Written by Bob Bruce and published in the September 1973 issue of the Walkern Journal
Fortunately for Walkern we have a concrete works providing job opportunities and local concrete products.
“How and When did it all start?” Well you may ask.
Oak Concrete Tru-Bloc was established in 1947 by Mr. J.E. Dearman and Sons, for the manufacture of pre-cast concrete products for the building trade. In that year Jack Dearman, working at Goff’s Oak with bricks and mortar, toyed in his mind with business ideas, bought some shares in another company.
But this was not enough. He felt the urge to do something himself. So what was it to be? Cosmetics, or concrete? Both possible business ventures at the time, he thought. Jack’s choice was concrete, and it was the start of the successful thriving business we see today.
In 1964 Mr. Dearman retired, selling the business to Matthew Holdings Ltd. This was when the present Joint Managing Director, Mr.L.W.Cash, took over with Mr. W.B. Dearman (Barry as we know him), to promote, the business turnover since then has increased six-fold, as well as the labour force, now totalling nearly 40 people.
Recently completed important contracts include: structural beams for the New Lister Hospital; pre-stressed lintels for use in Stevenage New Town housing estates; work for the National Art Gallery and for St. Thomas’ Hospital, and for the new Magistrates Court in Hertford.
Among local residents who have been with Oak Concrete for many years are Mr. S.H. Wilds (14 years’ service) and his son Melvin (7 years’ service), Mr. R. Dunz (14 years), Mr. Stanley Savage (12 years) and Mrs. M.L. Carter (17 years! – now semi-retired – topping the poll, after Barry, of course.)
Others in the village have given their sweat and toil for the company for limited periods, contributing to its building up.
Today villagers waiting at the bus stop hear no mixer turning the cement, to the accompaniment of radio music, as in days gone by. In those days the hours were 7am to 6pm, dirt and sweat being the order of the day, and part nights too for Jack, his sons and some employees, handling and wheel-barrowing the wet concrete to the moulds.
Today the modern rnachinery is adequately housed, and there is adequate handling gear – overhead cranes and other machinery – to make life easier.
Three skilled carpenters are employed making the moulds, and there is an apprentice scheme supported by the Cement and Concrete Association Training Board. A bonus is given on results. The target is components for schools, hospitals, houses. Jack Dearman did start something that thoughtful day at Goff’s Oak!
To see pictures of Oak Concrete click here