George was born in Wootton Pillinge (later renamed Stewartby) to Jesse and Ethel Dudley on 11 May 1917. Like his father, he began his working life in the brickyards as a general labourer. Over the years he carried out a variety of roles, including working in the press shed and later serving as a drawer’s “old boy,” responsible for removing the hot, newly fired bricks from the kiln chambers by wheelbarrow. It was extremely heavy work, carried out in intense heat.

His final position before retirement was as a Chargehand, overseeing the men who blocked the bricks into stacks.

George met his future wife in Stewartby Club one Christmas after he had been demobbed after WWII. Her name was Iris Ansell from Ampthill. Iris had worked driving the trams in the brickyards during the war, as there was a shortage of labour, so many women had been employed to do some of the jobs.

 

Once married the couple took lodgings in the village, as accommodation was in short supply after the war. Their first proper home was 140 Montgomery Close, then they moved to 53 Stewartby Way, which was only a few doors down from George’s parents, Jesse and Ethel.

 

George loved to join his work mates in Stewartby Club and was a well respected bowls player in Stewartby, winning many cups. On Saturday 30 May 1964 in Paddington, he had a trial to play for England; this was after he had won the County Singles Championship two years in a row.

 

George and Iris spent most of their married life living in 53 Stewartby Way. Then in March 1997 they moved into one of the bungalows at the top of the village,59 Sir Malcolm Stewart Trust Homes.

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They quickly embraced the community spirit of their new surroundings, enjoying bingo, tea parties and whist drives held in the communal hall at the heart of the retirement bungalows. A clock presented to George by the Directors of the London Brick Company, commemorating his 50 years of service to the brickmaking industry, held pride of place on their mantelpiece.