Wales to China To Work Tom Morgan

WHERE IT ALL BEGINS 

Farming life was tough, ingrained in his duties. The Bank balance was always a battle working Two Jobs while his Father was alive he could cope working as the Blacksmith at the local open cast coal mine helped, sadly now since his Father had died the Farm work overwhelmed him. Their rental field for Touring Caravans did help money-wise in the Summer Holiday Months was a good spot down at the CwcTrout Riverside Campsite seemed popular with the English camping Tourists, His luck of meeting Whitby tourist Alan Thompson and his Family was going to change his life he did not know it at the time their Caravan Hitch had Broken and Alan was fascinated by how quickly Tom did the Job himself after he went looking for help or some Tools Alan could fix himself for he too was a Welder Blacksmith. 

That hour cemented a good chatting working relationship Alan was home on leave from working on Oil Rigs out on the North Sea he said “I am going to work in China Tom I need Relief I will put a word into the office you're a Good Man do you fancy a change to an overseas life” he smiled at Tom

I would trust you, Tom, replied “he would jump at the chance as the Coal Mine was low paid”, Three weeks went by Tom thought no more about China or Offshore oil rigs he had read up about how tough the lifestyle offshore was, so when the letter arrived for the Job Interview in London he was in a state of shock talked it over with his Sister and Mother the money and conditions on offer were terrific it was the main factor, he could get a couple of local youngsters to help out his Mother and Sister while he was working away in China.

His Sister said don't you worry about us Tom you just do what you must, it does sound a good chance in life and see the World, his Mother was not too Happy but smiled and agreed maybe a way forward out of the Farms' money worries and his constant two jobs of hard work, The job would start if he passed a medical Mother's tears Saying goodbye not knowing when she would see him again as Tom set off to the local Train station to Paddington, Prepared with his kit bag London here I come saying fingers crossed for this Job interview, the village of Llanharan rail station was crowded with Welsh Supporters going up to London, To watch Wales rugby match against England their Carmarthen train to London was just about full, but he managed to find a seat at the window. The last Carriage good humor filled the air as Cardiff and Newport Stations put the capacity crowd to standing room only,

The uneventful journey through the English Countryside, with rain and foggy patches sliding as if licking over the fields. Creeping over those tired-looking stranded, sad faced cows, poor animals so alone standing in the gloomy green wet and boggy muddy field space. They looked so sad, wet and lost, not moving just like statues mud up to their knees.

 Rain and drizzle through Swindon Didcot, Reading. When coming into Slough, it was thick dark Fog as the Train slowed to a safe slow walking speed and crept Twelve minutes late into the end of the line Buffers at Paddington Station. He watched the outpouring of Welsh fans rushing to waiting Buses or down to the underground, eager to get going, 

Tom all Six feet Eight inches of him, Giant of a man very good-looking type of Clint Walker style frame he turned heads as he walked up the Platform to the Taxi Rank of Black Cabs with a yellow sign for Hire, as it came to his turn waiting in the Que of the Rank, He asked the people behind if they wanted to share, he was going to Stratford Place, they declined, looked at him as a weirdo for asking.

The plump driver said where to Gov, and they sped away, it was 15 minutes to Stratford Place the chatty driver meter said 4:50 Tom Gave him his last Five Pound note telling him to keep the change that's the last one he smiled good luck gov with the job interview,  He went across into Drilling Office Reception. 

The receptionist looked up at this giant who just walked in. 

