit vague Ken.”
“I know. There’ll be two twenty-four foot benches but I’m thinking I might have to make one longer. We can decide about the length later.”
“Who’ll make them?”
“I want to do that so I’m sure my jigs fit. Jack might have to help if I am squeezed for time.”
“You will make the train and village sets as soon as you can?”
“Yes. In your workshop Bob. I’ll do that this week. We could get all of it done this week if you can help.”
“Glad to. I want to keep busy, it’ll stop me from worrying about everything else that’s happening!”
“I won’t be in early tomorrow Bob. I have to make several phone calls and visit the Post Office. I’ll come as soon as I can. Well if everything’s okay I’m off now.”
Ken drove away and Jane returned to the house while Joe talked to Jack.
“How are you going to cover the gap where the big doors used to hang?”
“Iv’ a big tarp. Do it tremor.”
“Do you want any help?” asked Bob.
“Nay, John and I’ll manage.”
As Bob walked home he noted that another day had sped by. He felt tired as he walked up the road, thinking he still had to put his washing away and make supper. He’d leave the cleaning to next weekend but he must call the kids; he had a lot to tell them.
Monday morning Ken went to the Post Office and told the woman behind the counter that he wanted an address for a company he and Bob Barns had started.
“It’s to be in Joe Smith’s old milking parlour. You’ll know Joe’s address, it’s 100 Big End Road.”
“Of course I know it and him. Went to school with Joe. How’s he doing?”
“He’s fine, busy, like always. So’s Jane, she’s working with the committee on the new Community Centre and organising the Spring Show.”
“Say ‘Hello’ to them from me when you see them next. So you’ll be using his milking parlour. All Small End will be reviewed next year and everyone’s address might change but, until then, call it “110 Big End Road.”
“Okay. I’ll do that. Thanks.”
He returned home, went to his office, called the telephone company and explained what he wanted.
“At the moment there’s a phone in the building that’
s connected to the house. I want it to be connected directly to the system not to the house. How soon can you do that?”
“The house is in Small End?”
“Yes that’s right.”
“Well we can’t do it before Thursday. Sorry.”
“That’ll be alright. Thanks. What will be our new number?”
“You’ll have to ask the installer. He’ll tell you when it’s connected. He’ll be there Thursday afternoon and there has to be someone to let him in the building when he comes. Will that be okay?”
Ken told her that he’d make sure someone would be there and made a note to tell Jack about this.
Then he called Arthur’s office and spoke to Jennifer. He told her their new address and said he’d be there during working hours most of the time and would let her know the phone number later that week.
Ken called their trade mark agent next and told him the new address.
“Then you’ll have to stop using your old envelopes and stationary and buy new ones with the new address. I’ll change the address on the forms,” he said, and Ken made a note to tell Bob about that.
The last thing he did was call Pat, an electrician who had worked for him when he set up his garage. Pat was not there but his wife answered. Ken told her that he would like Pat to wire the new workshop this week, if he could. She said she’d ask him to call back but didn’t expect him to be home until the evening.
He took a break then and told Mary what he’d been doing over a cup of coffee.
“How do you feel about everything?” she asked.
“Marvellous. It’s like a promotion, like opening a new branch in the factory. No, it’s better than that. There’s an added dimension. I can design and build jigs and new equipment and try them out without other people wanting something different. I like that very much.”
“Have you finished for today?”
“No, I’m off to Bob’s shop. We’ve lots to do this week. Can you make me a sandwich for lunch?”
Monday morning Jack was busy also. He phoned the lumber yard and ordered the four-by-twos, gyprock, metal siding, nails and screws, doors and windows, hinges and paint. The man he spoke to promised to deliver them first thing Tuesday morning and he spent the rest of the morning helping Rose in the shop. In the afternoon he walked to Joe’s place to review, once more, how the work should be organised. When he arrived Joe had just cleaned the toilet and was about to turn on the water.
“Hello Jack. Glad you’re here. Can you flush the toilet while I stand by the tap. If it doesn’t run there’ll probably be a leak in the line. Let me know what happens.”
After a gurgle or two the toilet flushed and Jack opened the tap on the sink to see if that was connected. It was but the water was brown just as it was in the toilet so he let it run until it cleared. There was only one tap. Joe’s Dad had never seen the need to have hot water because the water was mostly used to cool the cans of milk that were put in a big metal tub in the yard. That tub had long-since rusted and been thrown away.
Bob, Monday morning, unable to sleep any longer, was in his workshop at six o’clock making the bases and bodies for fifty train sets. He worked until eight, stopped for a couple of slices of toast and a pot of tea and, when Ken arrived at eleven, had everything, including the dowels for the wheels and the chimneys ready for sanding. This was the first time he had made that many in one go and in such a short time. He and Ken sat in the garden, sanding, and Ken told him what he had done that morning.
“The new shop’s address is 110 Big End Road and I’ve told Arthur and Simon. Simon says we must use that address on our letters and business cards from now on. We will have the shop’s telephone connected Thursday afternoon and we’ll know the number then. Once we know that we can order the new stationary and cards. I’ve spoken to the electrician’s wife. She says he’ll call me tonight and I’ll ask him if he can install the wiring, sockets, lamps and switches this week. His name’s Pat.”
