Chauffeurs work

My father never knew when he'd be needed. He could come in and five minutes later he could be summoned. He would start to change in to his working clothes, and then that would get another call. He was literally at their beck-and-call. There was no set routine. She might say to him tomorrow we're going such-and-such a place, but you know, he was just there to do their bidding.
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And he [Robert Montgomery, the chauffeur] would probably sit in the kitchen of (the house they were visiting), with the rest of the servants while she was there. He probably had to sit and wait. He wouldn't just drop her [Mrs Cuninghame] off, and come back.
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Dad often took them to visit Sir Robert McLean in Houston (he was chairman of Stoddart's Carpets in Glenpatrick Rd in Elderslie) and also to the Lord Lieutenent of Renfrewshire's house which I think was in Wemyss Bay. There was also Haggart Spiers at Houston house. Dad also went up to Glasgow's Central station to pick up guests but I don't know who they were.
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After we left, a Mr Walker took over Dad's job. The lawyer told Dad when he was leaving that he was being a bit hasty and should stay on, and I believe that when Alison died that Mr Walker received £3,000 from her will - a lot of money then!!!
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The car was dad's domain, and he had to help them in and out of the car, wrap the car rug over their knees in the cold weather, make sure that the drinks cabinet in it was stocked, glasses were spotless etc. He had every part of that car polished and gleaming.
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[When Dad was dropping off Alison and Laura] he would ring the bell for Mr Bowie the butler and would go back to the car to open the doors. He would help both of them out and accompany them to the door where by this time the butler and the other staff took over.
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The Austin was sold for £75 to Andrew Herron who was the minister of Houston Church.
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Hello, I'm Michael Hopcroft.

I grew up in Craigends (1982-2001).

Please get in touch if you have any memories, stories or photos of Craigends that you'd be willing to share.

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