Yes, her mouth was open. She had never seen a Giant before. I have an appointment to see Miss Shirley Rixon and your name Sir she asked Tom Morgan. And where or who are you from sir, very Polite Cwm Cwc Farm Brynna. She looked at him, her mouth open as if he had come from outer space where exactly was that sir near "Near Llanharan'', again she was struck with the look of" Where did you say she decided to ignore it. Please take a seat with the other men sitting in the waiting room. She just wrote From Wales, Nobody was talking as if all were strangers waiting at a dentist's or hungover it wasn't five minutes when Shirley Rixon appeared Hello Mr Morgan please follow me into her Private Glass walled window of a Room she sat behind her desk Mr Morgan you are a Big Man she was in awe of his size as everyone else did think the same in their Office he had turned heads as she started to interview him, 

Her mouth of a Goldfish wide open lips mimes a song star-struck dumb until her brain kicked in gathered her breath 

I hope you don't mind me saying you are the biggest man I have seen and a polite smile looking after the interview notes for the Position of Oil Rig Welder Blacksmith Fabrication Engineer. Multi-Tasking Role Well, Mr Morgan, she said you have all the requirements you come highly recommended From our Mr Alan Thompson I just need to explain the position, as to your duties my Co offer you the Salary and if you agree with the terms Today we will get you to the Medical center and X-ray dept, subject to you passing a fitness approval for working Offshore examination we will fly you out within seventy-two hours or three working days. 

As I discussed in my letter Tom smiles sorry I did not get that letter our dogs ate it they don't like the Postman at the farm

 Not a problem I did talk with Alan over the Phone he explained the procedures so yes I'm ready to work she smiled at his Honesty and pulled out the copy of the original offer letter, You keep this spare let him read it Tom looked over the contract at 1000 us a day all expenses paid 90 days on and 21 days off live at the Hotel near the Work in progress of China Shipyard all found No Alcohol No Phone Bills with Air Ticket anywhere within the radius of Home airport and Assignment Base. 

World's your Oyster Boyo or a fresh Gosgog Pie Tom's brain spinning with his possibilities, yes this sounds good to me. 

Shirley said if you start off now with this street map all medical appointments are on a walk-in Basis you can be back with your results and sign up, and I will book you into Hotel with the rest of the crew who pass fit ok, Medical and X-ray was now his key to the job she explained please wait few minutes and go along with another guy through the rear of the building will take you into Harley and Wimpole Street just study the map as it's a fairly long walk to The London Clinic for the medical tests 

Tom was introduced to Brian, a Scottish Materials Manager who knows the way, and off the pair went to the Test Clinic at Harley Street, Those giggles from the nursing staff when Tom stripped off, and exposed his  Chest for X-Ray, blood test urine samples, Heart Rate one hundred percent fit the Company Dr Noel Thompson was laughable Irishman, and they talked about the rugby had remarked you are in Good shape Mr Morgan as he stamped a card fit for offshore Duty. He waited for Brian who was also fully fit, as all was now over they would have lunch in the nearest Pub, 

Brian Explained to Tom, "they were lucky today. As they did not have to go anywhere else. Explaining if the Doctors want other samples or tests, talking with you his way of mental test you got your faculties about you, they send you to a string of specialists, just to make sure you fit their strict with the Medicals Tom. As long as we are back at 3 pm to Stratford Place Office" Brian said we are ok for now so relax Pal. Tom explained to Brian He had no money left after the Train Fare and Taxi Ride Brian was quick as a Flash got out of his wallet and handed him Twenty Pounds you can give it back Tonight or when our Expenses get paid don't you worry Pal company looks after you ok no complaints on that score Money wise,

Tom was gobsmacked his Bank had turned him down for a Ten Pound loan and here is a stranger just given him Twenty Pounds He explained to Brian how he hated his Bank with a Passion he had shown them the letter of Interview contract but still would not loan him just Ten Pound to Travel up for his Job Interview saying he didn't have the Job yet so No sorry not the Banks Policy to lend money on Speculation It was In a way you might abscond and their risk he had wanted to rip his head off the hate for Mervin Pryce Bank Loan Officer as he said it so condescending and made sure the whole Bank heard of Tom's predicament.