“Tremendous. I hope he can. Have you heard from Jack?”
“No. He’d call one of us if there was a problem.”
They stopped for lunch at three o’clock, after the sanding had been finished and agreed to continue until the first paint coat had been done. Ken phoned Mary to tell her he’d be late that night and he and Bob were back, painting, at three fifteen. They had a quick tea-break at five and finished at six.
Bob was exhausted. “I’m going to have a pot pie and go to bed.”
“Mary will have saved something for me but I’m not ready for bed yet!”
“I hope the electrician calls.”
“Me too. Jack can’t install the gyprock until the wires are in place. We’ll do the rest of the painting then glue and box. We’ll be able to start on the villages in the afternoon. Okay Bob?”
“Yes. You know I never thought two people could accomplish this much in one day!”
“One day for you but only two-thirds of a day for me. But it’s been a long one. Of course, making fifty at once speeds things up.”
“And the jigs,” said Bob. “They made all the difference.”
Bob was tidying the kitchen when Ken arrived on Tuesday morning.
“Hi Ken.”
“Hi Bob. Ready for another long day?”
“No. I don’t want a long day! I want a short one and a good night’s sleep. It’s my driving test tomorrow and I’m supposed to be relaxed when I take it.”
“I’d forgotten all about it. Okay. Let’s stop at five regardless of how much we’ve done.”
They went to the workshop and painted, finishing before their coffee break.
“Pat called and said he would fit our work in,” said Ken, as Bob poured the coffee. He’ll come first thing on Thursday and should have everything in place by five if Jack or John can help by drilling the holes for the wires and pulling them through.”
“But the telephone man will be there that afternoon won’t he?”
“Yes but I don’t think it matters. The phone’s in the office and I’ll ask him to put an extension on the back wall of the workshop as well but that shouldn’t be a problem. His wires can run across the roof joists and just drop into position.”
Just then the mail flap banged and something dropped on the floor.
“I think that’s the mail Ken. Can you fetch it while I look for some more biscuits?” Ken shouted from the front door, “One letter, that’s all. Addressed to both of us at Small End Wooden Toys. It looks as if it’s from Arthur. Here you are.” He handed the letter to Bob who opened it.
“Yes it is. His bill. He’s charged us £35.”
“That’s very good.”
“Yes. I’ll put it with the others. They’re all in this box if you want to see them.”
The coffee break was another short one and they returned to the shop to begin gluing.
“When I’m in Big End I’ll go to the art shop Bob. I want a thinner acrylic paint if they have one. If they don’t have it I’ll try the Bournemouth or Southampton shops. I want it to try dip-painting the first coat. That’ll be much quicker than using a brush.”
“I thought you were going to use a spray gun.”
“I was. But we can’t afford the proper kind of spray booth yet. Dipping will be the best for us right now.”
“How would you hold the pieces when dipping so all of it gets painted?”
“Using needle-holders, narrow boards with needles pointing out of them. You push the pieces onto the needles. A couple of eye-hooks on the other side will hang the holder on a rack while the paint dries. The racks will be on a trolley and that can be pushed from the first booth to the next.”
“Have you ever done that before?”
“Years ago, when we were experimenting in the factory.”
They stopped for lunch at twelve then returned and screwed on the wheels, fitted the hooks and eyes, then wrapped and boxed the trains. It was all done by three thirty.
“Well that’s excellent. We’ll not start on the villag
es. Let’s go and see what Jack’s done Bob.”
“Good idea. Yes let’s.”
They tidied the shop and Bob locked the door. “I’ll get you the spare key to the shed Ken. You’ve already got the one for the shop.”
They drove in Ken’s car to the milking parlour, entering the farm yard and parking along the side of their new workshop. The opening in the wall where the big doors used to hang was now covered with a grey metal siding. There was a hole on its right side where a delivery door would be fitted. They walked into the building through that gap and looked around. The work area was now twelve foot shorter. Wall studs covered the end on their right except for the twelve-foot space that was on the right of the waiting room. Bob pointed to it. “That’s a perfect place for the wood to be stored.”
“Yes it is. Jack’ll make some racks and shelves for it when the rest of the work has been done.”
John was holding a spirit level against one of the office-wall studs and Jack was nailing its top to a ceiling joist as they entered; Ken and Bob stood and watched until the wall was fastened.
“You’ve done a lot today. I particularly like the outside wall Jack. The join between the old siding and the new is hardly visible.”
“Aye.”
“What does Joe think about it?”
“Ain’t seen ‘im, nor Jane all day. Maybe on ‘oliday.”
“I wouldn’t think so, not at this time of the year, and they’d have told us if they were.”
Ken began walking to the paint booth and said to Jack. “If we dip-paint, Jack, we might have to make the room larger. Just a minute.”
Jack and Bob left Ken to his thoughts and went to the sanding booth. “If he’s goin’ t’change size of t’room as well I mus’ know now,” said Jack.
“It looks fine to me. Here he is; ask him.”
“Jack, the painting booths are okay,” said Ken. “We’ll just use a narrow bench.”
“Wot abat t’sanding booth? Is it okay?”
