The life and times of a Grimsby marine engine fitter, told in prose and song. My father John Evardson was the grandson of Latvian immigrants who came to the east coast of England in the late nineteenth century to work in the burgeoning fishing trade. They settled in the growing port of Grimsby, which soon vied with Hull to become the world's leading fishing town. Growing up close to the docks in the poor West Marsh district, Dad was destined to work in the town's foremost industry, his choice of speciality being engineering. This is the story of his childhood and working life as a master tradesman fitter, and although the work was exacting and pressurised, it's clear there was also time for fun. Childhood escapades, workplace practical jokes, respect for the fishermen and fellow tradesmen, together with the sadness of the trade's inevitable decline - all these were fodder for songs which Dad and I gleaned from his lifetime of memories. I hope Dad's story and our songs will stand as a tribute to all those honest, hardworking men and women who helped re-build Britain in the aftermath of World War II - genuine working class heroes who deserve our gratitude and respect.