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Why call yourself UIT, well here is why!
R. Hewett Limited, Acton
Richard John Hewett, my great grandfather started as a builder and builders' merchant in 1900, it was earlier upon investigating my family tree. However, the date that is painted on the façade of this house in Acton is possibly when he expanded the business. The workshop itself was in Acton Green, half a mile south of Acton and I was told by my great Uncle who was still alive in the early 1990s that all the tools had UIT burnt in or engraved on them. When asked about the significance of this Uncle Alfred told me that “Although Cockney was originally used to refer to East Enders, many working-class Londoners, especially those living in West and East of the city, also have this unique accent in dropping their 'h'. A hat is an 'at, while a hammer is an 'ammer and house an 'ouse, this is why Hewett becomes UIT” I loved this story and I felt compelled to continue this old tradition into my new business.
Richard J. Hewett died on 28th June 1935, leaving a family of eleven children as he lost his eldest son Edward John Vincent Hewett, Edward died on 4th September 1918 aged 18 at the Battle of Épehy in Bethune in northern France. At the time of Richards death, he lived in Creswick Road, a few streets away from the house below.
The death of its founder did not mark the end of the company, which continued trading under the leadership of Richard's two sons, Clemence Vincent Hewett, and Frank Walter Hewett. It seems R. Hewett Ltd left the Cleveland Works in Acton Green in the 1950s and moved to Britannia Way, Park Royal.
During the outcome of WW2 my grandfather Clemence Vincent Hewett signed up with the Royal Engineers to honour the loss of his brother Edward in WW1. In fact, my grandfather was officially exempt, as those in key industries and jobs such as baking, farming, medicine, and engineering and constructional work were deemed necessary for the war effort, yet he went to war to fight for this country.
My grandfather was killed at Kohima at 21.00hrs on 17th April 1944 by a Japanese sniper seven hours before the garrison got relieved by the 2nd Division, who on 14th April 1944, broke the Japanese roadblock at Zubza and reached Kohima four days later. His death is relived in the book:
NOT ORDINARY MEN-The Battle of Kohima re-assessed by John Colvin 1994.
This biopic is not a history lesson, it is a story of tradition and courage, linked to a willingness to build on traditional values laid down from my family business, which I in turn communicate onto my clients that I deal with through –
UIT Business Consultants.