“Yes. I’m not sure where the exit hole for the exhaust fan should be, we’ll have to wait until we get the extractor. We’d need a bench in there too. Are you free next week Jack?”
“Aye, both of us.”
“Okay, work when you can. Do you have everything you need?”
“Aye.”
“Okay. We’ll leave it to you. I’ll be in Bob’s workshop if you need me during the day. I’ll drive you home if you like Bob.”
“No, thanks. I’ll walk. Need some fresh air. I expect to be back around eleven. You’ll start the villages tomorrow?”
“Yes. Good luck Bob.”
“Thanks Ken.”
As Bob walked home he wondered where Joe and Jane were and hoped that nothing was wrong. They hadn’t said anything about taking a holiday, even a short one. As he entered the door he decided to cook salmon for supper, fish was supposed to be good for the brain. It might be just what he needed to help his memory when the examiner questioned him.
Bob was standing by the front window watching the road at 7:20 Wednesday morning, hoping that Peter wouldn’t be late. He knew there were tail-backs along the roads between Southampton and Bournemouth each morning and hoped he wouldn’t be trapped in one.
Peter arrived at 7:25 and climbed out of the driver’s seat.
“Hello Bob. Yes, I know. Don’t worry about being late. We’ve plenty of time.”
“How did you know I’d be worried?”
“Everyone is. Now, there are five places where incoming traffic will slow us down and we might have to stop. But none of the stops last for more than three or four minutes so don’t worry when that happens. I’ve made this trip many times and I’ve never been late for a test.”
“What if there’s an accident?”
“Then the office will know about it and they’ll give you the first cancellation. Okay. Let’s go.”
On the drive to Bournemouth there were a few slow-downs and they did stop for several minutes three times but they arrived at the centre’s parking lot thirty minutes ahead of time.
“Now we’ll go in and register. There’ll be a short written test then the driving test. You’ll find me in the waiting room when you come back. Good luck Bob.”
There was one scary moment when Bob was driving. It came shortly after he had started. He was following the examiner’s instructions, driving along a street that ran past a school and had slowed to the lower speed limit and was passing several cars when a young boy dashed out immediately in front of him. Bob’s reaction was instantaneous—he slammed on the brakes and the examiner’s head shot forward. The boy continued, without looking in either direction and ran across the street to the school and entered the door.
“I’m sorry about that. Are you all right?” exclaimed Bob.
“Yes. You did exactly what I would have done. You don’t need to apologise. Did you see the boy before he ran out?”
“Yes I did. When he was on the pavement. I thought he would wait until we passed but I was worried that he might run out and I was watching for him.”
“You did very well. Are you alright to continue?”
“Yes.”
“Then drive to the next intersection then turn right.”
The rest of the exam was a bit of an anti-climax. Bob drove as though he had been driving all his life, making his three-point turn easily and reversing perfectly.
After forty-five minutes he was asked to drive back to the parking lot and park. The examiner added a few remarks to the record sheet then turned to Bob and said, “You handled yourself excellently. If all my beginners drove like you my days would be much easier. You’ve passed the test.”
“Oh, thank you. Thank you very much!”
“Come with me to the counter and we’ll complete the details with the clerk.”
They did that then Bob shook hands with the examiner and said goodbye. He went to the waiting room. Peter was reading a magazine and looked up as Bob entered. Then he looked at the clock on the wall.
“Oh. Did something go wrong? You’re back early.”
“No. Everything went perfectly. I’ve passed!” and Bob waved the form in the air. “Let’s find a coffee shop and I’ll tell you all about it.”
Driving back to Small End Bob felt wonderful. He had his driver’s licence. He could drive anywhere he wanted. He could have a driving holiday. What opportunities opened up for him now. He told Peter how he felt.
“Yes. It must be different for you. Most of my learners are in their teens. They expect to be able to drive because most of their older friends already drive. So it is not an unexpected privilege for them. Whereas for you it opens many new opportunities. You appreciate it more. So enjoy it.”
“I will Peter.” Then Bob remembered about buying a van and celebrating with Peter. “I’ll talk to your Dad later this afternoon about buying a van. And you remember you promised to let me buy you a drink?’
“I do. But I can’t do that now. I have two more lessons to give this afternoon. How about at seven tonight?”
“That’ll be fine. Will you have dinner in the Crown?”
“No. I often miss meals with the children and I prefer to eat at home whenever I can. That’s why I suggested seven o’clock.”
“All right. I’ll see you in the Crown at seven. Bring my bill and I’ll pay you then.”
He waved goodbye then hurried up the hill, into his garden and burst into the workshop. “I’ve passed the test Ken. Now there’s nothing to stop me visiting shops and delivering sets all over the place. We’re on our way!”
“That’s great news Bob. Congratulations. Was the exam hard?”
“Only one part and it wasn’t really part of the exam. I’ll tell you about it.”
Ken was running the blocks through the roof-shaping jig for the villages and Bob handed him the wood as they talked. They worked together until all the long-blocks for the houses and shops had been shaped then stopped for lunch.
“I must have a helper Bob. We did a lot
the first two days this week and I want to maintain that rate. I can only do that if we hire someone.”
“What would we have to pay him?”
“A teenager would work for £125 a week.”
