GOOD WORK EXPERIENCE
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You may remember back in 1998 when I was invited to test drive a Leyland Daf 85CF 4x2 at BBA Friction's test track which was organised by Commercial Motor, David Rowlands and Chatfields of Leeds, the Leedsbased Leyland Dar dealer.
Well, at the beginning of 1999 I wrote to the director of sales, Clive Wilson, at Chatfields of Leeds requesting a "work experience" placement away from school for two weeks. Clive was only too happy to help.
So the weeks beginning Monday 21 June and Friday 2 July I went to Chatfields in Pudsley and was able to travel to the Barnsley and Sheffield K07 Commercials and Chatfields, visit a van auction, help in the parts department and go to collect and deliver a 45 Series Leyland Def. I also have have a test drive in a Leyland Oaf 95XF 430—watching the driver Steve Douglas getting through all 16 gears, which is not unusual for me as my dad drives a 14speed Volvo FH12 420.
I also visited the Harrogate based Leyland Daf and Brammel & Sanderson.
I would like to thank all the Chatfield team and Thamebased Daf for providing me with the Pudsey-based Chatsfields' address. My opportunity may also give other truck enthusiasts an idea when they may be given the chance too. Thank you all. Lewis Bowman,
Leeds.
PS: I would hate to see opportunities such as mine go down due to the rise in taxes and fuel costs for the UK hauliers, because many people my age are interested.