He bit his tongue and walked out knowing there was over Three hundred Pounds had been deposited waiting on clearances from other Farmers who had bought at the Market a few of his farm's sheep 

Lucky His Sister made up what he had saved and Allowed the addition of Taxi fare it was that tight waiting for checks from other Farmers to clear, but his Bank had a Mr Scrooge sitting at the desk as a Loan Manager

Brian replied Aye Tom Banks are funny places get a good one your right for life get a bad one and its strife for life so tell me where have you been working Taf '' oh well mostly around the Farm and Opencast coal Mines, I was lucky to meet a nice guy Alan Thompson and his family who helped me get this Job Brian said "I know Alan well Tom a very good guy Alan well they came down in the Caravan and stay at the field on our farm, his Daughter she the Hotel Boss of Angel in Cardiff, well when they went to leave with the Caravan the Trailer Hook snapped, and I got involved fixing it, Alan just watched and said why didn't I have job on Oil Rig as his back to back, so this is me he arranged all this I owe it to him. Brian said I hope you enjoy the challenge of its tough oil life, Pal. don't worry about money, put that stress behind, our Company will look after that side very well. We are all here to help each other. We will be ok for One year until the Drillship is ready to go to work. Sounds as if we have a two-year Contract in Africa Abidjan Ivory Coast Tom's crew change will be Las Palmas which suits me Brian said  

Brian had been working in the North Sea and had a rough time with his girlfriend and wanted a Year away, 

 They got on ok He Laughed when Tom told him about the Village Bank Manager, Tom There are No Strangers in the Oil Patch we all look out for Each other you soon find that out so no Problems Pal get used to it those other Five Guys in the waiting room all coming to China with us if they Pass Medicals we all the same Oil Rig workers Tom the guys from States say we are all called oilfield trash that binds us together he laughed. 

They were back in the office waiting room at 3 pm, handed over their Passport fitness cards and waited for Shirley who appeared with more Brown envelopes. Guys, I have you all staying at The Four Seasons Park Lane, a fantastic Hotel.

Reviewed three weeks ago with the crew of lads off The Norway Digger Drillship, they say it is one of the best hotels in London. Extraordinary service. Great concierge staff, very helpful, beautiful lobby, very good ambience, the rooms are very comfortable, and sleep quality is a Ten. Housekeeping did a fantastic job. Free limo service for short rides into the city. You can go to Harrods walking or by limo. Highly recommended and for sure will return to this... Great Spot and near to China Agents for Express Visa Services, ok Guys? 

All Single rooms all paid for soft drinks and all meals, Laundry, and Snacks, to the Company Account. Any alcohol will be to your own accounts, and Phone calls please, is this clear? I need each of you to hand over your Passports to Process your work visa into China. 

We have already sent copies to the Hotel lobby. 

I've been told we might have a delay with visa approval due to a Government Holiday in China so the company has agreed to allow you 250 Pounds a day in expenses Standby Allowances, so you would be on Active alert after the Contractual 72 hrs which means as soon as we have the visa you on a flight to China ok 2/3 hrs notice. you must be ready to go or you can lose this Job. Are we clear, You have all been screened for drugs and will undergo another China medical within 48 hours on arrival, are we also clear on this point? She looked at their faces to clear up any doubts in their minds,

Please sign for your cash, as I will sign for your passports. 

1 Brian Smart Material Manager ..............................    Sign

2 Tom Morgan Welding Blacksmith ..........................  Sign 

3 Niel Simms Mechanic Engineer  .............................. Sign

4 Holywood DC Driller ............................................... Sign

5 Tonto Robbins Derrick man ..................................... Sign

6 Tony Crockett Chief Engineer .................................. Sign

7 Dado Watkins Tool Pusher ........................................ Sign 

Those Seven Men of Wanderers of the Oil Patch World 

Also, Co have paid for Free Drinks at 7 pm tonight to take some photos for our Company Magazine at the Lobby Amaranto Bar with some free snacks, we plan a photo shoot at 7 30pm with a Senior London Office staff wish you all a safe trip departure new crew to China, so look smart guys you're being advertised in the USA and the Drilling World Offshore Magazine, we have an Airport Bus to take you to the Hotel, and I will see you all later. Here is my card and the Office number if you have any problems. 