“About £500 a month. I guess we should be able to afford that once money from sales comes in. I’ll make a notice for Rose to put in her window. It would be best if we had someone from around here. If there’s no one we’ll have to advertise in the Big End paper.”
“All right. Let me decide who we hire Bob. I’ll spend more time with him than you and we’ll have to get on together.”
“Of course. Talking about money; how much will we have to pay Jack and John?”
“Don’t know yet. I guess it’ll be between six and seven hundred pounds. Jack told me the material, the wood, gyprock, doors and things cost just over £565.”
“Then we’re going to be short this month Ken. We’ve about £3,750 in the bank and we won’t have any income until the end of April. Actually not until about a week or two after the end of the month. It takes that long for them to do the paperwork, calculate what they owe us and for the cheque to arrive. Also we have to buy a van. That’ll be one or two thousand pounds. And pay the hired man and reimburse you. We won’t have enough money.”
“We don’t have to buy a van Bob. We can rent one for a few months until we see how we are doing. But we’ll have to buy a mop sander and I know where I can get one. I’ve been told that it sands much quicker and gives a much better result than using a belt sander and finishing by hand.”
“How much will it cost?”
“I’ll want two, eventually, so that two people can do the sanding but we’ll start with one. One motor and sanding head and some sanding mops will cost about £50 I guess.”
“And there’s the exhaust fan and sawdust extractors to pay for as well.”
“Yes. It’ll be tight for this month and maybe the next but, after that, we should be in clover.”
“Oh, I hope so,” sighed Bob.
After lunch they shaped the long blocks to make the churches, Community Centres and Post Offices and then cut all of them into the individual units. They stopped for tea at four when Bob suggested they quit for the day.
“Let’s go and see Tim about a van and check what Jack and John have done.”
“Okay. I’d like to start at eight tomorrow Bob. I want to finish the villages this week.”
“If you want to do that you’ll have to work Thursday and Friday.”
“Yes I know. Mary’s happy about that. But she wants me to take time off to see Larry soon. She misses him.”
“Larry, your grandson?”
“Yes. I told you Jim and Julie live in Nottingham so we don’t see them often enough for Mary.”
They finished their tea and put the mugs in the sink, washed their hands and locked the buildings. Ken drove to the garage but Bob decided to walk, even a short walk was better than none. Ken and Tim were in the back yard when he arrived.
“Hello Tim,” Bob called.
“Hello Bob. Ken’s been telling me that you now want to rent a van, not buy one. I have this one but it’s not good enough for you. A builder had it and it’s rusty and banged up. It’ll need a paint job before any respectable business uses it.”
“You don’t have anything better?”
“No sorry. If you need one now you should try one of the garages in Big End. Come to the office and I’ll call the biggest and see if they’ve got one.”
“Hello Charles. It’s Tim Sawyer in Small End. How are you?”
“I’m fine Tim. Hope you are too. Is there anything I can do for you?”
“There might be. A couple of friends want to rent a van for their business.”
“What kind of business Tim? I have three at the moment but I’m not renting the good ones to just anyone, especially not to a painter. The last time I did that the floor was covered with paint and it was very hard to get off. What do they want to carry?”
“Boxes of wooden toys. Small boxes, they won’t mark the floor. And they’re careful people. You’ll like them. So you do have some then.”
“Yes. When do they want to see them?”
“I’ll ask. When would you like to see the vans?
“Now?” said Ken, looking at Bob who nodded his head.
“They’ll be over in half-an-hour.”
“Thanks Tim,” said Bob. “That was quick. What’s the garage name and where is it?”
“It’s called The End Garage and it’s two streets north of Main Street. It’s easy to get to.”
“I know it,” said Ken. “Let’s go.” They stood up and Bob shook Tim’s hands before leaving. “Thanks for looking after us.”
Charles welcomed them as they walked into the office. “Hello. Welcome to The End Garage. Tim says you want to rent a van. I’ll show you what we have.”
He took them to the yard at the back of the garage and pointed to the rear.
“At the moment we only have these, one small and two big. What size are you interested in?”
“The small one looks big enough. What do you think Ken?”
“I think that’ll be fine. At least for a couple of months. After that we might need one of the bigger ones. How many sets do you think it would hold Bob?”
“Seven to eight hundred probably. How much does it cost Charles?”
“How long do you want it for? It’s cheaper the longer you keep it.”
“How much for one month and for two months?”
“After one month the rent is always the same unless you rent for a year. It costs £212.50 a month. That includes the insurance. The petrol tank will be full when you get it and you have to return it full otherwise you’ll have to pay for the petrol we add.”
“What if something goes wrong with it? Or if it needs oil?”
“It’s not likely to need oil or go wrong but if that happens you call me and we’ll find a replacement for you.”
“Okay,” said Bob. “We’ll take it. Can we take it now?”
“Of course, once the paperwork’s done.”
They returned to Charles’ office. Ken used his credit card to pay for a two-month rental. Charles was very surprised when he saw Bob’s driving licence.
“Don’t tell me this is the first vehicle you’ve driven.”
“Yes it is, apart from Peter’s car, the one I took my lessons in.”
“My God! Well, it’s done now. Don’t you dare have an accident or everyone will think me a fool. To rent a nearly-new van to a beginner!”
