Poikey:
That sounds about right. The yard in Bedford was shared at one time with Buckdales whilst a previous occupant was the GPO ( I think ) as a vehicle workshop. Opposite was/is Greeenhow and Wrights builders merchant.
You’re both right, the old man was a bit of an eccentric, I remember he staged a protest in town, forget what it was about but I think someone owed him money but couldn’t swear to that. He had quite a nice roller he drove around in.