Please enjoy your stay and remember you're representing the Company. Brian said well 5 days at 250 per day not bad 1250 pounds Boys better save some for China, everyone smiled. And sure enough, they were soon all checked into the Four Seasons Hotel.

Huge bed, Extra King Size for comfort, first real bed that Tom fitted wow factor. He was in shock counting out his cash in the Brown Envelopes he had never seen so much in his life put a few hundred in his wallet to give Brian his Twenty Back then cleaned up and unpacked a few clothes he responded to a knock on the Door All the Guys heading down to the Bar you're coming or what? This was Dado Watkins, The Boss Tool Pusher, Tom nodded his head and followed him   

Ok, Guys Dado said this is my round what you all have to drink let's get to know who we all were Tom just had light Beer, as most guys only Hollywood Dado and Tonto, took Jack Daniel's with water, Friendly Bunch shaking everyone's hand and very good-looking crew he thought all keep fit fanatics. 

It was just coming up To 7 pm and everyone was getting on fine. Dado had a tough time with Toms's Accent as did Hollywood, and Tonto, they were from the USA Houston Texas, this was a Transfer through the London office as they were working with Brian out in the North Sea. Part of the drilling operations crew, Tony was a Geordie Newcastle Chief Eng, Neil Big Kiwi. Rig Mechanic was not as big as Tom, but they all got on fine.3 Yanks, a Scot, a Taf. Geordie, Kiwi, the China Seven Heroes of this Offshore relief crew. 

Good-looking bunch of fit young men. Soon joined again by Shirley and Six other office Girls and Men one was Co-Manager Boss Bill Rickards who signed and paid the bills, He was also from the USA and all the others were bidding contracts Engineers and London Secretaries. Everyone was really friendly and did not want to say goodbye at 9:30 as they had laughs and jokes with the Photographer who gave each of the Men his Tel Number card to call around his Family-owned Soho nightclub if they cared to visit later. Or anytime. 

Bill signed off for the Bar bills and everyone went, bidding farewell to the UK to have a safe trip to China for the magazine. So the crew went back on their own. Tom was quiet, nobody paying much attention to the big Man, taking it all in. He was still counting out his Money in his head. Had never seen so much in his life before in cash. 

Tom got up and strolled over to look at the Grand Steinway Piano, nestled in the center of the expansive lounge reception area had about Nine couples spread over a wide, well-furnished lounge area. He was looking at it and admired the Fine workmanship and sat down touching the veneer when a Voice shouted out "Play us a tune Pal" It was Scots Brian Tom shouted back am I allowed to? 

The Concierge came over and said If Sir can play, please feel free to Play Tom thinking of The Three Americans Dado his Boss played a String of Country western Numbers That ignited the lads moved over around the Piano, nobody else wanted to play, but they could sing. And the drinks flowed all around. Tom found that he just made lifelong good Friends with The guys from the USA and the rest of the crew. He had in his way broken the ice with everyone. Country Roads and I Walk the Line kept it soft style easy Piano style, finished off with a soft rhapsody the night was young and Tom had got them in the mood, 

The Decision was to find the Soho Nightclub of the Photographer's  Free Transport stops at midnight, and we gladly arrange any pickup just use this free card call any street call box just let us know where you are. 

