Ken was trained as an engineer before the war and so was never fazed by buying a wreck and doing it up.
The Van was an old Ford Transit diesel that he converted to petrol. This meant that it was under powered, so all the weight of the equipment plus 3 up front and as many as 4 in the back sitting on garden chairs, slowed it down to a maximum of 45 mph. At the time of owning this van in the twilight of the big band era Ken never drank alcohol. His driving was erratic never the less, and because of loose king pins on the steering the van weaved from side to side. It was considered unusual if he didn't get stopped by the police.
'Have you been drinking Sir?'
'Never touch the stuff'
'Mind if we take a look in the back'
Ken always opened the back doors. From there with the amps and speakers, music stands, etc., the police couldn't see the passengers behind all that stuff.
'I'm Ken mackintosh you know?' said Ken invariably.
Sniggers from the back.
'Are you smuggling illegals?'
'Only from fucking Yorkshire' Then added, 'Just musicians'
As we had all had a drink we were beside ourselves with laughter. 'Fair cop, officer'
'Lock him up'
The police eventually got to recognise the van and stopped it, but just for a chat, and to say that their Grandmother used to dance to him at the Palais.
