Frank Shilling

Name:  Frank Shilling

Age:  65

Live:  Bermondsey

Place of birth:  Rochester, Kent

Job on the river:  After completing his national service in 1960 he became a docker at the Surrey Commercial Docks. He later worked at Tilbury Docks.

Strongest memory:  Frank was a member of the National Port Shop Stewards Committee, an unofficial organisation established by the rank and file dockers in opposition to the official trade union representatives. They played a leading role in the labour disputes in the Port of London during the 1960s and 1970s.

Feelings about dock closure and regeneration:  The wharves have all closed and been transformed into luxury apartments and shops. The riverside community that Frank knew has completely changed.