We might just have filled the vacant position of Honourary Technical Manager – another email, this time from a gentleman by the name of Keith S*****.
I believe I am possibly the last living former Poles Inspector. I worked for the post office and inspected hundreds of thousands of poles in the raw state in forests all over the UK and in Finland.
My initials KS are stamped on the base of hundreds of thousands of telegraph poles in situ now.
I also supervised the pressure creosoting of poles at various depots in the UK. There is nothing I do not know about Telegraph Poles!
I also did a spell of inspecting electricity board poles for about 6 months in the early 70’s so can advise on that aspect of poles also.
Give me the initials from the butt of a Post Office pole and I will tell you the name of the man who inspected it and accepted it on the Queen’s behalf – they all have one or two crowns stamped on the butt. One crown for a ‘light’ two crowns for a’ medium’ and three crowns for a ‘stout ‘to denote her majesty’s ownership.”
Welcome to The Telegraph Pole Appreciation Society, Keith
*Keith’s real name obscured for obscure reasons of national security.