“You needn’t worry Charles. The examiner told me I was an excellent driver. And Peter, Tim’s son, you know him? He thinks the same.”
“Let’s hope they’re both right Bob. But I’m not too worried, the insurance will look after me. Just don’t get into an accident, there’s not much protection in the van except for the seat belts.”
“I’ll be careful.”
Fifteen minutes later Bob was sitting in the drivers seat looking at the switches and levers. The car had standard shift and the light switches and heater controls were in the same position as they were in Peter’s car. Only the hand brake was different. Two minutes later he was following Ken back to the main road and then on the road to Small End.
They drove to Joe’s farm and parked side-by-side next to the side door. Someone was hammering as they entered. Jack and John were nailing the sanding-booth’s window frame to the uprights.
The place seemed smaller once again, reduced in size by the paint shops which extended twelve-feet from the back wall. However the open area, where the work benches would be, was still about four times bigger than Bob’s workshop. They walked around the shop looking at everything. The doors of the office, waiting room, paint shops and sanding booths had been fitted and some of the windows. John had gyprocked the ceiling of the office and waiting room but the joints had not been taped.
“Wot d’you think?” asked Jack.
“It looks great Jack. It’s beco
ming just like I imagined,” said Ken.
Joe and Jane walked in at that moment.
“We saw you drive in. So you have passed your driving test Bob. Congratulations!” said Joe.
“Hi Joe, Jane. Yes, I did. Thanks. What happened to you? We expected to see you yesterday. Was anything wrong?”
“Oh no. Howard phoned on Monday evening and wanted us to celebrate their engagement. His girl friend, Shirley. works for the same company. She’s also a chartered accountant and the contract they were working on finished last week. They were going to come here but, instead, asked us to go to see them so that they could show us the apartment they’ve just rented.”
“What’s Shirley like Jane?” asked Bob.
“I like her. She’s warm and speaks well. Although you’d expect that, I suppose, since it’s probably one of the criteria used when hiring people for the firm.”
“She is a nice girl,” said Joe, “and I’m sure they’ll be very happy. I also liked the apartment. It’s downtown. They can walk to work or to the shops and there are many restaurants and pubs nearby. It’s just the kind of place I’d like to have lived in when I was in my twenties but I had to run the farm.”
“What do you think about your milking parlour now Joe?” asked Ken.
“You’ve certainly changed it. I would never have recognised it if I just saw a picture of the inside.”
Bob showed Joe and Jane around, explaining what the rooms were for. Ken talked to Jack about the position of the electrical sockets and they marked the locations with a felt-tip.
As they were leaving Jack told Bob that Rose has none of his toys left. “She’d like two of each.”
“I’ll bring them tomorrow Jack.”
Bob waited until Ken had left then he drove the van to the station’s parking lot and parked it next to his house. He didn’t like leaving it there because teenagers sometimes used the lot after the pubs had closed and he didn’t want to risk anyone damaging it but he didn’t have anywhere else to put it except on the road. ‘I’ll have to make a place for it in the front garden. Oh, look at the time. I’d better hurry or I’ll be late.’ He washed, changed his clothes and hurried down to the Crown. It was 6:45 and he was ready to eat and decided to order. Peter wouldn’t mind because he would have had his supper. He glanced at the menu and asked Len for a pint and the shepherd’s pie. His corner was taken so he used the small table on the other side of the fire. Five minutes later Mildred brought him his supper.
“You’ll be glad when Nancy returns I bet,” Bob joked.
“I certainly will although it’s not been too bad so far. It’s the weekends, that’s when we need help.”
“You can’t find a temporary helper?”
“We’ve tried but no one wants to work the times we most need them. We might find someone when there are more people in the village.”
Bob dug into his pie and had eaten half of it when Peter walked in.
“I’m here Peter. Get yourself a drink and anything else you’d like. I have told Len to put it on my bill.” Peter collected a pint and a bag of salted nuts and joined Bob.
“First, a drink to celebrate. Thank you for your excellent instruction, Peter.”
“It was a pleasure. Thanks for being an excellent learner Bob.” They laughed, took a drink and Bob returned to his dinner.
“How’re the children?”
“Fine. They both love school, that’s the main thing. We talked about where we would go for a holiday this year. I’d like to take them to France, they’re old enough to enjoy it. We could go on the Eurostar through the chunnel. I’d like to do that. I don’t know if we’d take the car or just book a hotel and stay in Paris.”
“I’d like to do that someday. Is it expensive to take a car?”
“Yes, if you are only going for a day or two. We’re thinking of going for two weeks so that wouldn’t be so bad. With a car we would see more of the country and hotels are cheaper once you’re out of the city.”
“Ah that reminds me, I owe you some money.”
“Here’s the invoice.” Bob looked at the total and wrote a cheque.
“Is the business paying for your lessons?”
“No. I decided to learn to drive last Christmas, though it’ll make deliveries much easier now I can drive.”
They chatted a little more then Peter said he should go.
“Let me know what holiday you choose,” called Bob, as Peter walked to the door. Bob decided not to have another drink and carried his plate and mug back to the bar. He paid the bill and told Len he’d passed his driver’s test that morning.
