Hi Reg, Another good turn-out at the Alexander Graham Bell. Thanks to all who came along and added to an excellent evening of reminiscences and fun. An especial thanks to Bob Nelson who came all the way from Norwich! Thanks for your help in advertising this, Reg. Next date to be advised.
Best wishes, Jim Cairns
Top: Gordon Walker, Jim Cairns, Ian Fruish and Jim Blair making sure that the bar doesn't fall over. Middle left: Sam McMaster, Ron Burnett, Allan Forbes, John Crosby and Gordon Walker had a fine seance. Middle right: Bob Nelson in unfamiliar serious mode Jim Blair and Malcolm Steven in the background. Bottom left: Norrie Veitch looks sceptical, while Ron Burnett looks on Bottom right: 'Look into my eyes, you are getting sleepy.' Jim Cairns shows his hypnotist skills to Al Forbes.
Hello Jim, Good to see that you hosted the creme de la creme (if I remember my Jean Brodie). Some fine fellows photographed, and I'm pleased to give them full exposure. And especially impressive to see that Bob emulated his Norfolk namesake and navigated his way back to home base. All the very best. Reg
28 April 2013 – HMSO Golf Society Centenary
Reg, HMSOldies groupies will no doubt remember my February plug for HMSO Golf Society's celebration next year of our 100th birthday, but in case anyone has forgotten the main celebration is on 3–4 August 2014 at the Thorpeness Hotel & Golf Club and comprises 18 holes of golf and the Centenary Dinner on the 3rd, overnight bed and breakfast in the Hotel, with another 18 holes on the 4th followed by an informal lunch and departure.
The time is now approaching where we will have to firm up some of the details with Thorpeness, particularly the numbers requiring overnight accommodation. With this in mind, I would be very grateful if any former members of the Society who would like to be included in the celebrations could confirm their intention to attend, preferably by email to gordongrantrobbie@hotmail.com, so that I can include them in the numbers and on my email circulation list so that I can inform them directly of further details as they become available. The 2014 charges have not yet been confirmed by Thorpeness but, by way of rough guidance, a similar package (not including lunch on the day of departure) was on offer for £109 last year.
It would be very useful if anyone who has already expressed interest informally to me or any other current Society members could also email me now so that I have definite confirmation of their continuing interest, and their current email address to add to my contact list. Thanks
Gordon Robbie Honorary Secretary, HMSO Golf Society
Hello Gordon, We will certainly be pleased to add your reminder to HMSOldies – the temptation to entitle it 'Play A Round With Robbie' is almost too great. Thorpeness is a fascinating place, set in the 1950s. Last time I was there I didn't see a soul under 60 – no children, no youths – like something out of 'The Prisoner.' Enough of my ramblings: we look forward to your photos of the event. All the best. Reg
27 April 2013 – HMSO Times Past: 1941-42
This fascinating photograph was provided by Bob Allder. The subject is Albert James Burn, who worked for HMSO briefly during WW2. Albert's grandson Raymond is a friend of Bob Allder. Raymond takes up the story:
'This photo is of my grandfather Albert James Burn. It was taken during the war on HMSO premises – about 1941/2. Previously he had his own printing business in Plaistow, in the Barking Road/Ingal Road area, employing some 30 people, but he was force to close due to nearby bombing rendering the premises unsafe. He worked at HMSO until the end of the war. During that period he and my grandmother lived with their daughter in Letchworth, and travelled daily to London. At the end of the war he decided not to reopen the business as was intended, due to the death of his youngest son Laurence, who was a POW and died in Prague on 4th April 1945. Laurence apparently was highly rated in what I think was at a printing college in London and was due to take a fellowship or a high level examination when he was called-up for military service.
Grandfather was a brilliant engineer in having made a special machine which he patented which caused a lot of interest within Heidelberg. My Grandfather is on the left in the picture. He retired to Letchworth and died in 1953 as a result of a motoring accident on his way to holiday in Wales aged 74yrs.'
A wonderful snapshot of a moment in time, reflecting the formal dress effected by office workers, and the desk furniture – stapler, glue-pots, Imperial Manual Typewriter, files and papers – that will be familiar to those of us whose office memories only go back to the 1960s. Does anyone know where this office could have been?
27 April 2013 – Sweepings from Don Warman's Floor
When Don Warman moved from London to Norwich in 1968 the Council gave him a decent flat to rent in Churchman Road, but it was completely unfurnished. Therefore Don, as a minor official of the (then) Civil Service Clerical Association, had to find somewhere to file his papers temporarily. The floor was convenient, and a good size, so he used it. Temporarily, you understand.
Last week he told me that he had been having his first clear-up since 1968 and came across an item of such historical interest that HMSOldies was the only Journal of record in which it could be entrusted. So, for the first time in over 44 years, the proceedings of the 106th Departmental Whitley Council held on 21 November 1968 can be revealed.
Chairman of the Official Side was H Pitchforth. His team comprised Messrs Donaldson, Cherns, Blundell, Dashfield, Macaulay, Norris with WJ Nairn, as Secretary. Staff Side was led by HJ Teedon, supported by Messrs Dwyer (Staff Side President), Birch and Coombs from SCS, Hunter, Hughes, McFarlane and Topham from IPCS, Raywood, Geeves, Woolford, Block and Miss RM Ryan from CSCA; Alexander and Miss Allman from CSU, with P Vivian as Secretary.
Matters discussed were:
New Press at Gateshead. Post-dispersal Whitley Council ('a local Staff Side had been set up in London under the Chairmanship of J Pearson . . . D Milford was the Accommodation Officer. Fulton Committee Report (the minutes gave a reflection of the Management-speak of the time: 'Meanwhile there was nothing to be done departmentally except for both official and staff sides to maintain a watching brief and prepare for the interesting and challenging tasks which would emerge as the various lines of action were agreed at the centre and passed to Departments for implementation. In reply to a question by the Staff Side the Chairman agreed that implementation would require suitable staff at various levels.'
There was also a Progress Report on the Joint Sub-Committee on the Computer. '. . . because of the increasing demand for Bureau facilities and the non-availability of the ICL 1907F until March 1969, the Sub-Committee was informed that an additional ICL 1904E was to be installed at Norvic House on 1 July 1968. When the ICL 1907F is commissioned at Sovereign House in March 1969, work will begin to be transferred to it from the Bunhill Row ICL 1904, which is scheduled to close down May 1969 . . . the ICL 1202 computer and its operators at Atlantic House are due for release in mid-1969 . . . the addition of a further 60 MAs, 6 SMOs and 1 HCO served as witness to the continued expansion of the Wensum/Charles House DPU. The result of CCB 'trawl' and subsequent promotion boards was an intake of 17 HEOs and 27 EOs. Approval was given for a further CEO and 3 SEO posts . . . on 16 September 1968 the Bureau was given divisional status under a director of SCEO grade. Staff Side expressed concern about the position of the 6 SMOs promoted on the basis of their suitability for Nicol writing duties. The Chairman agreed that Staff Side would be consulted when a new type of machine not already in use was introduced. Agreement was subsequently reached with Staff Side on a suitable grading (MO) for a Xerox 2400-IV copier.'
Watch this space for the next Warman clean-up – note to self to b/u April 2057.
Dear Reg, If I could prevail upon you to post the details of the Annual Lunch for HMSOldies London I would be most grateful. I nearly forgot to send you this! It is very useful being posted here, as if someone has changed their email address without letting me know, at least they can find details of the lunch on HMSOldies. Bob Allder
Hello Bob, It will be a pleasure – a good menu: I wish I could make it myself! We look forward to the photos/report. All the best, and have a good lunch. Reg
25 April 2013 – Memories of Pocock Street
John Rumball has recently uncovered this intriguing picture, taken in 1987, as he explains:
The photo depicts ingots, all standing type in 'forme' together with any case type matter just prior to being sold, thereby recovering a considerable sum – thousands of pounds – for HMSO. A number of formes were sent for display purposes, for example in reception rooms. The one in Mandela Way entrance was unfortunately pie'd and reconfigured by Bob Allder who could tell you more about it. A 'proclamation' forme is on display in John Jarrold Printing Museum, Whitefriars, Norwich.
Another story: three pallets of various wooden letter poster type were discovered in a locked room that had not been opened for years. When listed in the auction catalogue numerous graphic art colleges and individuals came to view, guessing that they could not afford them when they came on sale as it was estimated that each pallet would go for many hundreds of pounds. Ron Bent, Frank Grigson and I went down to see the three lots auctioned and were flabbergasted to see that the bidding lasted for about eight minutes with no competition, each lot going for roughly £100. We all said afterwards we wished we had put our hands up to make a bid. Presumably this historical document – ie the auction catalogue – could be viewed at the British Library, and it would probably bring back a lot of memories for anybody who worked at Pocock Street. It would be good to hear from any old Pocockians with memories of the good old days.
Regards, John
21 April 2013 – Pocock Street Memories
Greetings Reg from (earthquake damaged) Christchurch, New Zealand. Browsing the internet recently I came across your website, HMSOldies, and was most interested to read about Pocock Street Memories.
I had just arrived from Christchurch in 1961 on my OE when St Stephen’s Parliamentary Press had just opened and I obtained a job there as a hand compositor. I worked in the Vote Ship for two years doing Parliamentary Questions and Order Papers and as I remember it when Parliament was not sitting we did work for the War Office and Foreign Office Press. On my return to Christchurch I worked for a time for my previous employer and then started my own printing business 'Christchurch Printing Company'. I had the business for 25 years then with having some health issues sold it and went to work at a larger printing business – although hand compositors were long gone – I ran the art department until retirement in 2003.
I very much enjoyed my time at Pocock Street (learned the difference between rugby and football) and was able to travel around the UK and see much of the country.
Here is a photo of the 1962 Vote Ship (I am the one in the blue shirt front right).
Best regards, Bruce Galbraith
Hello Bruce, What a pleasure to read your email – thank you for making contact. We will see if someone remembers you, and others in your excellent photo. I have also copied to a few people who were around at the time. Although I joined HMSO in 1963 I didn't get to visit St Stephens until the 1970s when Dave Forbes, Eric Hendry, Andy Fisher, Cecil Pendergast worked there. Old friends McGarry and Willmott had their turns in the Cashiers – and our 1968 staff list gives the names of some Overseers that might just jog the memory: Calvert, Shurmer, Coy, Empleton, Carter, Spearing, Lucking, Jagelman, Jenkins. I'm afraid that the Press is now remodelled as a County Court building, but you will be well aware of the demise of the old HMSO due to privatisation.
A friend of mine has just returned from an extended stay New Zealand, and one of the HMSOldies team, Dave Martin, has a son working there – a lovely place by all accounts, and all the very best to you all in overcoming the ravages of nature, as we are sure you will!
I will let you know if we get any responses. Best wishes, Reg
Philip Marriage adds: What an excellent photo. I was at St Stephens at the time, though upstairs in the 'S' Department but I do remember the chappie on the left holding the parcel as Roy Hughes and next to him is Dennis Hodds (with his arms folded). Would that be a young Barry Palmer behind Bruce on the right?
Dave Burchell adds: Hi Reg. I have just been looking at the photo sent in by Bruce Galbraith. The smart figure behind Bruce is Albert 'Bert' Calvert who was production manager at Foreign Office Press in the late 70s/early 80s when I was there. I believe he is over 90 years old now and is living somewhere near Yarmouth. In my two spells at SSPP, I also remember the other names you mention – Dave Forbes, Eric Hendry, Andy Fisher, Cyril Pendergast and from the overseers, I can remember Randy Shurmer, Tim Coy, John Carter and Alf Spearing. Ken Jagelman I knew from Harrow Press. Happy days! Best wishes, Dave.
Bob Avery adds: Hello Reg, This made me look back on the piece I had written for HMSOldies in August 2009 re my early recollections of Pocock Street. As I didn’t join HMSO until December 1965 I obviously missed Bruce, however I can throw some light on the photo provided. On the far right at the back is Bert Calvert, he had moved to be the Overseer in the 'S' Department by the time I got there. Next to Bruce in the loud striped shirt is Len Hobbs, he made it to 'Clicker' on the Vote Ship when I arrived. The only other face that looks vaguely familiar is the older chap second on the left, but I can’t put a name to him now. I hope this helps and may trigger some more memories. Best wishes, Bob
Barry Palmer adds: Hi Reg, thanks for that wonderful piece of nostalgia, I often wonder what has happened to all of my old workmates. They are, from left to right irrespective of front and back: Roy Hughes, Percy Gardner (foreman on days), Derek New, next to - my brain just can't remember - Michael Lynch, Dennis Hodds (his brother worked in the pressroom and left a shooting stick on a forme on the hand-fed Miehle . . . the bang could be heard around the plant), myself Barry Palmer, Bruce Galbraith and Bert (Albert) Calvert. Bruce told me that I could get a job in New Zealand at the Stationery Office but stupidly I got married and moved to Norwich to work for Page Brothers, which is still on the North part of the Ring Road. If you are in contact with him, and if he remembers me, give him my e-mail address because it would be fantastic to hear from him.
