Cowes Heritage Announces Launch Date for New J Samuel White Book
Plans have been made for a May 2007 launching of a book focusing on what it was like working for the once great Cowes and East Cowes shipyard and engineering company, J Samuel White, which during war-time employed over 3,000 people.
Called ‘Just Fifty Yards from the Floating Bridge’, the book was compiled by well known Island author Brian Greening. He has generously allowed all profits from the publication to go to Cowes Heritage, a voluntary group which staged a successful ‘White’s of Cowes’ exhibition last year and has financed the book’s printing costs. Brian had himself worked at White’s, following in the footsteps of three uncles. His term as an apprentice fitter and turner, from 1957 to the early 60s, made him well placed to seek out former employees for the book. Besides graphic reminiscences, the book contains around 100 photographs, most featuring people at work in various departments or workshops on each side of the river. The experiences recalled range from times before the 2nd World War right up to the mid-1960s when the company ceased building ships. One useful contributor phoned Brian from Melbourne, Australia. ‘Just Fifty Yards from the Floating Bridge’ is to be launched at the Community Club in Park Road, Cowes – initially created as White’s sports ground – between 4 pm and 8pm on 3rd May. For that day only, Brian will be selling signed copies at the reduced price of £10, instead of the usual price of £12.
There will be further book-signing by Brian at Newport’s County Press Shop, 10 am – 12.30 pm Saturday, 5th May. Copies of Cowes Heritage’s DVD ‘White’s of Cowes’ are still available at various Island outlets. Enquiries about any of these items should be addressed to John Groves at 14 Nodes Road, Northwood, Cowes or by phoning 01983 299221.
Cowes Heritage is a voluntary organisation which aims to promote the history of Cowes.