Idris Roberts was considered a mechanical genius by many who knew him.   For many years he was the manager of the Central Repair Workshop at The Steel Company of Wales, later known as British Steel.

Following early retirement with a reorganisation of the works repairs services, Idris purchased several machines from the repair shop and set a specialist repair service with his son, David, in the grounds of his home in Margam.    Highly technical work was done for the North Sea oil fields, including under water stainless steel automatic romote controlled valves.

Idris Roberts sadly passed away at the age of 87 earlier this year, now his vast collection of memorabilia is up for grabs.

Ben Rodgers Jones showing the model ship presented to the works by Harland & Wolff shipyard, Belfast, in recognition of the steelworks’ efforts and quality of production during the war years. Now it is for sale.

The huge model ship Idris acquired from the SCOW head office and the rest of his collection will be on free public view at Rogers Jones Co’s saleroom in Penarth Road, Cardiff, on Wednesday November 20 (5-7pm) Thursday November 21 (12 noon-7pm) and on the morning of the sale, which starts at 11am. For further information, please contact the auctioneer Ben Rogers Jones, telephone 02920 708125

The full story will appear in next weeks Neath Guardian website.