Well, lads, Dado says we have had enough orders from everyone but I, for one, would like to see what this Soho club got to offer so my votes for going out so many of you guys coming Everyone was up for it so they all  jumped in the free limo service bus which dropped them right outside the Door Brian was the sharpest here he saw that Que of guys waiting to get in so he said hang on Lads let's call the Photographer may be a back way in, and he was spot on The Photographer came from a side alley was family to the owners in someway

With special privilege he showed them to a table Guys no rip off here it's on the House Menu on the table and the Bar prices are Fixed Beer Wines Spirits Etc the killer Punch is Champagne guys I try to make sure you all understand the Girls if they Fancy you who all work for the club get paid for only drinking Champagne we reckon You get Hour with the Lady at two hundred pounds a bottle Five glasses looking at Dado that's about 200 US Yank smiling ok we have our own Bar Exchange rates 

So lads do Enjoy the night it will get packed out by 1 am 

And it gets Free for all with lots of Freelancers Ladies of the night most are good-time heroes who don't ask for champagne but still be careful of some cunning bitches out on those wild streets of London 

Well, the Brits all had beers while the US Boys again Jack Daniel's Water or Coke. And all paid their way as the evening went on they were getting a few looks from some real good lookers Asia types and dancing on the long poles it was filling up with more females than males so they just relaxed to see what the wind blows in then out of the corner of his eye he saw Shirley Rixon and what looked like four office girls Walk they were looking for a seat

 He said to Brian and Dado guys I think we are being followed and Shirley waved her hand coming over to greet them yet again Hi Guys can we squeeze in never made it home for us girls. Laughing Transport night TGIF. 

Plenty of room so the girls all sat around amongst the Guys all laughing and joking there was no work the next morning, so this was a good late-night spot they had no Drinks so it was Dado who shouted what you like to drink two Bud lights and Rum and Cokes Shirley made a beeline sat next to Tom, 

Just about then in walked Trouble wild bunch of Football Supporters  Tom and Shirley got on the dance floor Bloody hell I fink that's Giant and Started to Take the Piss out of Toms size just keep an eye on him wait to get him his own in the Gents They were all laughing we soon knock you down to size all drunks just out for trouble  Shirley had only eyes for Tom it was obvious to the group and when Miss London walked in on Dado she was the top payroll champagne lady of the Cuban instant attraction for Dado real head turner he was hooked a 200-pound Bottle of champagne

But He didn't Bite just drooled Tom excused himself to the gents followed by The four Bravados drunks oblivious to what is on their minds while they did not see Tonto Robbins sitting with Tom  

Tonto was a lean mean fighting machine they were about to find out Tonto said nothing has Tom walked in and onto the Toilet stall has he washed his hands glanced up at the mirror to see the four guys and one had a knife out as they jumped on Tom and just as the Knife was going to play a big part in live or die Tonto cracked both the Guys legs and took another one elbow in the head, Tom, holding his dangling manhood managed to turn and get one punch off which put number 3 to sleep and Tonto simple chop and four Football supporters sprawled out and would need the services of an ambulance to take to hospital with broken legs. Tom thanked Tonto glad you were on my side he said he was part Cherokee Tonto and as quiet as a mouse they left and saw the Photographer explaining what had happened who got the bouncers to do the cleaning up but advised them they had better leave in case the Police get involved he told them to go over to the Oilman's club you be ok to give them his card and sign your Company Name now go quick I will tell your friends 

So Tonto and Tom left out the back door and walked up the street to a line of cabs waiting outside the club. A Rastafarian driver asked him if he knew where the oil man's club was and sure they went before the police and ambulance started to question the four battered guys. 

When they went inside the Oil Man's Club The card got them into the Bar their Company name was well respected they thought the place was kind of stuffy and all the pictures of Oil rigs all over the Walls as they climbed the stairs they were joined by all the others and of course, the girls and Dado did not pay for any champagne and she was on his arm. And Shirley knew a lot of people there and you could see she wasn't too keen on being there. The Annex side room had plenty of room and tables, so they partied in privacy there and explained what happened and why they had to leave Soho. 