16 April 2013 – From David Silver in Australia
Dear Reg, Thanks for the reminder. As you can guess I will not be able to attend (too far to drive!) and there is a lot of water to cross, but I will raise a glass of single malt at 1pm UK time on 12 June, and drink to the continued health of all my friends at HMSOldies.
All best wishes, David Silver
Hello David, Many thanks for your response to our invitation to The Eagle lunchtime. Good to hear that you are in good form down there, and we will certainly reciprocate in the raising of the glass. I will pass on the good word to Peter Macdonald, who possibly already has his glass ready . . . . Best wishes. Reg
Unorganised Lunchtime at The Eagle, Norwich: Wednesday 12 June 2013
If you happen to be in the area (Newmarket Road, Norwich) on 12 June you are welcome to join other ex HMSO people who might look as though they could buy you a drink – bring a friend – and an umbrella: it's Summer after all. If you want to know who might be there please contact the Editor. No minutes will be taken.
12 April 2013 – From Steve Denmark
Hello Reg, Just had a look at the video of Sovereign House. I worked at HMSO from 1985 to 1997 when privatised, mainly in St Crispins, but did spend some time in Sovereign House. I still live near the area and I am interested in the archive stuff, as I work from home, buying and selling old Football memorabilia, programmes etc. Sometimes I do look at the HMSO oldies site, to see what's been going on.
Steve Denmark
Hello Steve, Good to see you last Friday, and good luck with your memorabilia business. We may find you some customers, as many of us prefer the past to the present! Chris Richmond, who produced the Sovereign House video, has also made a master copy of a video from which we may produce hard copies for posterity – if that's the word. There is likely to be another Unorganised Reunion at The Eagle in June and I will be sure to let you know. All the best. Reg
HMSO Edinburgh Reunion: 25 April 2013
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
HMSO Edinburgh Reunion
25 April 2013
Alexander Graham Bell
7.00
All welcome!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Hoping that folk from all departments will come along and enjoy seeing old friends.
Major RA 'Bobbie' Warren was not an employee of HMSO but as Government Manager of Rank Xerox in the 1960s and thereafter he knew more HMSO – and other Departmental – staff than most. He died peacefully at home a few days short of his 93rd birthday, and is remembered in this characteristically thoughtful note from Les Birch:
Dear Reg, I was of course much saddened by the news of the passing of Bobby Warren and as usual I was hit by a flood of memories concerning him.
I think that I can rightly claim to be the oldest surviving HMSOldy to have known Bobby from the beginning of his long relationship with the Department. Some time in the early '60s Arnold Martyn and I were sent to the School of Signals at Catterick to examine a case they had submitted for their own small-offset unit.
Questions had been raised why they could not make use of our Regional Unit at Newcastle (RB9). In the late afternoon we were met at, I believe, Darlington railway station by the then Major Warren in full regalia. His military career had been blighted when his driver had taken him over a cliff in Aden, breaking either his back or neck in the process, which accounted for the characteristic stiffness which he always displayed in that area. We were whisked straight to the Commandant's quarters where we were regaled with copious draughts of gin and tonics.
We were then instructed to attend the full mess dinner that evening, despite my protests that we did not have evening suits with us. It was a splendid evening with the cadets and officers in full dress uniforms, the Corps silver fully displayed on the tables and the Royal Artillery orchestra playing in the background. After the port had circulated many times we were drawn into a roulette table operated by two cadets being returned to their units the following day as unsuitable officer material and we finally reached our quarters at about 2.30 am. Discussion about the case was necessarily brief in the morning and, surprisingly, it was approved by Arnold and myself.
It was some months later that we were invited to lunch by the then Add-Multi Government Manager (double-barrelled name which as always escapes me) where we were introduced to the newly-appointed Government Manager for Rank-Xerox, Bobby Warren. Shortly after that they launched the 914 and, as the saying goes, the rest is history. This was of course the first dry copier and as such swept the market. I think that in the first month of its life we approved all the 914s that Ranks had allocated for Government for the entire year and some frantic re-scheduling had to take place.
Bobby was of course just the perfect man for the job and his relationship not only with HMSO but with all Government departments could not have been bettered. He had his tragedies of course – the loss of his daughter by drowning in Holland was one and he once told me of an occasion in the Western Desert when he had had to shoot one of his already mortally wounded soldiers whose cries were drawing enemy fire.
I am sure that many other colleagues will be able to add their own memories of this remarkable man. One final memory is of a visit to the factory in Mitcheldene and on walking into the bar seeing an entire shelf of malt whiskies which Bobby swore had been installed just for my visit. I did not doubt him but I am sure many other visitors there enjoyed that shelf long after my visit.
We shall not see his like again.
Best wishes to you as always.
Les
Hello Les, As ever, a perfect reminiscence. Thank you. I first met Bobby when I moved from ITW to Supplies –S6b, with Tommy Taylor and many others, working to Charlie Lloyd. Bobbie got me into the intricacies of plain-paper copying and always proved to be honest, efficient, approachable and, best of all, very good company. Christopher Bindloss (his successor as Rank Xerox Government Manager) arranged for a convivial lunch for Bobbie upon his 90th birthday in 2010, and I last saw him in good form last Autumn. Of course, many of his stories included you – and John Nash, Arnold Martyn, George York and, inevitably, Stan Smith – the CRS crew.
This photo shows Bobbie, on the extreme left, at the retirement of Tug Wilson on 15 December 1982, in the company of Jack Bocquillon, Christopher Bindloss, Sid Heppell, Eric Bone, Vi Wilson, Bob Howes and George Furn. Happy days. All the very best to you Les. Reg
8 April 2013 – From Judy Pritchard Hi Reg, Mr Kemp – there's a name I've been trying to recall for a while. He was Chairman of the panel which interviewed me for my first Civil Service job. At the end of the interview he asked whether I would be interested in accepting a job if it were offered, and I politely said "No thank you." The rest, as they say is history, because I started work at HMSO about two weeks later. A curious turn of events.
I had a smile about Mike Betts' observations about life in Sovereign House in the '70s. Strange how people see things differently whilst treading the same corridors. For me, visits to the Rep unit were nothing but a chore – and I wasn't aware that skirts were that short! When I worked as a CO in Finance, I remember being advised that if I had matters of importance to discuss with certain colleagues in Supply, it was best done before lunch, and not to go in the afternoon without a chaperone. It has taken a long while to work out why. My visits to the Sovereign Club were confined to donating blood, visiting Horticultural Club shows, and attending the occasional retirement presentation. Ignorance is bliss.
Kind regards, Judy Pritchard
Hello Judy, Thank you for your fine, well-considered reminiscences. Perhaps that was Ken's secret: he only passed for employment those interviewees who turned down the job. When I was in Accommodation I mentioned to Vera Rankin that she could cut down the number of people queuing for photocopies by (how can I word this delicately?) staffing the Xerox with more mature ladies, possibly modelled on Bertie Wooster's Aunt Agatha. The queue was down to a third within a week. The names of those dirty dogs in Supplies are eagerly sought – please send under plain brown email and I will forward the usual fee. Double if any of the names are a surprise. Treble if one of the names is mine (as if). All the very best, and I will let you know when we sort out another 'Eagle' event: Eric Bone, who I saw today, is keen to see how we all have aged . . . . Reg
5 April 2013 – Ken Kemp: Establishments Man
Alan Pawsey has reported that he recently encountered one Malcolm Kemp, who turned out to be the son of Kenneth Stewart Kemp, a self-proclaimed member of 'the old school' of Civil Servants: three-piece suit, fresh flower in the buttonhole, a decent lunch-hour or two and a wisecrack (kept clean – ladies present) for every occasion.
Ken was born in Norwich in 1917 and joined the Civil Service in 1949, moving to the HEO (Recruitment) post in Establishments, Sovereign House, in 1967. He retired in 1977.
We have looked in vain for any photos of Ken among the HMSOldies archive, so we are asking if anyone out there has an appropriate picture they can scan so that we can pass on to Malcolm. It's a pity we can't ask JLAG (John) Jones, lately CWO, or Stan Thompson – or the landlord of the Cat and Fiddle where many of us met in the days before the Sovereign Club.
2 April 2013 – Boxing Clever
The Chancellor's Budget Box is routinely featured on the front pages of newspapers every March but the Ministers' Red Boxes are less obtrusive, apart perhaps from when they are seen inYes Minister and the like.
For centuries those boxes were made to order for HMSO - in my time the ordering sections were in S4, S7 and S8 - Dave Jones had the job for some time, along with briefcases and various other cartons etc.
Different times now, of course, but not forgotten, as this article in the i newspaper demonstrates:
1 April 2013 – Designers who Dine
XHMSOEPPCD may sound like a Greek Island, but in fact these photos have just reached us of the Ex HMSO Electronic Publishing Post-Christmas Dinner held in Norwich at Don Pepe, a Spanish restaurant (hence the paella being shovelled onto the Saville plate once John had opened his eyes: Dave Martin can grow a full beard telling a tale at the best of times, but when he is on his third glass of Rioja . . .). Gordon Robbie resorted to the old trick of Supergluing his hands together when the bill came round - Lynda Marshall has seen it all before – Jayne Wilkinson, as ever the feline face of innocence – Philip Marriage rehearsing his Bill Nighy impersonation – and Alan Pawsey trying to get the Chelsea result on his camera. Looks like a good night. Perhaps we could do the same for old ITWians. XHMSOITWPCD anyone? Reg
31 March 2013 – Tom McNeill to Les Birch Dear Les, Have just seen your postings on the HMSOldies website. You will not remember me, I was a lowly Printing Officer in Edinburgh when you were Director. I subsequently went on promotion to Manchester and finished my HMSO career there in 1997. After a couple of years of boredom I became a teacher in a residential college for young people with learning and behavioural problems.
I really loved my work at HMSO and felt that we contributed to the general good. Times change and I suppose we must also. I have the greatest affection for HMSO and the people who worked there. Did we make a difference? I think so. All my colleagues were focussed on best value for money for the taxpayer. Are things better now? I think not. Maybe that is a sign of being a boring old f**t.
Best Wishes, Tom McNeill
Hello Tom, Fine sentiments, which I have copied to Les. I certainly remember you in Manchester in the days of Messrs Gaskell, Tennant, Hartley, Bintley, Richardson, Horne, Blackmore, Jones, Mrs Bannister, Mrs Farr, Mrs Evans . . . Stan Robinson . . . Harry Pye . . . Arthur Burnell – too much! All the best. Reg
30 March 2013 – Tom McNeill says thanks to Fred Stubbs Fred, You probably don't remember me (Tom McNeill), but I do remember you tutoring me in Graphic Design in Edinburgh. This served me well as I went on to get a number of promotions. I retired in 1997 (well I suppose I was actually thrown out). I subsequently became a teacher and loved it. I should have done this from the start but hey ho what do we know when we are young! I hope you and your family are well.
Very best wishes, Tom.
Hello Tom. Good to hear from you. I have copied to Fred, and we'll see if anyone else out there makes contact. All the best. Reg
28 March 2013 – Some HMSO help requested Reg, I hope you are well and thanks for keeping the HMSOldies website updated. Although I was one of the young whippersnappers that saw out the end of the old HMSO and its transition as one of the last throes of the privatisation regime, there are many old faces and names that even I remember from my days in Edinburgh, Manchester and Norwich.
I was wondering if you can point me in the right direction please. As I am now living and working abroad I am pulling together the various pension schemes into an a manageable pot however the one that is proving elusive is the PCSPS. Having been in touch with various government depts, MyCSP etc they agree that I have a frozen PCSPS pension – they just don't know where it is or who's administering it!
I am hoping that you or some of the HMSOldies may be able to provide any guidance as to who or where the old PSCPS is being administered?
Many thanks for your help.
