| AdminHistory | The haulage and removal business of A E Newens was started in about 1928, when Arthur Ernest Newens purchased a van to be driven by his wife's uncle, Walter Sheen, and operated from 31, Quilter Street, Bethnal Green, where he and his wife occupied the upper rooms. The business gradually expended and both Arthur E Newens and his wife became fully involved in operating it. By 1934 they had six furniture vans, but were obliged to take one off the road by the Road and Rail Traffic Act of 1934. They obtained five 'A' licenses for the other vehicles - four 30 cwt Luton vans and one 2 ton Luton van (Bedford).
The vans were garaged overnight in a yard in Ivimey Stree but continued to be operated from 31 Quilter Street. Most of the work was done for small furniture manufacturers, etc but removals were also undertaken. During the Second World War, the business was fully occupied, on contract to Bethnal Green Borough Council, to pick up furniture and belongings salvaged after bombing attacks; but as these ceased and manufactory and removals were at a low ebb, 2 vehicles were taken completely off the road and only two were effectively operated.
After the War, trade revived and all five vehicles were brought back on the road. However many smaller manufacturers expanded or gave up their business. as a result, those firms continuing to operate often acquired their own delivery vans and demand for the services of A E Newens fell off. Owing to the redevelopment of the yard in Ivimey Street, another yard was obtained in Northiam Street, near Victoria Park Road. Following the death of Mrs Newens in 1966, the business was sold to Mr F F Creasy and family, who subsequently operated from 506/510 London Road, West Thurrock, but still under the name of A E Newens Ltd.
For more details see B/NEW/3/4 and "The memoirs of an old East Ender" By A E Newens (2006) in Local History Library |