The drinks came and Dado said Hey Tom, play us all a tune, there's an old Honky Tonk piano over here come to take a look don't be shy let's have our own Party right here. Well, the least I can do so he started off with a few oldies which now Shirley was drooling with the talent of this Big Man and looked at the other girls wow he made this old Piano Talk  

And Dado said let's have the Jerry Lee Lewis Honky Tonk Tom and he went into Great Balls of Fire a few people started wandering in and bringing their partners and soon it was packed watching Tom's Performance Brian got up and sings like Rod Stewart then 40 minutes Tom Brian Dado Hollywood all had talent they're country-western songs Played like Possessed cheers from all and drinks stacked up they had a real good time and Tom took his Bow and Questions of who he worked for, and he was given business cards galore as were all the other guys, they were told use the club whenever you're in Town guys Dado managed to rescue him come on let's get back to the hotel nightcaps everyone.

The Hotel was quiet and the bar area was still open to guests it was quickly brought into life as joining the hotel came to another few ladies who were friends of Miss London Champagne who soon hooked up with the unattached Guys so it was 7 guys for 7 ladies three of which were High-class Hookers looking to score big and fitted right into the Americans' idea of action. Then out-of-the-blue Shirley took a call and had to rush off with two of her pals and promised to be back Tomorrow and she gave Tom a great big kiss thanks Tom you were great and thanks for Good time see you Tomorrow for a show I will call bye bye, 

So it was time to hit the sack and all alone showed and jumped into Bed reflections on what a night this had been He was very lucky that the Two hookers had not caught sight of his Room  Keys as they tried to sell to the Americans who played them the same way they walked off in a huff while Dado miss London champagne stayed with him for the time that he was there. And he never paid for any champagne.

Brian was hooked to the Office Girl whom he knew from before and Neil Kiwi so they were all happy

Chief Tony was quietly sitting there at breakfast and said sit here Tom. It was about 8 am with a few people about but none of the others just those they got on fine Tony said I just talked with his Wife she will be joining us today for the remainder of our few days, 

Well Tom Suggested that Shirley call She said she was getting tickets for a show. I ask a few more we can all go and Tony aye ok let's see what time she gets here from Newcastle! I have a feeling to be here a week yet Tom The Chinese holidays have just started off for two weeks so everything is closed over there that's the way I see it Plan for a week of Rest 

It was Saturday busy with those Trains She did try to fly but flights are booked full up let's play it as it comes Tom

Tom had thought about the Match England V Wales And Told Tony that's where he wanted to be Got to watch. 

So back in his room Papers and sites help from the Concierge desk he just asked for any chance tickets for the England-Wales Game Let me check twenty minutes later I called you back and as luck happened Shirley called Surprise who is this she said sounds like my Boss laughing Tom replied.

Well, we have box seats at Twickenham our Bill Richardson has not a clue how the games are played So if any of the guys want free food and wine watching the Game live and I have to be there for the Company we can get about 20 into a seated box ok let me know call this Number just get reception to ring around for you She was helpful ok Tonto Hollywood Dado Brian and Neil all wanted to Go Tony had to wait for his Wife. 

He called Shirley 6 of us ok to be around at 1 pm ok That's Early Tom said Kick off not till 3 pm That's why it's called Hospitality Tom Lunch and a few drinks Talk Business maybe ok oh I see yep I will tell everyone

And they all pile into Minivan to Twickenham HQ  There in this Box Tom was in his cocoon-like dream come true looking out over halfway line Bill Richardson Came in of course with Dado and Two others he had American Buddies and a few new faces who were at the Party last night quickly shaking Toms Hand and Everyone's else Bill said you guys know each other they said what great Time they had Last night. Bill was pleased to hear this and later said to Dado those Guys all work for ConocoPhillips, that's who the Drillship going to work for those guys are so good. Food was an excellent wine and any amount just kept coming a great Time and Wales Won The Day, so Tom was dying to scream his Lungs out but thought better of it in the present company and Shirley and her two Office mates were taking business cards and making introductions for Bill and Tom said that Tony's wife was on her way and thought she might have an idea about tickets for shows. 

So yes, I got Eight for the LES