Best Regards,
James H Cruickshanks Head of Strategic Sourcing, EMEA
MWV International Sàrl, Route de Pré-Bois 20, Case Postale 1904, Tower D, Floor 2, 1215 Geneva, Switzerland www.mwv.com
Hello James, Good to hear that you are doing well – I remember you from the Edinburgh office, which the staff list tells me that you joined a mere 22 years ago! To the point: we are by no means experts on the mysteries of CS (or any other) pension schemes, but we have been able to put people on the right road on occasions – eg the HMSOldies item dated 21 November 2011 at:
More recently a response from Alan Pawsey to a similar enquiry bore fruit, and I have sent you the reference separately. I hope you get your just desserts and that they pay you enough for at least one nostalgic visit back to Rose Street! All the best. Reg
27 March 2013 – John Elderton, 85 not out
Yesterday I celebrated my 85th birthday – well, celebrated is not quite the proper adjective, because of my Parkinson's I have much loss of mobility, which can be very frustrating, but all in all I am thankful for what I have. My daughter Theresa came to visit from Australia and, apart from having to have a blood transfusion while she was visiting, had a very nice time. Margery is looking after me very well, and I could not wish for a better nurse. Hopefully with the weather getting better we can once again enjoy our garden. Having seen on television the weather in large parts of the UK I'm thankful that our weather is that little bit more enjoyable. We send our best wishes to all those people who knew us.
Regards, John Elderton and Margery Kraszewski.
Hello John, And a very happy 85th to you. Seems like only yesterday (well, only a few years) since you were S13c in St Crispins. I see that you joined HMSO in 1957, and that in 1961 you were working in Establishments Division. The staff list shows that your contemporaries included Viv Knowles, Dave Ruffles and Alan Marrs, all of whom are around the Norwich area.
A pleasure to read your optimistic note, and all the very best to you and to Margery. This picture from our archives of you both sharing a joke also includes that most elusive of elements: sunshine. Reg
27 March 2013 – Bill Ford and The Eagle
Hi Reg, Just a brief note to record my personal thanks to Viv and the Ford family for the (to me at any rate) quite unexpected and really delightful meal we were given at The Eagle. It was very good to remember Bill, who was a really good bloke, and to meet up with many folks who I haven’t seen for years. I think Michael Salt said it best a few years ago in one of those serendipity post-retirement path-crossings I’ve had from time to time. The most enduring thing about HMSO was, and still is, the value of the comradeship. Personally, I received some very happy reminders of that at The Eagle.
Very best wishes, see you soon, Eric Bone
Thank you Eric. I have copied your kind note to Vivienne Ford. Your sentiments are heartily endorsed. All the best – and, as you say, see you soon. Reg
26 March 2013 – From Harry Wheeldon Reg, Pam Flynn’s photo of the Window Poles/Roman Legionary Standards reminded me that during the 1970s the Central Computer Bureau located in the nether regions of Sovereign House was constantly having to replace missing Window Poles – subsequent investigations revealed that one of our more enterprising managers, aided and abetted by one of the 'willing to try anything once' young ladies in the Data Preparation Unit (DPU), were removing the said poles via the windows of the DPU and selling them in Wroxham as Boat Hooks.
Regards, Howard
Howard, Lovely! I bet that young lady is running a chain of shops somewhere by now – possibly selling antique typewriters and Hollerith equipment. All the best. Reg
26 March 2013 – From Paul Barnett
Went to the West Wing for drinks. Very odd but also cool. I visited Sitrep 1 - that's the room where that photo was taken of the great and the good watching the attack on the compound, seen in Zero Dark Thirty. I sat in Hilary Clinton's chair and did my best impression.
Earlier I had been in California and took up a chance for a tour on George Lucas's Skywalker ranch - great if you are a Star Wars/Indiana Jones fan like me!
I continue to earn air miles in dog years: Virgin just rewarded me for my tenth year of stupid travel. Next week I meet up with a great friend of mine in LA, we will be having drinks in a double decker bus that my tailor owns.
I guess it's a Rum Bus, some type of alcoholic mathematical shape no doubt. Somehow I am now GM of my studio, lord protect us all.
Love, Barnett
General Manager, EA Mythic. Follow me on twitter @thatbarnettbloke
Hello Paul, Good to hear that you are still mixing with the Beautiful People. Don't you ever yearn for the excitement of the old days, placing orders for Toshiba Laptops and Memorex Discs? Tumpty tumpty temps perdu, as Bertie Wooster nearly said. All the best, and try to adjust to the hard life. Reg
24 March 2013 – From Pam Flynn
Hello Reg, I was interested to read Mike Betts memories, brought back a few of my own! Here is a photo of those very window poles, I am sure you will be able to name all the folk on the steps! Kind regards, Pam.
Hello Pam. What a good picture – thank you. We will test the memory of our readers. I think I have them all named – some have changed more than others. Typically they got Caroline to do the work – pole-carrying – along with 'new boy' Mike. Unusual to see them all together outdoors: the Sovereign Club must have been taken over by blood donors that day! All the best, Reg.
On further thought – why did I think that it was M Hawtrey-Eastwood holding the pole when it was obviously D Higenbottam in the days when he had curly locks instead of manly skin on the top of his head? Apologies to both – and to their wives. Should have gone to Specsavers. Reg
24 March 2013 – Paul Radbourne writes from Sunny Cromer . . .
Hello Reg; In case people were wondering where I had got to (although I doubt any were!) I am now approaching my fiftieth birthday in a few weeks. After many years I have left the world of magazine publishing & am now "putting something back" as the Americans say, working raising money for charity all day!
Regards, Paul Radbourne
Hello Paul, Good to hear that you have moved from The Fourth Estate to be on the side of the angels – I am sure that your persuasive abilities will reap rewards from the charity concerned. I usually make it to Cromer at least once a month, and take in all five charity shops (you don't think dressing like this is achieved by accident do you?) so I'll keep an eye out for a gimlet-eyed enforcer with a collecting box in one hand and a Smith and Wesson in the other . . . All the best, Reg.
22 March 2013 – From Clive Furness
Hi Reg, Thanks for passing on my details. It was great to get a response from Mo Wickham - I hope we can exchange emails in future. Looking through some of the information circulars it was good to see the name of Denise Dukes. She looked after me in the office during my time in Atlantic House Publications Registry. I was just a teenager then, so please pass on my regards to Denise. Any of the old SO football team out there? Please get in touch. Thanks again, Clive.
Hello Clive, Good to hear that the system works! I have copied your good wishes to Denise to her grandson, Harvey, and will see if any of the old footballers make contact. In fact one – Chris Penn – has asked me to pass on his regards. I think after 40+ years some of them may have laced up their boots for good. All the best. Reg
22 March 2013 – From Mike Betts Reg, Your film of Sovereign House has prompted me into much reminiscing over a pint or two: I started at Norvic House with the advance party, working for Andy Baptie in CEPA when I was 21, and transferred to the South wing of Sovereign House when it first opened. Bill Burberry head-hunted me and I was transferred to Internal Audit in the East wing when I was 22.
I was the first person to grow rhubarb - in a large flowerpot on the window-ledge, whe everyone else was growing tomatoes. I used to have lunch in the canteen every day, and recall that mini-skirts were amazingly short! You introduced me to real ale, Alan Cole introduced me to CAMRA, Don Warman introduced me to Ballooning and the Bystanders, and I met my first girlfriends, all while in Sovereign House!
I have fond memories of the Sovereign Club, drinking ale, playing table tennis, organising the first real ale beer festival one Christmas using polypins, and giving blood! John McGarry introduced me to ‘fish supper’, a scotch with each pint of Heavy, a bottle of wine EACH with the evening meal, and Deacon Brodies Tavern!
I was a member of the DBT cricket team that regularly took on and thrashed all the other divisions. I assembled a much adored collection of pump-clips on my window pole, and thanks to you, I became a great fan of The Liberator!
We all used to enjoy going to the Rep unit and queuing up to get our photocopying done by the attractive young ladies! In one amazing year - 1975 - while working in Sovereign House, I obtained my Balloon Pilot’s Licence, was promoted to HEO, sold a house and bought a house, and got married!
And there is more, and more, and more – for this is just a quick flash into my memory bank! And then after many years working in St Crispins, I was destined to end my working days with HMSO in Sovereign House, working with you during those last few months in 1996!
Mud in yer eye for awakening so many happy memories, and I bet this note has re-kindled some for you too! Mike
Hello Mike, A fine set of memories: you bring back the good old days in an instant. And I am proud to have been instrument in putting you on the path of righteousness: beer and laptop computers – two essential ingredients for a happy retirement. I had similar experiences with JJ McGarry, and was personally schooled by those masters of etiquette JP Delaney and SR Smith. Thank you for the most welcome reminisce – many more to come, I hope. All the best. Reg
21 March 2013 – To the Ends of the Earth and Back
Well to the end of the ancient world anyway. Starting on 31 May, La Marina resident Len Allen is taking on the challenge of the Camino de Santiago. The famous pilgrimage known as “The Way” starting in Pamplona and travels all the way to Santiago a distance of approx 800km. Not satisfied with this Len is then going to continue on to Finisterre, which until Columbus discovered America was widely believed to be the end of the Earth. This will take the total distance to 900km, Len is doing this walk in aid of the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre Foundation based in Rojales.
Len who will turn 60 later in the year wanted to do something extra special for this milestone and when in Santiago last year he saw people finishing the walk and thought “this is something I could do”. His wife Ann who has been a great supporter of Easy Horse Care for many years thinks he is mad but will be on hand to give him encouragement “however I’m not doing it with him”.
Len who moved to Spain in 2000 was a seasoned marathon runner in the UK and one of his old running partners John Cripps is coming over to join in this ambitious challenge.
“I have been training since Christmas and hopefully I will be ready by mid May” Len will then have a week or so of rest ready for the off. This involves taking an overnight coach from Alicante to Pamplona and then the walk begins. Len added “I will be staying in the pilgrim hostels along the way each night and I am really looking forward to hearing the tales of the other walkers and their reasons for taking on the challenge” He is planning to walk some 40 km a day and with a few rest days to make sure he gets to the other end and expects the walk to take 23 days in total.
David from Easy Horse Care said “when we were approached by Ann about Len doing this walk I just had to meet him, I have to agree with Ann in thinking her husband is mad” he added “however I take my hat off to him and ask everyone to support him. Like Len I used to run marathons but the idea of walking 900 km in less than a month is truly a remarkable challenge and a fantastic achievement”.
Len can be sponsored by either contacting him direct on 620 180 002 or by going in to any of the Easy Horse Care charity shops in Guardamar, La Siesta, La Zenia, Montesinos or Quesada. Alternatively you can sponsor him at the rescue centre on Sundays during the open day or contact Easy Horse Care by email: admin@easyhorsecare.net
There will also be sponsorship forms in several locations around La Marina including News 4U, Sera fins & Cuts R Us.
Hello Len, Very impressive - and good to see that you haven't gone to seed in your Paradise in the Sun. We will certainly publicise your endeavours on HMSOldies, especially targeted at some of your less energetic ex-colleagues. All the best –and good luck carrying Cripps for the last few miles! Reg.
13 March 2013 – From Maureen Wickham
Hello Reg, Thanks for the email regarding 'young Clive Furness' (as I remember him!). I have emailed him and had a reply, and was surprised to read that he lives not very far from here. Amazing who the Oldies website throws up!
Incidentally, did you know that Eric Brett passed away a few weeks ago? I heard the news at my church in Aylsham, of which he was a member. There was also an obit in the EDP. I did not know him in HMSO but Bill knew him, as I think Eric was on the computer side. Amazingly, we happened to see him walking down the street in Padstow a few years ago!
I saw on the website a mention or two of Jack Payne. I wonder if he is the Jack Payne I knew in Chadderton? He was in Binding Section (P&B) with Mr Parker (we were very formal in those days and I don't think I knew his first name). I used to work in there a couple of afternoons a week when I was in 'Printing' Section there. The year would be 1962 if I remember correctly.
Best wishes, Maureen
Hello Maureen, I am pleased to hear that you have caught up with 'young Clive.' As you say, it is a constant surprise as to who we will encounter next! Sad to hear about Eric Brett. As you say, there was an obituary in the Eastern Daily Press in February:
The Staff List shows that he was born in 1925 and joined HMSO Computer Services, Norwich, as EO in 1968.
The Staff List also reveals that Jack Payne (indeed it was he) worked with FAE (Frank) Parker as TO in Manchester. Frank was born in 1912 and joined HMSO in 1934. All this is making me feel even older than my grandchildren think I am – and I am reminded of days with Alec Gravatt, Sheila Bunn, Sheila Caston, Harry Whittingham, Len Gray, Ted Combie – enough!
All the best to you and to Bill: you never know, I might see you on one of our visits to Blickling one day. By coincidence I saw another lively Aylsham resident, Eric Bone, last week.
