The Humer Unbeam Interesting Filling Stations Thread
Discussion
SUPER Author said:
Roseworthy. With a mention if the puffing devil. 
One of the lads involved with the Puffing Devil bought my RS2.Richard Trevethick's Puffing Devil predated Karl Benz's Patent Motorcar by 85 years!
A b
h to steer though.https://youtu.be/FEjGBgBxSNM
Mark Benson said:
Back in the 1970s my dad bought a village shop with a petrol pump, I only just remember it as 'elf and safety meant he had to remove it in 1975 (the pump was on a plinth in front of the shop and the cars would pull up on the road, which ment the hose would have the cross the footpath which was unacceptable to the men in suits apparently). Sadlers used to supply the petrol IIRC and the pump had to be wound back to zero before use.
I spoke to my dad about it recently, he said he only kept the pump on as a favour to the few people in the village who still used it and it never made any money, nor did it attract any more trade.
Seems now we'll go out of our way to save a penny a litre on fuel, then spend all that saving and more on a cup of mediocre, overpriced coffee from a machine and a Snickers bar at double RRP. Progress eh?
That's a lovely story, thanks, Mark. Several of us found pumps where the hose crossed the pavement - admittedly often with a gantry - but the practice was allowed to continue because of 'Grandad Rights.' It has always been like that. Rich Duisberg has a story where bought a Marathon bar in an old filling station. When he reached the car he realised it should have been a Snickers. He didn't eat it but put it by for posterity. I spoke to my dad about it recently, he said he only kept the pump on as a favour to the few people in the village who still used it and it never made any money, nor did it attract any more trade.
Seems now we'll go out of our way to save a penny a litre on fuel, then spend all that saving and more on a cup of mediocre, overpriced coffee from a machine and a Snickers bar at double RRP. Progress eh?
FlopperV60 said:
You have pretty much described my childhood, I spent my school holidays in the 70's and early 80's doing exactly the same. My father worked for Pump Maintenance and then Gilbarco covering the Southwest, he made a lifelong career of it eventually retiring in 2012.
Very few of the places we used to visit are still operational, there are some not far from me that would contribute nicely to this thread that have had the doors closed and become mothballed. Also when the lockdown is over I will see if Dad can dig out some old pictures that I can share.
I have only just spotted this thread and read the whole thing, absolutely brilliant thanks Dicky.
A late convert! Marvellous. Very few of the places we used to visit are still operational, there are some not far from me that would contribute nicely to this thread that have had the doors closed and become mothballed. Also when the lockdown is over I will see if Dad can dig out some old pictures that I can share.
I have only just spotted this thread and read the whole thing, absolutely brilliant thanks Dicky.
Looking forward to seeing your dad's photos Flopper.
markymarkthree said:
How many books are there now as i am going to get Mrs Marky to get them me for Christmas ?
Also if allowed a link please.
Also if allowed a link please.
Bobberoo99 said:
Sshhhhhhh, don't tell everyone!!!!!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08M8HF8FQ/ref=cm_sw_r...
Five books altogether: SE, SW, Noth, Wales and Scotland. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08M8HF8FQ/ref=cm_sw_r...
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