“That’s good news Bob. Now you’ll want to buy a car.”
“No I won’t Len. Ken and I have already hired a van for the business. I’ll be driving that. You might see me in it as I drive past, it’s white.”
“Is it a Ford or a Vauxhall?”
“I don’t know. I never thought to look!”
Bob waved goodbye and walked back to his home. ‘I guess I’m supposed to know something about cars now!’ He felt happy, not tired at all, so he had a glass of port and watched television for a while then went to bed, smiling, at nine thirty
After breakfast Bob went to the shed and collected the sets Rose wanted and returned to his kitchen to write the note for her notice board. ‘Wanted. Someone to work in the Small End Wooden Toys workshop. Apply 110 Big End Road.’ He thought that that would be enough. If they wanted more information they could ask Rose. He was putting the toys in a bag when Ken arrived.
“Hi Bob. I’m on my way to the shop. Are you ready to start work?”
“After I’ve taken this to Rose. What do you think?. Is it okay?”
“It’s short but says exactly what’s needed. Yes that’s fine. So what are you going to do today?”
“I’m going to Southampton to call on their gift shops. Do you want me to do anything before I leave?”
“No. It’s retailers we want most now.”
Bob lifted the bag, said he wouldn’t be long, then walked to Tyne’s. He resisted the temptation to use the van but looked forward to driving it later. It was nice to stretch his legs on a sunny day.
Rose read the notice then pinned it on the notice board.
“You know we charge fifty pence a week for displaying these,” she said, “but it’s free for you Bob. Jack’s been telling me about what’s going on in Joe’s milking parlour.”
“He’s doing a very good job Rose.”
“He tells me that Ken will make the toys and that you’ll look for shops to sell them. That’s a big change. Will you like that?”
“I think so. You see, I don’t really like making toys the way Ken makes them. It’s too fast for me but it is exactly what we need right now. And I do like the idea of driving around the countryside. I’ll go to Southampton today and visit the shops there.”
“I know a better way to contact shop owners and managers than visiting each one Bob. Why don’t you take a booth at our conference? You can show your sets and take names of people who are interested in selling them. Lots of suppliers do that.”
“Oh? What conference and when is it?”
“It’s the area’s Gifts and Toys’ conference and it’s on April 24th and 25th, less than two weeks from now. Here,” she fished in a drawer under the counter, “you can have this reminder. It’s in the Nextoria Hotel, just outside Bournemouth. Phone the conference manager, there’s his number, and ask if there are any booth-spaces left. Do it today. It’s certainly the best way to meet everyone. I’ll be going. And certainly Leo will go too. I don’t know about Jenny.”
“Well thanks Rose. I’ll phone them as soon as I get home.”
“Ask Jenny and Leo to write recommendations for you. I’ll write one tonight. Put them on your table and we’ll tell people how well your toys sell if any of them ask us. Everyone knows Leo because he used to be our treasurer.”
“Thanks Rose. Oh these are for you. Jack said you wanted more sets. I’ve two of each
here.”
Bob waited until Rose gave him a receipt then said goodbye and walked quickly home. He popped into the workshop and told Ken about the conference. “I’ll phone them right now and ask for a booth. I’ll tell you what they say afterwards.”
Bob tried the number only to find that it was engaged. He’d ring every five minutes until he got through. He pulled out his pad and began making a note about what he should display if he had a booth. One of each set of course. And the recommendation letters. ‘I must remember to ask Jenny and Leo for one.’ What else? Lots of business cards, and a container where interested people could leave their cards if they wanted him to call. He’d better make a small notice and to ask them to do that. What else should he have? Then the telephone rang. Bob put down his pen and picked up the phone.
“Hello.”
“Hello. It that you Bob?”
“Yes. Hello Leo. How are you? Can I do anything for you?”
“Well I need more sets and I want to talk to you about them. Can you come over today?”
“Yes I can. This afternoon, is that all right?”
“Yes. Can you bring ten of each kind?”
“Ten? Um, Yes.”
“Good. Then I’ll see you later. Bye.”
“’Bye,” said Bob. ‘That’s strange,’ he thought. ‘He didn’t sound very friendly. Has one of the sets got a problem? Or have some been returned? I wonder what’s happened.’
He tried the conference manager’s number again. This time it was answered. He told the man who he was and what they made and asked if there was a display booth they could use at the conference.
“Yes. We have room for three or four more. There’s space for a twenty-foot booth. How much room do you need? The smallest space we sell is six feet. That costs £75.”
Bob was shocked by the price. But finding just one or two retailers at the conference would save him a lot of searching. “Six feet is exactly the space we need,” he replied.
“Fine. Give me your company’s name, address and phone number. You have my address?”
“Yes.”
“Good, then I need a cheque for £75 before April 17th. If we don’t get it by then we may let the space to someone else. You know where the Nextoria Hotel is?”
“Yes.” He gave the man the details he wanted, hung up and walked to the shop. He told Ken what had happened. “They charge £75 for the space! That’s a lot of money.”
“They’re never cheap. I’ve been to lots of conferences, as a supplier in my early years and as a manager later and I know what renting a space costs. We can afford it and it’s well worth while. We have to become known in the business and this is one of the best ways to do it.’