Keep in touch. Reg
13 March 2013 - From Trevor Dearden
Thanks, Reg, for your reply. Jack Pearson I knew well: when I was promoted Supervisor in 1975 Jack was the training officer for our two-week course which was held in the basement at Cornwall House. I think Jack had been the manager at Cornwall House before then and was moved over to training. Through the years he would visit us from time to time at Alperton and Wembley Warehouses. Ken Brixey, a very likeable man: glad he was able to retire and follow his dream by moving to the south coast. Charlie Culley and Marge Todd, I worked with at Gee St. I can remember Marge celebrating her 40 years with HMSO and came round to us all offering us a sweet each. Bill Lewington was the Manager at Alperton, with Roland Ward as a supervisor. Dave Smith, Stan Scott and myself promoted to supervisors in 1975, Dave and Stan returned to Alperton, I went to Gee Street. In 1976 I moved to Wembley, Tom Kingsley was the Manager, Jack Fifield was the WS (who sadly died while on holiday in Cyprus in 1980) Vic Shimes, Les Goss, Bob Heydon and others until 1986, when Park Royal became ready, that's when the staff and management was reduced.
Thanks again Reg for giving me the chance to go down memory lane. I will check from time to time just in case anyone out there staff/management can remember those happy times.
Regards, Trevor Dearden
Hello Trevor, Thank you for your prompt and thorough response, which I am sure will stir the memories of those HMSOldies who have 'history' with the London warehouses. I keep remembering odd names: Don Treasurer, Noel Warr who worked in Gee Street, the Maybanks Waste crew at Charlton, George Warren, one of the drivers, always very helpful. And, by the way, Marge Todd joined HMSO on 26 July 1937 - suddenly I feel even older!
We will certainly let you know of any responses we receive. All the best. Reg
12 March 2013 – Trevor Dearden remembers London Warehouse Days
Hi Reg, I'm Trevor Dearden. I joined HMSO March 1973 at Alperton, Middlesex at the age of 25, then passed a panel in 1975 for Assistant Warehouse Supervisor. I moved to Gee Street in 1976, then onto Wembley 1976-82, back to Alperton until1986, then on to Park Royal until 1989, when all the London warehouses closed down, sadly. I would like to look back on staff/management on those depots if possible? Would be grateful for any help you can give me.
Many thanks and regards, Trevor Dearden
Hello Trevor, Good to hear from you. As perhaps you can tell from reading HMSOldies, we don't hear much from anyone connected with London warehouses, although Tony Gummett and Keith Batchelor are occasional correspondents.
When I was in Supplies in the 1960s, at one time working with Charlie Lloyd and later Jack Pearson, I used to deal with Alf Swann at Orsman Road. He moved to Gee Street, where Marge Todd, Noel Warr and others worked over the years. I also worked with Bill Lewington, who managed Alperton. and had several dealings with Tom Kingsley (Wembley and Park Royal), Ernie Pickering (Park Royal), Les Goss and Ken Brixey, who became CSU Secretary and retired to the South Coast. I also had dealings with Bob Courtney, John Hosford and many more at Cornwall House/Nine Elms.
I don't have anything on the current whereabouts of your old colleagues. Just to jog your memory I can give you some names of other Stores Officers based in HMSO London Warehouses in the 1980s: VG Shimes, CD Culley, JS Croy, DM Mayne, RC Ward, WC Godden, DA Smith, SC (Bert) Scott, RJ Heydon.
Let's hope that your note provokes some memories from HMSOldies readers. I don't suppose you have any photographs relevant to those days that you could scan for us? Best wishes. Reg
12 March 2013 – Brian Whitefield remembers Denise Dukes
I don't often browse the oldies site and when I do it is less to do with who has died but who is still alive. This time it was Denise Dukes who caused the surprise. Denise was one of those willing souls that HMSO cynically exploited. Apart from translating incoming mail for all and sundry when HMSO was hosting Government Printers Conferences Denise was taken along to provide interpretation services. There she rubbed shoulders with professionals who were horrified at what was expected of her as a Clerical Officer. They thought that for translation she should have been an EO and for conference work a professional grade. Management differed on that as those aspects were only minor ones additional to her normal duties.
At the second phase of dispersal she was transferred to Cornwall House possibly in some abstruse section of Publications. When Manny Goldstein in Returned Books was approaching retirement, thoroughly disillusioned and intending to slink away without ceremony Denise joined those including Len Gray and Alec Gravatt trying to persuade him that his many friends would be disappointed to see him do that. Eventually it was she who organised a very enjoyable leaving do for him in the London Unit rest room.
While in Cornwall house she ran informal language courses after hours for staff. At one time she was persuaded to do a Spanish one although knowing little of the language. I joined it for practice but, having found that Denise was keeping only one lesson in the series ahead of the class, was dragooned into taking it on.
What finally happened to her I don't know but from her present age it seems likely that she retired at the time of closure of Cornwall House.
Regards, Brian
See also 21 and 24 January and 20 February 2013
12 March 2013 – We'll always have Anglia Square . . .
Remember Rick's Place? Albert During certainly does – and he's still partying.
Please note: The URL above does not break naturally and to prevent it forcing the page too wide, a space has been added at the end of each line. When you copy and paste or type the URL to your browser, please remove or omit the space from the end of each line.
11 March 2013 – From Clive Furness
Hi Reg, I've just discovered the website – my how the years fly. I joined HMSO in 1960 and was stationed in Atlantic House where I was placed in the Publications Registry. I remember working with Sally Dyke and Daisy Draper – names to be feared as a 16 year-old in my first job, but they were lovely really. I was interested to see listed on the web site the names of the two Mo's, known as 'Big Mo' and 'Little Mo' in those days in the Registry. I wonder if they remember me? Being very into sport I was soon introduced to Eddie Truscott and Alec Gravatt, so it was football and cricket for the rest of my HMSO career. I still have my medals. Does anyone remember me from those heady days? I'd like to hear from anyone from the past. Clive
Hello Clive. One of the pleasures of HMSOldies is hearing from 'names' from the good old days. I certainly remember you, and those you mention – Peter Taylor and John Gardiner also 'enjoyed' the administrations of Ms Dyke. Peter, Eddie and Alec are no longer with us, but 'Big Mo' is still around Norwich, married to Bill Wickham (ex A4d, then CCTA). I have copied your note to some people I think may remember you, but have removed your email details (we don't want to get you unwanted attention from Viagra salesmen and Nigerian Bankers). Interested parties can make contact via the Editor.
You may have seen that you got a mention on HMSOldies in our 'Review of Retirements 1970-71' taken from old SO Reviews:
How did things go at NCR – one of our Contractors in the days of Margaret Crawley, John Butler, John Childs, John White and many more, and are you still in the London area? We will let you know if any skeletons come out of the HMSO woodwork – meanwhile, all the best. Reg
9 March 2013 – E.S.A. from Dave Pelham
Hi Reg, just a quick note to say thanks to all who offered help and support during my recent skirmish with D.W.P. I heard yesterday that they have changed their decision and put me in the support group until Jan 2015. Apparently that is the longest they can do it before it has to be reviewed again, but at least next time I will know how to approach the situation. Thanks again for your support. Dave
Hello Dave, How refreshing to receive some good news! So pleased to hear that you have obtained justice. I have copied to Alan Pawsey, who gave advice. By the way, I saw an old friend yesterday: Eric Bone was at the well-attended remembrance for Bill Ford at The Eagle. All the best. Reg
25 February 2013 – HMSO Reunion: 25 April 2013
Hi all, The next Reunion is planned for 25 April 2013, in the Alexander Graham Bell, George Street, Edinburgh, at 7pm. Please pass this on to any HMSO folks you are in touch with! Hoping for an even better turn out than last time. We had people from PP, GD, Bookshop and Supplies – it would be good to see folk from the Warehouse, Repro, the Press etc at the next one.
Cheers, Jim Cairns
Hello Jim. It is a pleasure to promote this worthy event – almost worth getting a cheap day return from Norwich to attend (if you call £ 125 cheap). All the best – and any pictures of the event will be welcome. Reg
20 February 2013 – From Geoff Lockwood
Hi Reg, A friend of mine (not ex HMSO) directed me to the video of Sovereign House as it now is, in which you appeared in a fine supporting role! I found it immensely interesting and it brought back many memories of my early days in Norwich. I noted that you lingered for a while in the room on the 3rd Floor which used to be occupied by Vote Accounting. This is where I was posted when I first came to Norwich in 1973, to work alongside Chris Randall, and all the others you mentioned in the video, plus Alan Cole, Glenys Dole, Dave Hutchings, and later, Adrienne May, Audrey Durrant and Sue Whitaker, all watched over benevolently by Edwin Woods. Looking back, what a team!
I was prompted by all this nostalgia to make an all-too-rare visit to HMSOldies, and particularly noticed the contributions from Harvey Dukes about his grandmother, Denise. I knew Denise quite well in my Pubns days at Atlantic House, both from her translating work (I was the International Exchange section for a while), and from social activities.
Harvey and other Oldies may be interested in this photo of a group from Pubns which was taken at a Shepherdess Walk Halloween Dance in (I think) 1961. Denise is the second from right in the picture, unfortunately with her back to the camera, but I can vouch that it is her. Others visible in the shot are (from right) George Macmillan, Mollie Drayton, Les Milton (almost hidden by Mollie), Margaret Wallace, Margaret's brother and his wife (not HMSO staff), Bob and Valerie Barnard (before they were married, possibly), and Josie and me, newly-wed then, but still together after 51 years. The young man with his back to us I can't identify.
If Harvey gets to see this, I hope he will pass on to Denise my warmest wishes.
Kind regards, Geoff Lockwood
Hello Geoff, Good to hear from you, and thank you for your kind words regarding the video. Regarding the excellent photo, I should have remembered myself –we had already received a copy some time ago from Bob Barnard, but we published it as having been a record of an Atlantic House event. As you can see, I have copied to Harvey, who I am sure will be pleased to see it –albeit not the best 'profile' –and pass on the good word to Denise. Thanks again, and all the best. Reg
Harvey Dukes adds: Good Morning Reg, Just walked into the office and found your email: please thank Geoff Lockwood for the picture. Its a real shame my grandmother doesn't have her face turned to the camera, although it is fascinating to see that she has colour in her hair. I'm sure this picture is one of many so its just when they pop out of the closet really so I am sure there will be more. Once again thank you for all your help Reg and I do pass all the information on to my grandmother.
Hello Harvey, Thank you for your message, which I have passed to Geoff. Good to hear that the picture was appreciated. As you say, if only we had one taken from the other side - if such exists, I hope that a reader of HMSOldies still has it, and passes it on to us.
19 February 2013 – The 1984 ‘Wake’ of Post & Trade Cornwall House
Bill Turley has unearthed a fine set of photos from The Last Days of Pompeii – sorry, Cornwall House, which will jog the memory of some HMSOldies. Before we reveal names and lists of indiscretions readers may wish to test their memories. Prize for the most correct entries is a big part in Frankie Day's next film production.
Bill Turley adds: This ‘Wake’ was devised and provided by the people in images 12 & 13: Tug Wilson, Fred Smith, Mick Ball, John Humphreys, Fred Webster, David Lintern, Ron Barbet, Brian Day, Bill Turley, Derek Reynolds and Don Martin who opted out of moving to the new Publications Centre at Nine Elms and stayed in Cornwall House to process the remaining data left behind and when this was completed, to clear the warehouse of unwanted publications. All except Don Martin were quite content to be made compulsorily redundant on satisfactory completion of these tasks.
A very welcome visitor was John Phillips (see pics 9 & 11) and you will note the Head of Sid Brooks at pic 10.
Pics 7 and 14 show Bill Turley & his wife after Max Hosford had presented them with a card bearing 70 signatures and good wishes together with a barometer inscribed HMSO 1942 – 1984.
Scattered around you will see Jim Shedden, Derek Croft, Kevin O’Connor, John Connelly, John Tassel, Bert Luke, Denis Snitter and Eddie Beagley and probably more that you know in the last two pictures.
The surplus food remaining after this celebration was distributed among those sleeping rough in Waterloo by John Humphreys.
All the pictures were scanned from very poor prints which had faded over the 29 year lapse and required digital manipulation to provide these images and consequently have suffered distortion to colours brightness and contrast – hope they bring back memories to enjoy.
15 February 2013 – Bill Ford: Edinburgh funeral and Norwich remembrance
Dear Reg, I am so very touched by people's personal responses to my letters as Dad requested me to send, clearly he was so well liked and respected.
I have sent to some people, those of course whom I have addresses for details of service/celebration but will also do this here too. I have personally written to Alan and Cecil and I intend to visit Alan very soon (in fact this is something I must organise as I am heading off to the Borders on Sunday night).
