It’s funny how sometimes a sound or a smell can trigger a memory from the distant past, and in many cases, you can’t even identify that sound or smell, but it still reminds you of something.

And a trip down memory lane can often be a nice thing.

I have a small, framed photograph at home that I glanced at last week and it set me off. I’ll tell you why.

My father had been a small-time builder all his life and always worked with his hands. He didn’t want it any other way until he was approached by a large construction company during the early 1970s who wanted to employ him as their general manager.

The owner of the company told him he would be required to supervise the various building projects they had underway across the city. He would be well paid, wear a suit and tie, and work normal hours.

For the first time in his life, he wouldn’t have to get his hands dirty.

He knew the owner and they got on well, so he was very tempted. After considering the offer for a few days he decided to go for it.

I remember seeing him heading out to work in the early days all dressed up and he looked different. It didn’t last long though.

He didn’t feel comfortable in a suit. It wasn’t practical for him either because he was a man who liked to be........

© Evening Echo