“Well, if you say so Ken. Leo just phoned me. He wants more sets. Ten of each. The tourist trade is already under way I guess. How are the villages coming?”
“They’ll be finished tomorrow and I’ll paint the first coat. Would you do the rest?”
“Sure. Next weekend, if no one wants any before then. You know, I’m a bit worried about Leo’s call. He seemed annoyed about something. He didn’t say what but his voice seemed less friendly. I’ll try and find out why when I see him. Are you having lunch here today?”
“Yes. I’ll always do that in future.”
“Alright. I’ll put the kettle on for coffee now and give you a hand afterwards.”
He helped Ken sand the village pieces after coffee stopping for lunch at two o‘clock. They ate it in the garden, moving from their stools to two old lawn chairs that Bob kept in the garden lean-too. They were much more comfortable. As they ate they discussed the display booth.
“I can make it,” said Ken. “I’ve got some plywood that’ll make a top. The legs I’ll fit so they can be removed or folded. I’ll do it this weekend unless Mary has something planned.”
“Good. I’ll make a sign to say who we are. I’ve listed what we should put on the table. I’ll fetch it.” Bob got up and came back with the list and some biscuits. “Help yourself. Here’s the list. Can you think of anything else?”
“A large photo of our new workshop would be nice. That’s if it’s finished by then.”
“That’s a good idea, but it’ll show that we are just a small company. Wouldn’t that be a bad thing?”
“I don’t think so. Retailers are often more friendly if they think they are helping someone grow.”
“All right. Then let’s hope the shop’s ready in time,” said Bob. “You know, if they like to help small companies we should have a photo of this place too.”
“Yes, good idea, we should do that too.”
Bob added ‘photos’ to the list and said, “It’s too late to go to Southampton now. I’ll just take Leo his sets and find out what’s bothering him.”
They put the chairs back in the lean-to and Ken returned to sanding. Bob collected the sets for Leo and since the sun was still shining and the sky a bright blue decided to drive to Twinner along the coast road. Along the way he stopped by the entrance to Smuggler’s Cove and wondered how Claire was doing and how much her brief presence in his life had changed him. He smiled as he drove off; he was enjoying the change.
Leo was just completing a sale to a customer when he arrived. Bob put the bag with the toys on the counter and waited until he had finished. Leo then said, “Hello Bob. Have you got ten of each?”
“Yes Leo.”
“Then I’ll give you a receipt.” He did that then said, “Come to the back room for a minute. I’ve something to discuss with you.”
His assistant put the sets away as Leo closed the door.
“Take a seat Bob. I want to talk to you about the commission rate. It’s something that I don’t think you know about. The owners and managers of shops like ours like to help artists, people like you, for instance, sell their creations. We sell their things, usually, for a thirty or twenty-five percent commission. That’s what I did for you as did Rose and Jenny. But when manufacturers bring their stuff to us we negotiate a rate between forty and fifty percent. Now you’ve become a company I must tell you that any retailers you approach will want that rate. I do too, and I think Jenny and Rose will, although they might not tell you. You see, it’s something we quite often talk about at our meetings, what manufacturers and distributors are costing us.”
“Oh dear. I didn’t know that. Thanks for telling me Leo. What rate should I be giving you please?”
“Well I’d be satisfied with forty percent since you’re still a very small company. I think most other retailers would. What do you think?”
“I want to do what’s right Leo. I’d gladly give you forty percent. We became a company at the beginning of this month and I’ll pay you and Jenny and Rose forty percent from that time. I’m happy you told me about this.” He stood up and they shook hands.
“Thank you Bob.”
As they were about to leave the room Bob said, “Are you going to the Gifts and Toys’ conference Leo?”
“Yes indeed. I never miss it. Why? Are you going?”
“Rose told me about it and yes, I’ve booked space for a booth. She said that it’s the best way to meet retailers. She’s going to write something about selling my toys for several years and she suggested I ask you if you would do the same.”
“Yes, gladly, Bob. Sit down and I’ll write something now.”
They sat and Leo pulled out a piece of paper and wrote a note saying how easily and quickly Bob’s toys sold then signed it. “Here. This is all you’ll need. Most people know me and will know I tell the truth. I think that several will want you to supply them.”
“Thank you very much Leo. And for straightening me out about the commission rates. “
“I thought it best to tell you Bob. If you asked other people to sell at the old rate they’d be annoyed and might simply refuse. Well. I’ll see you at the conference then. Or before, perhaps. More and more people are buying wooden items these days.”
“That’s good news for both of us, isn’t it. �
�Bye Leo, and thanks again.
Bob was very glad Leo had told him about the proper rate to charge. He’d have to see Rose and Jenny and tell them what commission rate they’d give now. But what would Ken think? He’d probably calculated what their income would be and used it when planning their future. Receiving only sixty percent instead of seventy or seventy-five made a big difference, especially if they sold a hundred or more sets each month.
Bob drove the direct way back to Small End, parked the van in the station’s parking lot then walked through the back garden to the shop. He told Ken what Leo had told him and what he had agreed to do.
“I’m sorry Ken, I had to make the decision without first discussing it with you. I felt I had to do that. I thought it was important to decide right then.”