The personal service is taking place on Wednesday 27th February 2013 at 14:30 at Warriston Crematorium, Edinburgh.
I have proposed to those that I have written to, to hold a friendship gathering and have planned for this to take place on Friday 8th March 2013 at 1pm at the Eagle Public House.
If anyone wishes to provide a floral tribute – the local florist that is dealing with the flowers are Border Blooms, Kelso – 01573 223304
If anyone wishes to make a donation – I have selected the following two charities: The British Red Cross – there is a family connection – grandma volunteered and Dad regularly made financial contributions – he was very much a traditionalist. The other charity is Alzheimer's Society – Dad received such compassionate care with his own journey of Dementia that I thought it appropriate to offer the option of donating to help with further research and care for people with Dementia.
The local funeral directors are able to answer any questions that you have: Peter Taylor Funeral Directors, Unthank Road, 01603 760787.
Thank you. Viv Ford
Dear Viv. I am glad that you are getting through this difficult time. I hope to see you, and old friends, on 8 March. With best wishes. Reg
14 February 2013 – From Judy Pritchard Hi Reg, I've just been flicking through the HMSOldies pages and I'm very sad to learn of Peter Taylor's death. They were happy days on the 5th floor of Sovereign House, working with George Furn, Tug Wilson and Frank Payne - Accommodation was just across the corridor, and once I'd circumnavigated Harry Barrie there was always a warm welcome there from Peter and Robin (or was it just because I worked for the boss?). Mrs Rust was at the other end of the corridor. To my shame I recall taking a call from someone who said "Mrs Rust here" to which I replied "and I'm the Queen of Sheba", little thinking that I was speaking to the lady herself. But she repaid me at one of her legendary Christmas pre-prandial sherry parties. Somewhere in the archives is a Register of Classified Documents which records evidence of my sorry state for the rest of that day.
I enjoyed the virtual trip around Sovereign House. Strange to think of it being of historic interest, but glad that it's not been declared a listed building.
Kind regards, Judy
Hello Judy, Thank you for your happy memories. I have a similar memory of (the late) Mrs DNG Rust MBE, but mine was with gin. I saw Robin, in good form, earlier this week. I wonder where the ghosts will go when (if) Sovereign House ever falls. There's plenty of space in St. Crispins. All the best. Reg
10 February 2013 – 1950s photo featuring Bob McRobbie
Good afternoon Reg, I have only just found about this website after watching the video on Youtube about Sovereign House. It was interesting to see where both my father and my father in law worked. My dad Clive Youngs worked there for about a year after retiring from the Met Police, he worked as a messenger. I believe you knew my Father in Law Robert (Bob) McRobbie a formidable character I'm sure you'll agree!
My husband is interested in the photo that you had featuring the 1950s conference in the Isle of Man and was wondering if you have any copies of it? Look forward to hearing from you.
Sam McRobbie
Hello Sam. Excellent to hear from you! I'm sure that I would have known your father – don't suppose you have a photo you could scan to jog my memory? I certainly knew your father-in-law – firstly when he worked in Reprographic Supplies in the late 1960s with Vi Wilson, David Roberts and others, then when he worked in Britannia House, Borough – not forgetting his period as arch-scrutineer of travel and subsistence claims: if he had been in charge of the Parliamentary expenses they wouldn't have got away with a penny more than they deserved!
I have looked at the source of the Isle of Man picture to which you refer - a photo sent in by Tony Gummett (who was in charge of the Britannia House operation) of a group on the roof of Cornwall House. He refers to this further group including Bob. Unfortunately I don't have a copy, but have copied this note to Tony to see if he can locate it. Meanwhile we will see if any of our readers we can trace any further photos of Bob. Best wishes, and please keep in touch (are you in the Norwich area?). Reg
9 February 2013 – From Gordon Robbie
Dear Reg, I've just been catching up on HMSOldies/What's New and was, as ever, astonished to see how many names from the past appear there. I went back through months of information looking for my own name. Fortunately I found no mention, so I must have covered my tracks pretty well!
But to the point. It seems possible, however unlikely, that there may be some ex HMSO golfers out there who are unaware that the HMSO Golf Society is still alive and kicking and still organising four meetings a year at various courses around East Anglia. In the 2013 season we will be visiting Bungay on 3 May, Eaton on 7 June, Richmond Park on 5 July and Weston Park on 30 August. Given the steadily advancing average age of our members, we will be playing 27 holes this season instead of the 36 we have been playing in past years, with a light lunch and dinner in the evening. There will be Medal and Stableford prizes to be won on each day, and opportunities to compete for some of our various trophies, so anyone who can still swing a club will be welcome to join us. Just contact me on gordongrantrobbie@hotmail.com and let me have an email address and a phone number and I will email details of all meetings as they come up.
An added attraction is that in 2014 we will be celebrating the Society's Centenary. Our oldest trophy, the Gorin Cup, was first played for in 1914 and won by T Brimelow - you surely remember him, Reg? - but a bit of a rammy on the Continent led to the suspension of Society activity until 1919. Shortly thereafter, members subscribed to buy a trophy in memory of our first Secretary, Captain Henry Franklin of the Royal Fusiliers, who was killed in action in 1916, and the first winner of the Franklin Shield was F S S LeFevre (did HMSO employ ex-pat Frenchmen in the '20s?). Since those early formative years the Society has continued to meet regularly, interrupted only by another brouhaha among our Continental neighbours and others and, of course, dispersal. So in 2014, as well as our usual four meetings we will be holding a special Centenary meeting at Thorpeness. This will comprise 36 holes of golf over two days with a Centenary Dinner and bed and breakfast in between at the Thorpeness Hotel. The dates are 3/4 August 2014 and again we would be delighted to welcome any ex-HMSO golfers. Anyone who may have decided their swinging days are over(!) will be very welcome as a dinner guest. Obviously the Ryder Cup fades into insignificance beside this once-in-a-lifetime event.
I hope HMSOldies' editorial policy will permit publication of this blatant commercial.
Cheers, Gordon
Hello Gordon, Twice in one day - be still my beating heart! By the way, Jack Keating was the man unavoidably detained in Florida, thus missing your ET dinner. To business: I love it when I don't have to edit - and to prove how seriously I take it all, I went through the list of Superannuated Officers in the back of an old staff list to find - FSS Lefevre, d.o.b. 19 April 1890, commencement of pension 3 July 1953, 38 years of pensionable service. Stout fellow! All the best. Reg
Robert Stutely adds: Hi Reg, I do not want to dissuade Gordon Robbie from trawling through months of information. However, if he is looking for his own name he can enter it into the box below the navigation items on the left and will instantly be presented with 39 snippets where his name is mentioned. Clicking the heading to a snippet would take him to the full item in the same window or clicking the plus sign at the bottom opens the item in a new window.
7 February 2013 – From Dave Pelham
Hi Reg, Thanks for all the help offered, it is much appreciated. It is good to know that the friendship and camaraderie of HMSO still exists. There is an appeals procedure which I have started but the first step is to request a copy of the judgement so you can see what you are appealing against. You then ask them to look at it again, and if that doesn't work go to full appeal. I asked for a copy of the judgement on 24 January but have still received nothing. The time limit is officially 21 February so I am chasing DWP. I will let you know how I get on. Dave
Thanks Dave. Good to know that you are making progress. Our thoughts are with you as you tackle bureaucracy! Best wishes, and good luck. Reg
31 January 2013 – From Fred Stubbs
Hi Reg, Thanks for sending the Sovereign House video. It was a very sad thing to see. I didn't know SH very well but did go across from time to time. I remember Jack Palmer telling me that when it rained, the rain came into his office and he put up his umbrella! I wonder how Chris Richmond got permission to go inside?
When I first came to Norwich in 1978 I got involved with the Lord Mayor's Procession and worked with Bill Barker and others in a room which George Rokhar set aside for us. We met over a number of lunch times to prepare the float, which won first prize! The rosette and some other things were framed and placed in the St Crispins canteen - I wonder what happened to it?
Best wishes, Fred
Hello Fred, Thank you for your note. You asked how Chris got permission to take the video –well, he went through the 'proper channels' and was let in by Anglia Square Security. He is an established local film-maker, and I don't think they would agree to anyone wandering around in what to the unprepared could be a somewhat hazardous building. You mention the HMSO Float, which has of course featured on HMSOldies. I think that is you in the background:
Not sure what happened to the memorabilia –I'll keep an eye on eBay. All the best. Reg
28 January 2013 – From Billy Stevenson
Dear Reg, After watchingThe Daily Politics show with its doom and gloom and threats of a triple dip I logged in to HMSOldies and was cheered up by John Galley’s pictures of all those happy people. A tonic for any of us feeling down.
John always had the ability to cheer people up. I can remember his frequent trips to Belfast to oversee repair work in the aftermath of damage caused by bombs and other devices. One such occasion was the total overhaul and refit of the Arthur Street Bookshop, after it had been destroyed by an incendiary device. The work took quite a while and the Contractor employed seemed anxious to finish and go. Mr Galley, on the other hand, made sure every door hinge and dovetail was perfect before the workmen departed. But as well as his cheerful presence he always arrived with this lovely tanned leather travel case (Mulberry maybe?). He was, and still appears to be, a very happy man.
One amusing thing I remember happened while this work was in progress. The painters had to fix blue veneer panels above the bookshelves. I arrived one morning to find this chap stirring a fairly large pot of glue-potent stuff. He was taking deep breaths as he stirred. An hour or so later he was as high as a kite and those of us in close proximity weren’t far behind. Among the wares of HMSO at that time was an Environmental Health publication on the dangers of inhaling Trichloroethylene. Happy Days!
All the very best, Billy.
Hello Billy, thank you for your fine story of the days when John Galley was involved in something useful, rather than swanning around the world in search of sun. Any pictures of him looking happy over a Paddy's Pizza and Pint of Plain served by Pat Catney in 'The Kitchen' would be most welcome! All the best. Reg
25 January 2013 – From Brian Cockram
Hola, Picture from Mill Paper Group’s annual lunch at the White Horse. Adios, Brian
Hello Brian, Thank you: a very good picture of some happy diners! I note that, judging by hair colour, you must be having the most peaceful life – what do you old paper-buyers call that shade of grey?
Messrs Dougall, Sinden, Curtis, Cockram, Durkin and Mickleburgh being kept in order, as ever, by Mrs Blake.
All the best, Reg
24 January 2013 – 'Bobbie's Cottage'
David Challis' warm appreciation of David Napthine (see below: 23 Jan – The chief typographer) mentions the occasional decorations he made to the studio to mark special events like retirements or Christmas.
This was one of the most memorable, which he undertook overnight pre Christmas 1967 with the assistance of another designer Clive MacDonald, when they converted one end of the studio into 'Bobbie's Cottage', a pantomime set around the desk of Bobbie Westaway (clerical officer). It made use of HMSO Stock Cover papers – coloured paper used to brighten up publications before the widespread use of colour printing. Poor Bobbie had to sit at her desk inside the 'cottage' with the messengers delivering mail through one of the open 'windows'. The large green door led to the Studio Manager, Reg Vine's, office. Not surprisingly it caused quite a stir and attracted sightseers from all over Atlantic House, not just from HMSO. Although a number of photographs were taken this is the only one that appears to have survived.
24 January 2013 – From Geoff Sentinella
Hello Reg, Have just watched the Sovereign House video. Very mixed feelings for me because although it was uncomfortable to work in because of the high temperatures due to solar gain (on the 6th Floor) I have so many memories as I know you do as well. No mention of the Laboratory in the video apart from a fleeting glimpse of the fume cabinets on the first room on the RHS of the South wing on the sixth floor during the introductory sequence and also a mention that the First Aider Debbie Todd worked in the Laboratory. I will be so very sorry to see the old girl go because as the video said it has been part of the Norwich skyline for 50+ years or more.
You lucky person Reg, I would give my eye teeth to be able to get back inside Sovereign House again. I did manage to get back into the ground floor areas now occupied by QD when I was working as an asbestos surveyor back in 2005, but it was so frustrating as there was this impenetrable boarded up corridor with the rest of Sovereign House lying waiting beyond it. If only it were possible to do conducted tours of the interior (H&S permitting) for Sov. House alumni I feel it could be a winner.
