[McMurdo]

I've made contact with a few ex-employees of Sydney Bird's on facebook, to see what they made at this fascinating company who I only know from the TV tuners. Here's what people have said about car radio manufacture.

G.B. worked there 1968-74. Remembers making push-button tuning assemblies under contract, and finished car radios for Lucas.

A.D says his mother started in the 50's and they made car radios for Motorola

V.B was there in 57 and says she remembers the Motorola Car Radios

P.W says he was allowed to ride with his Dad delivering to Smith's Radiomobile on the North Circular Road.

Lots of other interesting comments a little off topic but nontheless an insight into a UK company no longer with us; such as the factory tannoy playing the radio for one hour every morning and one hour every afternoon, a reputation for decent pay and staff catering, lots of family members there some of whom spent their entire careers there.

Lord Rockingham's Eleven organist Cherry Wainer paid a visit to look at the organs.

Looking at the dates, it seems they made Motorola radios not much later than the 1950's; by the late 60's they were at the pro end, making assemblies for Marconi Radar and coastal radios to name but two.