IT is with interest that I follow your articles about Bert Batty in his new career of author and poet.

It may interest you to know that I must be the only one left of his workforce pre-1939.

I started in his employ at the age of 15, supposedly as a bricklayer's improver, but for 5/- (25p) per week, I learned how to mix mortar, carry bricks and to make the best cans of tea over smoky fires.

But as all good things come to an end and so did my contribution to the building of brick walls for B Batty Bldg Contractor. For as a boy soldier at the Redditch RA, I was called up at the start of the war at the princely sum of 7/- (35p) per week.

There is no telling what I might have done if I hadn't been called, for the rationing of tea would have sadly reduced my main occupation in the building trade.

I congratulate Mr Batty on his 95th birthday and wish him all the luck with his writing.

RG HARBON

Slimbridge Close

Crabbs Cross