Best wishes as ever, Geoff
Hello Geoff, Thank you for your note: I can't argue with what you say about the old place. The trouble was that I remembered the building as it was when we moved in - October 1968. Supplies on the 5th Floor, Computery on the 1st; PS on the 6th etc. Then came St Crispins, and everything turned upside down. Added to this, the systematic destruction of walls, corridors etc. made it difficult to remember what, eventually, was where. However, there was a separate item on the Xenotest Room, which you may find of interest:
If I get word that future 'organised' visits are planned I will make sure that you are informed. All the best. Reg
24 January 2013 – From Harvey Dukes Dear Oldies & Reg, You have helped me immensely. I was with my grandmother last night sorting out her dinner, and I told her what I had been doing and that she started as a trainee typist. Her eyes lit up and it all came back to her. She couldn't remember anyone apart from her boss – well, she is nearly 95. In doing so, I have information personal to her to go on, so thank you all very much.
Yours truly, Harvey Dukes Get old Gracefully : )
Dear Harvey, It has been a great pleasure to be of assistance, and speaking personally it has quite cheered me up on another freezing day in Norwich. I especially enjoyed your final words! All the very best – to you and of course to your grandmother. Reg Walker
23 January 2013 – The chief typographer
In November 1966 on my first day at HMSO Atlantic House (after the initial induction) I was escorted to the Layout section at the rear end of H floor were I was handed over to the care of the deputy head Reg Vine, he then introduced me to a Mr Napthine [see Obituaries] the chief typographer (as they shared a cramped office). David was semi buried in books and papers – I simply wondered how one achieved such an elevated status.
My next 12 years with HMSO are only remembered for occasional elaborate decoration of the studio to mark some event, which was in sharp contrast to the letter-spaced career of Mr Napthine. During much of the time I only had occasion to speak to David rarely, our paths simply did not cross, and he did not involve himself in the day to day work of the studio, being far too busy with his own design commitments. It was only later that one realised that things you had recently 'redesigned' had previously been styled by DN – and I began to wonder what he thought of us upstarts. One need hardly have worried, David was a very generous person. Much later when we did ‘chat’ he confided that he approved of some radical piece of work I had done, adding that he had once tackled the same job, but could not achieve what I had now been able to, there was much less scope in the early days of Layout.
David retired in 1975 and decisions had to be made about who would handle his rather sensitive portfolio of clients; at the same time HMSO had started the process of moving to Norwich. Some of his work could only sensibly be handled in London, and as one of a core group who had opted to remain in the metropolis I was put in charge of David's Palace of Westminster work. Subsequently I was ensconced with David while he handed over the 'work in hand' and his files (OHMS brown envelopes to be precise) all neatly annotated.
I continued to see David as he was retained on a freelance basis for specific commissions, or at Liverpool Street station, as he also lived in the wilds of Essex. In 1978 I found another job in London, and as a short-term measure David was re-engaged to handle his old portfolio and I duly handed everything back to him still in the brown envelopes! Albeit, that in the meantime, I had completely restyled the House of Commons stationery and Peter Branfield had redrawn the various coats of arms and insignia; David was the first to appreciate the magnitude of what we had achieved, given all the individual fiefdoms at Westminster!
Although little lauded in public, as that was hardly his style, David represented the bedrock of sound considered typographic design of government publications in the post-war period, those of us who were fortunate enough to follow in his foot steps owe him an immense debt of gratitude. He was one of the true pioneers of that late golden age of good typographic design. Throughout one's career there are those few people you come into contact with who make an impression, I still remember with affection the time I spent with Mr Napthine.
And how would I describe the man? Remember the classic post-war black and white filmThe Third Man and its leading role Holly Martins, played by Joseph Cotten – the shadowy American in the mackintosh and trilby hat. Well exchange Vienna for grey post-war London and give the man a black official briefcase, and you have my impression of David Napthine. He appeared and disappeared from his office or secluded desk without any noise and you never knew what he was working on. His religious beliefs also added to his privacy, although on a one-to-one basis he was ever helpful to anyone who enquired.
David was an accomplished typographer of a pioneering generation and was one of a small team put together after the Second World War to bring some order and style into the presentation of government publishing. David was not lauded in the same way as some of his more illustrious companions, such as Harry Carter, but quietly he was for well over thirty years the cornerstone of HMSO's Typographic and Layout Department and its successor.
He shunned publicity, being firmly of that typographic tradition that's rule of thumb meant that if the reader was overtly aware of the typographer's hand on the page they had done a bad job. Underneath this grey suited veneer was a designer in the modern sense of the word, his touch was usually light but one sensed a man of real graphic talent. He could he humorous, and although he chose to stay above the day-to-day banter of the main studio, he was always well aware of events and alive to those designers at the cutting edge.
In his lifetime the whole era of 'considered' book and print design evolved, flourished and has faded. I don't doubt David would have addressed and coped with the current 'instant' 'on screen' approach, but he would I'm sure be rightly appalled at the way that the standards he fought hard to achieve and sustain now gather dust on library bookshelves and waste paper bins!
David Challis HMSO Layout and Graphic Design 1965 to 1978
23 January 2013 – From Alastair Petrie
Dear Mr Walker, Thank you so much for your observations and the wonderful vignettes painted by your colleagues of life at Shep Walk at the end of my wife's great aunt's time there as a Supervisor. These have all made that part of her working life a much more meaningful and interesting part of our family history. I am copying both Bob Barnard and Les Birch and thank them most sincerely for their fascinating descriptions of those times.
I am prompted by your statement that Shep Walk had a thriving Amateur Dramatic group to ask one final favour please. Millie Turner had a younger sister Elsie Doris Turner born on 4 September 1893. She too apparently worked in the civil service but we have no idea where. She was, however, extensively involved in what appear, from about 60 professional photographs in our possession, to have been very lavish amateur dramatic productions, and I now wonder therefore whether she too was employed at Shep Walk. I attach copies of two of those photographs which, if you have records of Shep Walk's amateur dramatics, you might even recognise.
The photographs which I have are in some cases signed by the actor/actresses and some are dated, typically during the 1920s. The one I have enclosed of what might perhaps be a production of The Mikado is dated 13.10.1924. Do you have a record of an October 1924 production or is there any chance you can readily spot a Miss Elsie Doris Turner in your employment registers?
With kind regards, Alastair
Dear Mr Petrie, What wonderful photographs of Miss Elsie Doris Turner and friends! I only wish we had some information among our sparse records which might be of help. I have looked through our 'Superannuated Officers' list dated 1952 and thought I might have found her, but no: it was a Miss E Turner born 5 July 1892. I'm afraid that the chances of finding any ex HMSO person who might have known either of the Misses Turner are remote. I have looked through copies of our old Staff Magazines to see if their names are mentioned, but to no avail. However, there are a couple of famous HMSO people who are mentioned, so I have copied the relevant pages to you in the hope that something positive emerges. I am currently pinning my hopes on one Mr J MacCallum! It has been a pleasure to facilitate this most interesting foray into a corner of HMSO's past. Best wishes. Reg Walker
23 January 2013 – From Dave Pelham
Hi Reg, I don't know if anyone can help or offer advice, but here goes. Eighteen years ago I was medically retired from HMSO and have been on first Invalidity Allowance and then Incapacity Allowance. In June 2012 I was sent a form to fill in to be changed to Employment Support Allowance which finally came back today. Surprise surprise, they have decided I can now return to work, even though I am much worse now than when I left HMSO. I wonder if any other ex-HMSO staff have had this problem, and if they can offer any help or advice. Thanks for your time.
Dave Pelham (HMSO Norwich, Finance Division, from 1980)
Hello Dave, Sorry to hear of your predicament. I'm afraid that I can be of no help on this one, but we will add your note to HMSOldies to see if anyone has any ideas. Generally I have found that people get good advice from the Norwich Citizens Advice Bureau if nothing else is forthcoming. Good luck. Reg
22 January 2013 – From John Nash
Hi Reg, Good to hear from Les and all those names brought back memories of many years gone by. The chap from the Treasury was Rex Verry, who was seconded for a while to CRS and was understudy to 'Uncle' Jock Eyres. Still no news about Margaret Baylis I suppose?
Kind regards, John
Hello John, The Verry man! We knew that you would come up with the goods. Still no word as to current disposition of Mrs Baylis. Perhaps an HMSOldies reader can help? All the best. Reg
22 January 2013 – From Les Birch
Dear Reg, My first rather fleeting connection with Shep Walk came in June 1948 when I was sent there on my first promotion to train as the Officer in Charge of the Nottingham Regional Branch to be opened in September 1948. I must have met Miss Turner – the Supervisors were all 'Miss', nobody dared use first names and of course the marriage bar was still in place. The Reading Room was always a place of complete quiet and if one had occasion to speak to the Supervisor it was always in a hushed whisper. Each job had a Work Docket attached and the typist, reader and machine operator would each initial the docket as the work progressed. Each day a folder would be prepared containing a specimen of every job completed on that day and this would be circulated to the executive hierarchy in the Division. If one of their eagle eyes spotted a 'typo' it would be referred back to the Reading Room and if the reader had indeed missed the error the fact would be recorded by the Supervisor on to a card index record. There was some sort of disciplinary procedure based on X number of errors = a warning and Y number of warnings = further action, which could be loss of an increment or for persistent offenders reversion to machine operation. The readers were always considered to be a cut above the other operators but I am not sure whether this was recognised by any form of allowance.
C.A.J. Argent I knew well – he was always known as Joe but nobody ever called him that. His deputy was a Williams whose first name eludes me. He was a well-meaning bumbler – he suggested that the new Regional Branches should each be equipped with the newly-marketed Hoover single tub washing machines so that the staff temporarily loaned to the Branches from HQ for training purposes could wash their smalls on the premises rather than having to do them in their 'digs'. Argent crushed that one pretty quickly. Other characters at Shep Walk in those days included Frank Hillman and Harold Dodge who between them were already building up a centre of expertise in the technical side of duplicating and photocopying which eventually blossomed into the original CRS – I think a young Arnold Martyn may already have been with them or if not he joined them soon afterwards. There was great rivalry between them and a bloke at the Treasury, whose name also eludes me, who was also becoming an expert in the field and who finished up publishing a book on the subject which he graced with the name of 'reprographics' – I think he claimed to be the inventor of the word. Young John Nash will probably remember his name well. Another HEO there was Theodore Hann – always immaculately turned out in a Hector Powe suit but whom I caught one day in his office trimming his fraying shirt cuffs with a pair of issue scissors. When I cheekily remarked that times must be bad, he willingly admitted that this was indeed the case.
One of Shep Walk's proudest boasts was that they had produced in their Security Section all the maps for the D-Day landings in 1944 and that none of the information contained therein had ever been leaked – a fact for which I remain eternally grateful.
I said that my first connection with Shep Walk was fleeting – my training also covered Establishment matters, wages salaries, National Insurance PAYE etc – all carried out a Keysign House just behind Oxford Street – whilst my Dup training was done at Cavendish Square (I think nos 22/23) where D & D had an outstation. So I saw little of Shep Walk at that time. My closer acquaintance came later but that is another story.
We had our second dose of snow during the night – yesterday was my first trip out since last Thursday and I think I may again be confined to barracks now until the weekend as even more snow is forecast for today and tomorrow. But Saturday is forecast to have temperatures of between 6 and 9 degrees, a positive heatwave which should clear the snow quite quickly. Fortunately I am adequately supplied with life's essentials – Bishop's Finger, Bordeaux, Burgundy, a range of malts and of course Calvados so I think I will survive.
I still miss the Old Boys lunches very much and really must try to get over to see Harvey and others some time this year. Omaha Beach will clash again this year with the lunch so I must try to fit the visit to Norwich in during the summer. Time, sadly, still flies by.
Best wishes as always to you and yours, Les
Hello Les, A perfect response, as ever, for which many thanks. I have copied to Alastair Petrie, who I am sure will find the detail of life in 1940s HMSO as interesting as I do. Wonderful picture, expertly painted. The Book tells me that your man was Richard A Williams. Assistants in 1952 were Messrs Hillman and ACA Taylor – to be replaced by Jameson and Wilkinson. I had been wondering how you were, as I had heard nothing from you since last October, when you were off to France. Relieved to hear that you are surrounded by the essentials of life. Have you thought of replacing Michael Winner as Sunday Times Restaurant Critic? You would fit in perfectly. Let me know when you intend to visit Norwich and I will alert a few people who can hold their own! All the very best. Reg
21 January 2013 – Mary Lowe of Manchester
Hi Reg, Whilst browsing through the winter edition of Avanti I came across, on page 48, the inspiring story from Mary Lowe of Manchester. It may interest those many readers of HMSOldies who may remember her. Cecil H. Hughes
Hello Cecil, Thank you for passing on this heart-warming item. I see from the 1990 Staff List that Mary was an Administrative Assistant in PP Manchester, and joined HMSO in 1972. All the best. Reg
21 January 2013 – From Philip Jinman Hi Reg, Just been watching the video of Sovereign House. Very interesting and it brings back some memories of IP and Work Study. I tried to watch it earlier but my wife wanted to watch 'Miranda'.
