30 years ago I worked for a kitchen manufacturer called Crosby Kitchens. This job would be pivotal and shape the rest of my life. I started work there doing cost and management accounts, which was OK, I worked with some good people and had a great boss… But I knew I needed something different!
Then, out of the blue it was announced that Crosby Kitchens were investing in a completely computerised system.. Remember, this was in the 1970s and half the population still actually believed that computers were not real and were made up by Hollywood.. 
Anyway, they wanted someone to take charge and an aptitude test was set for those interested.. Naturally, that included me! The test was all logic and Mensa type puzzles. I found it quite easy and could not understand the fuss others were making of it. It was only later that I learned that the test wasn’t of intelligence or knowledge, it was just to separate people on how their brains worked. Those that found it easy would make better computer programmers. To this day I think it was a valuable test. However, I didn’t get the job!
The job of “Data Processing Manager” went to a guy who drove a fork lift truck in the warehouse. He was university educated but never achieved what he should have with his degree. This test also shaped his life path too… However..
I didn’t get the job so went back to my job in accounts. Some months later it was announced that an assistant was going to be needed, and yes, this was my moment of glory. But…
Another dramatic turn in my life was realised when I started losing weight.. rapidly - I went down to just over 7.5 stones (105 pounds) and for a guy at 21 years old and almost 6 feet tall this wasn’t great news… I was so tired and was drinking gallons of fluids each day. My work was suffering, as was everything else in my life… I had to see a doctor. I dragged myself to the surgery one evening.
“Doctor, I think I might be an alcoholic” I blurted out.. “Why do you say that?” asked the doctor, obviously probing for more information! “Well, I need to go to the pub straight from work each evening and order 2 pints on entry. The first pint is finished before the second one is even pulled!” I said.. “I see….” said the doc… “Can you pee into this now for me?” - What a stupid question! I was bursting! “Yessss!” I almost screamed at him and I proceeded to do the deed!
He dipped some strips into it and told me to sit down… “I’m afraid you’re diabetic” he said… “Dire what?” I replied in complete ignorance..
“I’m phoning for an ambulance now, you will be admitted to hospital”
“No way! I’m getting married in 8 weeks!”
“OK - You’ll be going to your funeral in less than 6 weeks - Your choice!” Sometimes words like that focus your mind instantly.. I was in trouble with an illness I knew nothing about..
I spent 2 weeks in hospital and got married on time. Had child. Got divorced some 10 years later…. Where was I? OH YES!! How did working for Crosby Kitchens change my life… Well it did just a bit!
SOOOOOOO….. 30 years later I hear that there had been a management buyout by 4 of my ex-colleagues, so I went to see what the setup was and how it was doing.. Was I impressed or what? The phoenix had risen from the ashes and Crosby was back! The most quality kitchens in the UK were up and running again! I was really pleased for them! But I also needed a new kitchen, so could they help? Well yes they could they offered me the Monet Beech range at a great price,
but then they offered me the Picasso Walnut range,
which is what I think I’ll be taking. Pictures are available of both ranges.. What great guys. It was like I’d never left, I’ll never forget my time there, and I’ll never forget the friendship and generosity given for my new kitchen!
