By Mary Park
My father, Len Courtney, joined Harris Lebus in the early thirties in the personnel Department under I think Mr Harris. He then went into the factory as a foreman and upwards to Production Manager, General Manager and Director. My mother was a nurse in the surgery under Dr O’Connor for a time. They met and married. He was with Lebus all through the war working on aircraft and also Fire Brigade and Home Guard at the factory. As children we sometimes went to the factory with him on Saturday mornings if he had to go in. Also, later we went to the HL Dinner Dances – 2/3 years running. We knew Anthony, L.S. and John Lebus quite well and sometimes went to tea with Anthony, Bunty and her children. We also used to meet them in Frinton where they stayed at the Grand Hotel for holidays. As a family we were quite close to the Stratton family.
Len showing Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh around the machine shop, 10th November, 1955.
Machine shop
Machine shop
Machine shop
Machine shop
Machine shop
Machine shop
Machine shop
Machine shop
Len Courtney receiving a Garrard watch for long service from Oliver Lebus
Hello Mary,
My father was Desmond Stratton and I remember your Dad very well and staying with you and the family when I was a teenager although I am not sure which one you are as I remember two girls – a long time ago now! I would love to hear from you.
Gill Morris nee Stratton
Hello Mary and Gill
I also remember both Len and Desmond very well. It is so nice to see the old faces again. Looking through my own wedding photos recently, I saw both of them with a glass of champagne in their hands! Both very nice gentlemen.
Peter Lebus
Hi Peter,How lovely to hear from you after all these years. Hope you and yours are well. Kindest regards from my sister Ann and I . Mary Park ( Nee Courtney )