Fancy not clearing out all the documents before HMSO went! And I wonder why they did not convert Sovereign House into a hotel instead of letting it go to rack and ruin? I'm still enjoying retirement, decorating inside of house and snow clearing, as the fishing lakes are frozen – pleased not to be travelling to London during this weather with Greater Anglia. Regards, Philip
Hello Philip, Thank you for your response to the Sovereign House video, which I am sure echoes the comments of many of we who spent time in the place. I am sure that we all endorse your sentiments re travel in this weather. Good to hear that retirement is agreeing with you. Your mention of IP reminds me that I heard from Bill Greenaway before Christmas – and we are still in contact with Dave Forbes, Derek Wintle, John Eveson and many other 'names.' All the best. Reg
21 January 2013 – From Bob Barnard
Hi Reg, Thanks for the email re Miss NN Turner. As you may know I joined HM Stationery Office, as it was then known, on 19 March 1951 and after the various induction procedures I was sent to Shep Walk that day. It was a cold, wet day and I felt very depressed going to that part of London especially as I thought I would be working at Keysign house in Oxford Street. I spent the first few months in the Editing Section and would have had fairly close contact with the Reading Section but I'm afraid I can't recall Miss Young working there. I thought I knew all the supervisory staff well but Miss Turner's name eludes me.
As you rightly say in your earlier email, the Reading Section were important in the duplicating process. In those days Shep Walk was responsible for producing all the duplicating requirements for all the government Departments. All the requests duplicating came in on a yellow demand, a D14, to the Editing Section who prepared workroom instructions about producing the finished work. Five copies of these instructions were produced on a Lamson Paragon machine one copy for each of the following: Typing Section, Reading Section, the Rolling Room, the Warehouse and the fifth copy was retained in the Editing Section. In those days the Typing Section typed nearly all the text onto stencils for flat bed, rotary and lithographic reproduction. When the the typists typed the text a carbon copy was made and this was sent to the Reading Section who the 'proof' read the the carbon copy. When they finished proofing the copy it was sent back to the typist via her supervisor to make the corrections.
From memory Eve Howells was an Assistant Supervisor, there was another lady whose I can't remember now But I shall try to remember her and I think the Supervisor was Margery Fell. I'm just wondering whether Miss Turner was in charge of the Reading Section at Bainbridge Street. This was part of D & D Division. I shall be interested to see a photo of this lady. Regards Bob
Hello Bob, Many thanks for your prompt response, which I have copied to Mr Petrie for information. As you will by now have seen, Miss Turner had already retired before you joined HMSO. I am sure that Mr Petrie – and other readers – will be interested to read the details of the work of HMSO Shepherdess Walk (whisper it) over sixty years ago! All the very best. Reg
21 January 2013 – From Alastair Petrie
Dear Mr Walker, Many thanks for your speedy and informative response which has already considerably extended my understanding of the situation and for which I am most grateful. I imagine that the picture post cards I have (all addressed to Miss Turner at Shepherdess Walk), were all sent by HMSO employees away on holiday, and, as such, I will be pleased to let you have them though I shall keep just one representative sample for our family archive in respect of Miss Turner's career with HMSO.
The latest of the cards sent to Miss Turner at Shepherdess Walk is dated September 1949 and the extract you sent from the 1952 Staff List shows that her pension commenced on 10th November 1949, ie, the day after her 50th birthday. Would that have been, to your knowledge, a mandatory age for the retirement of a female supervisor? The Staff List also shows that she had accrued 15 years pensionable service. Can one infer from that that her total service was just 15 years, or were there other factors which perhaps conceal service before 1934? For example, periods of probation, junior or "Operator" status, or perhaps non-contribution into the pension scheme?
As a matter of interest I am attaching a photo of Miss Turner, though, depending on when she commenced with HMSO, it might pre-date her employment at Shepherdess Walk.
With many thanks for your help. About 8 inches of snow here in Derbyshire at the moment and still snowing. Alastair Petrie
Dear Mr Petrie, What a fine lady! We will see if the photo sparks any memories. Shepherdess Walk ran a thriving Amateur Dramatic group, and it may well have been that Miss Turner was a member.
The answers to your questions will, of course, be speculative on my part. The 1952 list shows the Senior Supervisor as having been born in 1896 – ie 56 years of age – and there were others of around the same vintage. So I can only surmise either that Miss Turner wanted to retire for reasons of sickness or the need to care for a relative, or that she was offered 'voluntary early retirement.' This is quite possible, as staff numbers in the area of Duplicating were being reduced at the time. I also imagine that Miss Turner spent the earlier part of her career in an Unestablished – ie unpensionable – junior capacity, hence the short period of pensionable employment.
If you care to send any postcards to me I promise to preserve them. You never know, they may be from one of our Senior readers! All best wishes, snow underfoot but no new flurries today. And granddaughters at school . . . Reg Walker
21 January 2013 – From Harvey Dukes Hello, I was wondering if one of your staff or somebody who worked at your company remembered my grandmother. She is 95 this year and I was wondering, as I am trying to locate my grandfather, if she had any records or you guys could help. She was a translator for HMSO. Her name was Denise Dukes or Denise Burtchy from Switzerland. Thanks. Kind regards, Harvey Dukes
Hello Harvey Dukes, Well, there's a name from the past! I started working in HMSO Cornwall House (Stamford Street London SE1) in 1963, on a Books Invoice section. If we needed anything to be translated we used to go to an ex-RN Clerical Officer named Turner. When he retired we were sent to –Denise Dukes, and a very helpful lady she was too.
From the sparse information I have it seems that Denise (born 7 April 1919) joined HMSO as a Trainee Typist on 7 July 1947. She was promoted to Clerical Officer on 1 June 1959 but did not move to Norwich when the office dispersed in the late 1960s/early 1970s. Presumably she retired at 60 – ie 1979 – possibly from another Government Department. Unfortunately I have no further details, but we'll see if one of our readers knows more. Good luck in your quest. Reg Walker
20 January 2013 – Norfolk Uncovered: HMSO Sovereign House
I have finally put together the video on Sovereign House. Thanks to everyone for your help and input.
Please feel free to link to this video on the HMSOldies website and anywhere else you see fit. I'm sure you know plenty of people who would like to see it.
Dear Mr Walker, I have been going through old family papers and unearthed a bundle of post cards addressed to a Miss Millicent Nora Turner, Supervisor, Reading Room, D&D Division, HMSO Shepherdess Walk. Millicent Turner was a great aunt of my wife. The post cards are all dated 1949 and appear to be from HMSO staff away on holiday.
Having come across your web site in the course of research, I wonder: (a) whether these post cards might be of any interest to you for your archives, and (b) whether you can direct me to anybody who might be able to tell us something more of Millicent Turner's service with HMSO, what the function of the Reader's Room in the D&D Division was at that time, and what the role of Supervisor might have entailed?
Yours sincerely, Alastair Petrie
Dear Mr Petrie, Many thanks for contacting us about your wife's great aunt, Millicent Turner. HMSOldies records comprise boxes and folders of 'rescued items' stacked up behind me, as I type, so it's very hit-and-miss as to whether I can ever find what I am looking for. However, I am pleased to say that Miss Turner's name appears in a 1952 Staff List under 'Superannuated Officers' which of course means that she had retired by then. Here is a scan of the entry along with a picture of 'Shep Walk' operators taken around 1919.
In 1952 a Supervisor would have earned £ 350-£ 400 per year, at a time when the mighty 'Director of Duplicating and Distribution' one Charles Argent OBE was earning £ 1325 pa. To give you an idea, in 1952 there were some 800 people working in HMSO Shepherdess Walk in North London. Of these, some 600 were 'operators' – typists, addressing and duplicating machine operators, that is. The structure above them was 9 Chief Supervisors, 30 Supervisors and 61 Assistant Supervisors. So as you can see, the grade 'Supervisor' was not to be sneezed at. Each Supervisor would have had 2-3 'teams' of operators each under an Assistant Supervisor. Allocation of work, timekeeping, discipline, promotions, demotions and annual reports would all have come under the Supervisors' wing – and they would have been responsible to 'The Chief' – thence the Executives and finally the Director, who was responsible to the Assistant Controller and finally the Controller. 'Yes Minister' had nothing on the Civil Service of the 1950s!
'Readers' would have checked copy before and after typing/duplicating etc. I have copied this note to two people who actually worked in Shepherdess Walk (which was, incidentally, closed in the early 1960s and the staff transferred to purpose-built premises in Basildon). With luck, they may be able to add some information. And we will add your note to HMSOldies to see if anyone else rises to the bait.
Best wishes – and I can tell you that at 1530 hours this Sunday 20 January it has just started snowing again in Norwich – fingers crossed for an early finish. Reg Walker, Editor, HMSOldies
18 January 2013 – From John Galley
Hi Reg, Haven't you got any pictures of Happy people working at HMSO? There must have been some - probably in the pub at lunchtimes. Hope you had a good Christmas and very best wishes for the New Year. We were down under in NZ for the festive season and of course had the BBQ out for Christmas Dinner - fortunately not as hot as Australia but pleasantly warm. A little unhappy to come back to this white stuff everywhere. Cheers, John
Hello John, Good to hear from you, and that you survived NZ. Dave Martin's son is down there, and when Dave was visiting and was showing his son a few photos taken in Norwich a bloke in the company casually said 'Isn't that George Rokahr?' It was indeed a bekilted George – this man knew him in a musical context.
You are asking for a miracle – happy HMSO? Had to go back to the 80s – you may recognise a few faces, not all of whom might be described as deserving joy – but others certainly do. Thank you for your good wishes, and all the best to you and yours for 2013. Reg
6 January 2013 – From John Nash
Hi Reg, Firstly just to wish you all the best for the New Year, and to thank you and the team for continuing to provide such excellent coverage to us 'oldies'.
Trawling through the IC's over the Christmas hols I was pleased to see and be reminded about the LIBERATOR including the photo of our good friend Bernard Terry from CCTA. What might have been if it had survived to be the fore-runner to all the Macs and other devices?
All good wishes, John
Hello John, Thank you for your good wishes, which I have passed on to Philip, Robert and Dave (Directors of Design, IT and Production respectively). Yes, good to clear up the state of the Johns. And I am pleased that you caught on to the Liberator piece, which was thoroughly researched by the IT Website editor, Tony Smith (no, not that one) who vouchsafed Bernard Terry's address (Orpington I think) for me to send him a Christmas Card on behalf of all the appreciative Liberator users in HMSO and beyond. All the very best to you and yours. Reg
31 December 2012 – Sovereign Insecurity
A few weeks ago I was contacted by Chris Richmond, who runs the Norfolk Uncovered website http://norfolkuncovered.webs.com/ regarding his intention to make a record of Sovereign House before the building's inevitable demolition.
This correspondence culminated in his most welcome invitation to join him and colleagues in a legal visit to the building, on Saturday 29 December 2012. Needless to say, this visit was fascinating for someone like me who first saw the place in October 1968 and was employed there until moving into St Crispins.
I could bore anyone who wants to listen for some time on the place as it is now – the small selection of the photos (see below) taken give an idea – but I will just say that the best moment for me was to show Nick Stone (you should see his fascinating website of 'ghost pictures') where his father, Charles Stone, once worked. Charles joined HMSO (F1C) from the RAF in 1967 and would have been 100 years old on 4 December 2012.
Facebook and Flikr aficionados can access considerable numbers of photographs of this visit, and other most interesting work in a similar vein.
Coming next to HMSOldies: The Pile of Transit Envelopes I found, and where they had been – followed by 'Paint: Will it Ever Dry?'
31 December 2012 – From Jo Williams
Dear friends near and far. I don't know if you'll agree but for me it's been a strange year, full of contrast, decisions, stresses and unknown pleasures. I started my year feeling a bit melancholy and can admit that I fled somewhat hastily from Norwich to, by now what feels my home from home, Mae Sot on north west Thailand. I tried to teach some English and had successes and failures, complicated relationships and testing times, laughter and tears, friendships gained and lost.
I arrived back from Thailand and Cambodia after five months and was all fired up to buy at property at auction back in Norwich but my plans weren’t amounting to anything. Then after too much deliberation, in August I bought what has now turned into my latest home. This home should be one to keep and although it’s only half finished (literally, I have finished the ground floor flat but have a bigger project to convert the cellar into another flat) I am really enjoying having my own space again and being able to use my creativity.
