Not so much an intro more a goodbye.
This Collyhurst boy was Ken Brett, who died on the 2nd November 2005. The reason I am writing this story is because of the impact his funeral and his life’s work had, not only on me but also on all his family and friends. I can honestly say that I have never enjoyed a funeral before; but this one I did and so did all who attended. It was in fact a celebration of his life and his work. We sang “Jerusalem” and “Fanfare for the Common Man” was played. Ken would have been proud of his farewell.
Ken was born on the 22nd September 1922 to Henry and Frances Brett. He was the last addition to a family of six daughters, Ethel, Nellie, Bertha, Lillian, Gladys and Irene. Born in Hayden Street, Collyhurst during the depression. Like most people during that period the family was poor. His mother took washing in, she also used to sell ribs and cabbage that she cooked herself.
He lived in a household of firm stance on church, King and country. Kens’ sisters were strong women and could well express their beliefs and were able to Perhaps this is where he developed his commitment to the defence of his own beliefs.
Ken attended the Albert Memorial School, where he met a life long friend and fellow trade unionist Les Killian. He went to Sunday school, joined the Wolf Cubs, and later progressed to the Boy Scouts. Even when he was so young he would stick up for the other boys who were being bullied. Apart from a perforated ear drum, a ruptured appendix and various broken bones he had a relatively normal childhood.
After school he began work at Metro-Vickers in Trafford Park as an apprentice and this is where he met Hugh Scanlon and Eddie Frow, both of who made a lasting impression on Ken, being well-read and eloquent in expression. They encouraged him to join the union, which was to become his life’s work.
In the meantime he met and married my sister, Mary Almond and twelve months later Lynne their daughter was born. Ken was becoming more involved in politics and used all his spare time to organise meetings etc.
He was also pursuing his union career becoming shop steward and a convener at Ward and Goldstone where he then worked. He was also branch secretary of the Manchester 20 branch. Ken was a brilliant organiser and was adept at co-ordination of all the available manpower and resources. His skills were an invaluable help in the election of Hugh Scanlon as President of the AUEW. Mary and Lynne were not very impressed, especially with the phone ringing at all times of the day and night announcing the ballot results from each branch. I remember the election very well because I was the only one with a car. Ken and I picked up Hugh Scanlon from his home in Hulme and dropped him off at London Road Station, to start his career as President of the AUEW in London.
Ken was eventually elected as a full time union official and both he and Mary moved to London. Ken thoroughly enjoyed being at the hub of the union as Assistant General Secretary, a job he found rewarding and fulfilling. He kept that position for 18 years from 1968 to 1986. That is when he retired and moved back up north to Oldham. Even after retirement he remained politically active, starting a retired union members magazine, attending branch meetings and even helping in the election of the new President of AMICUS.
Unfortunately for Mary and their family Ken began to have TIAs or mini-strokes, which resulted in the dementia that cast a large shadow over his remaining years. Eventually it became necessary for him to receive professional medical care and after a spell in hospital was admitted to Nanty Gaer Nursing Home where he died peacefully.
That was the end of ‘The Collyhurst Boy” or was it? Knowing Ken as I do, he will be organising everything for us when we go to meet him. So be ready.
Alf Almond
