IN BUSINESS FOR OVER 30+ YEARS!

 

Coles is a steel fabricators situated at Steam Mill Lane, in Great Yarmouth. It has been here since
before the second world war, but has changed names a few times, from H Cole and Co. to Coles 94,
to now Coles. It has always remained a family business.
It started with engineering entrepreneur Horace Cole. Horace was married to Daisy Wilson, who came
from a well-established traveling showmans family.
Horace and Daisy had 5 children, Frank, Rueben, Arthur, Daisy and Henry.
Both Rueben and Arthur did their apprenticeships at H Cole Company. Learning what would
become very important and valuable metal working skills. Welding was at the time a newer
technology. And during the second world war, a very important one. As ships required quick repair,
to get them back out on the water again and riveting had always been the preferred method.
However, welding proved to be quicker and stronger and thoroughly helpful in the war effort. Many
engineers with their specialist skills were required to stay home from the front to help during the war.
And Great Yarmouth being a port town, with dry docks was a very hectic and important learning
experience for the young men.

 

After the war things could take a more pleasurable turn once again, and life at the seaside in Great
Yarmouth could become more fun.
Horace designed the world-famous snails and now unique Tyrolean Tubs at Joyland, on Great
Yarmouth seafront, opened by the Coles in 1949. They were built at Steam Mill Lane, by the family. It
was Daisy's background and influences that no doubt helped to inspire Horace's visions. A site called
Never Never Land in Gorleston was also operated by the Cole family, and had a seahorse ride called
Neptunes Kingdom, designed by Horace, which was later moved to Joyland. It is a fantastic
testament to Horace and his vision and engineering skills that the snails and tubs are still in
operation today. And indeed still loved by all generations.
When Horace and Daisy died, Rueben, their second oldest was running the engineering firm. He had
also taken over the running of Joyland in 1973 when Frank, his older brother had passed away.
Arthur still worked at H Cole and Company too. Along with his brothers, Arthur had other side
ventures up at Great Yarmouth seafront, though he was not involved with Joyland. Their other
various ventures were taken up by different members of the family.
In the late 1980s, Rueben passed away. He left the running of Joyland to the third generation of Coles
in his daughter Margaret, Frank's son Michael and Henry's son David.
The running of H Cole & Company was left to Arthur Grapes Cole.
Taking this on along with his other ventures, he persuaded his youngest of 5 children, Trevor to
come over into metal working. Trevor Roy Cole had trained and gained his apprenticeship in
carpentry. A field that he had loved since he was a boy.

So Trevor came to work and learn at H Cole & Company, until with 3 of the staff they took it on, as a
smaller concern, as a partnership to form Coles. In 1994.
Eventually, in 2002, Trevor went onto run the company alone. It became Coles Steel Fabricators
Limited. Trevors son Edward came along to work at the company, for both his grandad and father.
Making a fourth generation of Coles to come and work at Steam Mill Lane.
With a small dedicated team, they built up a loyal customer base. Providing quoted works, and a
great professional reputation, that still had a family feel to it.
Working up and down the country, on tasks that interested him and kept him passionate about his
work, Trevor kept going until the age of almost 70. He never retired. He talked about it, but he really
did enjoy his work, and the people he worked with. Sadly Trevor passed away unexpectedly in 2020.
Currently, Sarah Cole, Trevor's middle daughter, is keeping the company doors open. Which she
could not do without the years of knowledge and expertise of the staff at Coles. Gus who has
worked here from when it was H Cole & Company to now, and Darren since 2005. There would be no
Coles without you both. And many thanks to Michael, who we call on when we are in need. Thank
you.
And of course many thanks to our customers. Many that Trevor formed a close bond, and
that I will hope to maintain because your custom is so valued and appreciated.