“You did the right thing Bob. You did have to decide then. I had thought earlier that we should be giving our retailers a higher rate. At the factory we only received about thirty percent because our distributor got their cut as well. Leo could have said he should receive fifty percent. I’m glad he agreed to forty and said the other owners would probably sell for that. Don’t worry. We’ll do all right as long as you find plenty of sellers. We’ll still make ten or more thousand pounds a year.”
“I won’t think about making that much until it happens Ken. You realise that when we gave them twenty five percent we’d get over five thousand pounds a hundred but now we’ll get under four?”
“I guessed it might be about that.”
“And we’ll be alright with just that?”
“Of course we will.”
“Okay. So what are you doing now?”
“Just begun painting. I’ll keep doing that until I’ve finished the first coat. I’ve also ordered two dust extractors, one for the jigs and one for the sanding booth and an exhaust fan for the paint shop. They’ll be delivered in about two weeks. I got second-hand ones and they cost £337.50. and I ordered a mop sander, which, with some extra mops of different grits, cost £55.”
“I hope we can cover all this. I’ve changed my mind about going to Southampton. It seems best to wait until I see all the retailers at the conference. Instead I’ll tell Rose the new rate then drive to Big End, tell Jenny and see if she needs any more sets. Is there anything you need from the town Ken?”
“Yes. A thousand, one inch, or shorter, needles for the dipping holders and some long, shallow, trays, about three inches wide and four foot long. Ask the paint shop man if they sell an acrylic paint suitable for dipping. If they do, ask how much it costs. And go to the lumber yard, order enough wood for two hundred of each set and ask them to deliver it to our new address, say, next Thursday. The shop should be mostly finished by then.”
“Okay,” and he made a quick note of everything. “When are you going to stop? I’d like to see how much Jack and John have done.”
“Let’s see. It’s after five. Lets go now. You can see Rose afterwards and I’ll come back to finish the painting.”
“Okay.”
So they tidied up, locked the doors and walked to Joe’s farm. There was an electrician’s van in the parking space and a man was pushing wires into a box near the door as they walked in.
“Hello Pat. Do you know Bob Barns? How are you doing?”
“Hello Mr. Barns. It’s going okay but I’ll not finish today. I’ll come back early tomorrow, it’ll take about two more hours. I hope the fluorescents are in the right place. Let me know if they’re not and I’ll move them.”
“They look about right but I won’t know for sure until the benches are in. Has the telephone man been here?”
“Yes, he came this morning. He said you should be connected sometime this afternoon and he wrote your ‘phone number on a piece of paper. It’s on the desk in the office.”
“When did Jack and John leave?”
“About an hour ago. They said that if you came in I was to tell you that next thing they’ll do is gyprock the rest of the ceiling and the stud walls. They decided to wait until I’d finished so they won’t be in until about nine tomorrow. I’ll be done by then.”
“Okay. Oh, did you wire the toilet? We need a light there.”
“Yes. That’s done.”
“Good.”
Ken and Bob went to the office and Ken picked up the phone to see if it worked. It did and they each copied down the new number then walked around the shop looking at the outlets, checking to see if there were enough to handle the current and future equipment. Ken asked Pat to install two more, one on each side of the room and marked where they should go.
“That’ll be no trouble. I’ll do it tomorrow. Okay, I’m off now,” and he put his tools in his box and headed for the door. “Leave this door unlocked tonight. I’ll be here about seven.”
“They did that as they left and Ken returned to Bob’s shop and Bob walked along to the Gift Shop.
“Hello Rose. How’re you doing?”
“Fine Bob. Business is picking up.”
“That’s good. Rose, I’ve something to tell you.”
“Is it good news or bad news?”
“Good news. I talked to Leo this afternoon and he told me that toy manufactures give retailers between forty and fifty percent of the selling price. He told me that because I’ve become a manufacturer now rather than an artist or hobbyist I should change the commission rates if I wanted to succeed. He’s agreed to take forty percent and Ken and I want to ask you if you would sell for us at that rate.”
“You don’t have to do that Bob. You’re a friend and I’m glad to sell at thirty percent.”
“Thanks’ Rose but we can’t do that. We’d feel much better if you take forty. I’ll talk to Jenny tomorrow and tell her that’s what we are going to do.”
“Well thank you Bob.”
“Leo says some retailers might ask for fifty percent though.
“Yes. I’m sure some will but you don’t have to give it to them. It’s best if everyone’s on the same rate. However the rate’s negotiable. You might give a higher rate to a retailer if he sells more than the average for instance. We all know that can happen and wouldn’t be upset if someone got more for selling two or three times more than anyone else.”
“Ah I see. I’ll have to remember that. Thanks. Well, I’m off to make my supper. Probably a stir fry tonight—shrimps, vegetables, a sauce and some rice.”
“You’d better be careful Bob or I’ll be inviting myself to a meal!”
Ken was still painting when Bob entered the workshop and asked if he could help. “Not much left Bob. I’ll finish and lock up. You go in and have a rest.”
And that’s what he did. He sat in his chair and when he heard Ken leave he got up and began to make his supper. Keeping busy stopped him from feeling lonely. He didn’t mind being alone, he just didn’t like knowing there was no one to talk to in the evenings.