Eve Farrant (nee Lisher), born 30th January 1917 at Lancing, tells of the ups and downs that she remembers when her husband was in the building industry. At this time Eve and Bernard had a son, Colin and daughter, Lynda.

'On 5th November 1960, we decided to have a bonfire party. Mr and Mrs Wrench and their family came, Reverend Hughes and son, and other friends.

I found it very hard organising this party as Bernard had just informed me that he'd had a difference with Ted Edwards, was leaving the firm and doing building work on his own. I was worried, wondering whether it would be a success. Bernard had already bought land at Angmering to build six properties, but our capital wasn't really sufficient to build more than one at a time.

Not long after this and on Bernard's leaving Edwards, Ted Harkin informed Bernard he needed more money for expansion of the ironcraft business. Of course, with just starting up on his own, it was impossible to supply this. Ted said he had another business acquaintance prepared to put up the money and asked to buy Bernard out. Although Bernard realised that the real reason was because he was no longer with Edwards and useful to provide business, Bernard had no option. So his interest in ironcraft came to an early end.

We also saw little of the Harkins socially now, although Ted's conscience made him offer a high discount on any goods Bernard purchased for his building business.

Ted came out of the plastic ceiling business, Plasco, and Ron and Bernard continued; Ron doing the organisation and drawing a salary with Bernard just sharing the profits. We ran Plasco from home (51 Manor Road, Lancing). I did the typing and bookkeeping and Ron would come into the house each morning for us to deal with necessary business.

Bernard had found property was not selling too well and without a completion on the two bungalows he had built, he couldn't commence another. He therefore applied for a job at Toynbee's in Barnham for Manager of the Building Department that they were opening. He was successful in obtaining the job and consequently needed the car all day. I would therefore take the bus when needed.

Things in the building industry soon picked up, however and property was in demand again. Bernard was able to continue with his building at Angmering. I remember going over to clean one or two of the bungalows after they were completed, a very exhausting task, especially getting the ceiling plaster off the windows.

Bernard finished the six properties at Chapelfields, obtained another site near and left Toynbees to work entirely on his own again.

Life was certainly looking very rosy for us Farrants.'