So after some protracted renovation I moved in last week to my city centre which is so central I can hear the chimes of the city hall clock and the bells of the Norwich’s biggest church. I have unpacked my life that’s been in storage for the past 3 and a half years and am ok working part time, for the moment at least.
The year has in some ways stood still and in other ways flown by. But all in all, for me, it’s been a year to move my life along, to admit to myself what I need and to try to attain acceptance of myself and the decisions that have shaped my life so far. After all, the hazy, crazy days of summer will return!
All my very best wishes for a peaceful, happy and healthy 2013.
With love from your friend, Jo
Hello Jo, Good to hear that the new premises are being knocked into shape and that you are looking to 2013 with optimism. All the very best to you! Reg
24 December 2012 – Sovereign House: From Chris Richmond
Dear Reg, I am emailing you regarding the former HMSO building, Sovereign House in Norwich. As you may be aware, Sovereign House is to be demolished (as soon as 2013) as part of the Anglia Square Redevelopment project. With permission from Centenary Ashcroft and Anglia Square, a small group of us were allowed access to film and take photographs of the interior of the building and I intend to put together a short video documentary of the building as part of my "Norfolk Uncovered" project before it's gone for good.
I was wondering if you knew of anyone who has any photos of Sovereign House while it was still in use, which I can use in my video, which will outline the building's history followed by the remains of the interior. If you or your contacts could help me, I would be most grateful. One of the photographers who attended our visit was Nick J Stone, who recommended your site. Look forward to your reply,
Dear Chris, It will be a pleasure to assist your worthy project, and I will certainly look out any photos once the current hostilities are passed and my grandchildren have stopped asking me for Leslie Sarony impersonations (best not to ask). We will put your request to HMSOldies readers – naturally we would need the permission of any living and contactable people before adding their photos to the offering – you can use any with me in: yes, I'm that vain. I have some old MPBW photos of the construction of the site, and if you wish to use any photos you see on the HMSOldies site then let us know and we will clear them for you. All the best to you and to Nick – and we will be in contact again. Reg
23 December 2012 – From Ivor Hosgood Dear Music-lover: The trustees have great pleasure in sending their thanks for your help and support to the trust and their work with the county's young musicians in the year now drawing to a close and their very best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year 2013.
The Young Musicians' Concert held on Sun 18 Nov was not only a great success musically, but also attracting an appreciative larger audience than usual.
22 December 2012 – From Keith Batchelor Seasons Greetings from the Batchelor Family (Carol and Keith). As 'old' hands but young heart we have been carrying out a weeding exercise of our 'Central Registry'. I have copies of Reprographic Services – what Basildon had to offer at the time of Jim Wretham (described as Micro Manager – he was certainly bigger than me!). Review of the Year 1984-85 with a picture of the great Vi Wilson. Review of the Year 1987-88 with you have guessed it – Vi Wilson. It also shows the youthful Chris Penn amongst others. This is HMSO printed July 1985. Would you like them as a Christmas present for the archives?
Regards, Keith
Hello Keith. Thank you for your good wishes – heartily reciprocated. Good to hear that you have accumulated the best of HMSO Marketing literature. A kind offer, but I have the Reviews and 'This Is HMSO' among my unruly heaps of papers (must put Mrs Rust's Notes for Registrars into action). However, the Rep item sounds fascinating, and I would certainly appreciate it if you feel inclined to post it to me. You mentioned Vi Wilson. By coincidence, I received a letter from her this very day. She has moved to smaller premises in Belfast and, despite some health set-backs over the year, is on good form. All the very best to you and yours. Reg
21 December 2012 – What do you call Postman Pat now he has lost his job?
Pat. But you knew that if you have pulled a Tom Smith's Cracker this year.
The following correspondents, who have all forwarded Seasonal Greetings, deserve better than that, so DVDs of Roy 'Chubby' Brown Reads Out-takes From Viz will be winging their way to them any day now. Meanwhile, festive thanks to:
Gerry Aldus, Paula Ronald, Christine Hawthorn, Dan Lavery, Gordon Parfitt, Stuart McLaren, John Eveson, Phillip Brooks, Jayne Wilkinson, Isobel Williamson, Steve Linehan, Barry Palmer, Sue Prutton, John Rumball, Brian Ekers, Sue Whitaker. Annette Conn, Roy Keavney, Charles Lucas, David Howes . . . and Bill Greenaway, who included a casual remark that led to our discovering that my old Uncle Frank knew his relatives around the Cregagh Estate in Belfast – where he was all too familiar with the inside of The Rosetta pub. Small world.
21 December 2012 – From Fred Stubbs
Hi Reg, It was nice to be invited – just sorry I was too late – the story of my life! Do you know when that lunch took place? I wish you a very happy Christmas and a healthy and peaceful New Year and to all the HMSOldies. Fred
Hello Fred, Maybe next year . . . ! The photo seems to be from the late 1920s. Thank you for the good wishes – heartily reciprocated. All the best. Reg
19 December 2012 – From Billy Stevenson
Dear Reg, May I wish you and the team a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year (George Osborne permitting). And a big thank you for all your hard work informing and entertaining us throughout the year. Oh and do be careful, if you are cycling around Downing Street, please use the side gate. Regards, Billy
Nice one Billy! Many thanks for your kind words, which I have copied to Philip, Robert and Dave, who make HMSOldies possible. All the very best to you and yours for 2013. Reg
17 December 2012 – HMSOldies roasting on an open fire . . . Jack Frost nipping at their nose
We would have invited you to the HMSOldies Christmas Jollity but we've already had it, and a lively event it was, as you can see.
Which reminds me: the HMSOldies Hollerith has been playing up a bit lately and I keep getting a punched card telling me that messages have not made their way into the in-tray. If you have sent a message which seems to have been ignored, I can only apologise (and blame the Office Keeper). Please re-send it, or any other general abuse, to my email address below.
25 November 2012 – Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Wallet . . .
They tell me it's December next month, but I don't have to believe it if I don't want to.
As readers of the HMSOldies Facebook page may know, Mike Trigg is organising a lunchtime event at The Fire Station, 150 Waterloo Road (it's a pub now – no need for the asbestos underwear) at 1200 hours on Friday 7 December . . . likely attendees are Peter and Evelyn Fudge, Jill Speed, Julie Robinson, and Messrs Baggs, Smith, Gutteridge, Smith again, Croft, Wightman, Chatterton – and Trigg.
The 'Second Tuesday in December' mob are shaping up at lunchtime on Tuesday 11 December at The Ship, Borough Road. Mainly Office Machinery and Print people – customers, suppliers and the likes of Whitaker, Eveson, Ekers, Plackett, Brunwin, Eason and Bradbury from HMSO.
Paparazzi are guaranteed the usual rates for scanned photos of both events.
20 November 2012 – Not My Type
Those many readers who were brought up to the scent of a well-used Imperial Ribbon will shed a tear for times past:
16 November 2012 – The Liberator: the first laptop computer designed for the Public Service
We were flattered to be asked by Tony Smith (not one of the HMSO Tony Smiths but the Editor of the online Reghardware site) to contribute to his excellent and exhaustive article on this wonderful machine, of blessed memory to those lucky enough to have used one.
12 November 2012 – HMSO war memorial plaque relocated to Kew
We were pleased to receive, via Jim Wretham, the news that as a result of intra-departmental co-operation (and here I consider HMSOldies to be an honorary Government Department) the HMSO War Memorial has been installed at National Archives, Kew.
Stuart McLaren adds: I am pleased that the HMSO Great War Roll of Honour plaque has finally (after only six years!) been put on public display at the National Archives, Kew.
Below is a link to research I undertook on the HMSO Roll in 2005. The introductory text is now out of date but unfortunately this website in no longer regularly updated and it has proved impossible to get the webmaster to replace the text.
At some point I would like to update the online Roll and post it online elsewhere, on the HMSOldies website, for example.
12 November 2012 – HMSO Ireland? From Billy Stevenson
Dear Reg, A few years ago I was doing a wee course on Irish History and had occasion to look for a government report on 'Parnell v The Times Newspaper.' When I found it I discovered it was a Command Paper published by HMSO and printed by Hodge Figgis in Dublin. This made me wonder if HMSO had a presence in Ireland at that time (1890). So when I saw the mention that the Molesworth Street Bookshop was once part of HMSO it filled in part of the jigsaw. The question now is did HMSO have a bookshop in Dublin before 1921? Maybe our International Correspondent could shed some light on it.
Another significant entry in the ICs was Nodge Carnegie’s about The Controllers Library and particularly 'The Uncovered Editions' – fascinating stuff. So thanks, Nodge, for uncovering these facts that many of us didn’t know about until now.
Best Wishes and thanks Reg to you and the team. Billy
PS I’ll be hoping to download HMSOldies App on my Kindle Fire when the family buy me it for Christmas.
Hello Billy, Good to hear from you – and on a subject that I know a little about, for a change. In fact, in the 1990s I used to drink in various Dublin Pubs with a man who gloried in the title Controller of the Irish Stationery Office – a Principal post in those days.
Anyway, I turn to Hugh Barty-King's work on HMSO for the definitive answer:
'In 1830 the office of the King's Stationer in Ireland had been abolished . . . and in 1832 a branch of the Stationery Office had been opened in Dublin.' Later in the book we read that 'Reorganisation in Britain coincided with revolution in Ireland. With the passing of the Government of Ireland Act 1920, a Stationery Office branch was opened in Belfast. Up to 1921 the Stationery Office had served the Six Counties through its Dublin Branch, and the Belfast Office was created as a matter of convenience during the transfer of power to the North. Although the Government of Northern Ireland had the option to run the Belfast Office itself, it chose to perpetuate the interim arrangement whereby the Stationery Office provided the necessary printing and stationery services, including production of the Belfast Gazette.'
Thank you for your kind words, which I have copied to Nodge. And I like the crafty way you have started your Christmas Wish List! All the best. Reg
11 November 2012 – Young Musicians (Norwich): Ivor Hosgood writes
Don't miss the opportunity of enjoying the prize-winning talents of Annabella Ellis, soprano; Rose Herbert, oboe; and Finlay McEwen, saxophone, who were all winners of the 2012 Norfolk Young Musician Competition. They are joined by David Neil Jones, piano, (UEA and Wymondham College) and Duncan Barlow, piano, (Norwich School). This event also features the winner of the Norfolk Youth Music Trust's Scholarship to the most promising third-year student at the UEA Music School, Robert Peck, piano.
Music by a wide range of composers, including J.S.Bach, Barber, Beethoven, Binge, Bozza, Britten, Chopin, Dring, Grovlez, Handel, Howells, Mahler, Marcello, Mascagni, Poulenc, Purcell, Ravel, Rossini, Schubert and Woods.
Admission £6.00 (Under 18s, £3.00) including copy of programme and post-concert light refreshments available at the door. The Lord Mayor and Mayoress of Norwich, Councillor Ralph Gayton & Mrs Brenda Gayton, and the Sheriff of Norwich, John Jennings, and His Lady, Jane Waters, will also attend this event.
These are among the best young musicians that Norfolk has to offer – and our future in music! If you find yourself unable to attend, please consider making a donation to the work of the trust with the talented young musicians of Norfolk.
Thank you in anticipation of your support of our highly-talented young people.
Ivor Hosgood MBE Chairman-Secretary, The Norfolk Youth Music Trust
5 November 2012 – Irish Government plans closure of Stationery Office Bookshop in Dublin
Our International Correspondent in Dublin has reported the following distressing news. As readers will know, the Dublin Bookshop was once part of HMSO. If only they had told us, we would have had a whip-round . . .
5 November 2012 – Jack Keating: the Liverpudlian Alastair Cooke
As I write this (5 November 2012) there is just one day to go before the United States Presidential Election. If you live in Great Britain then you may think that there are only two candidates for President, the incumbent Barack Obama and the Republican candidate Mitt Romney, but you would be wrong. It depends on the state and county you live in as to how many names are on the ballot paper. The ballot paper I got for Volusia County in Florida has not only the two front runners on it but also TEN other names plus their running mates.
These are the other ten candidates with the party they stand for: America's Party and America's Independent Party of California, Tom Hoefling; Peace and Freedom Party of California, Rosanne Barr; Constitution Party of The United States, Virgil H. Goode Jr.; Libertarian Party, Gary Johnson; Green Party, Dr. Jill Stein; Reform Party, Andre Barnett; Justice Party, Ross C. “Rocky” Anderson; Objectivist Party, Dr. Thomas Robert Stevens; Socialist Party USA, Stewart Alexis Alexander; Party for Socialism and Liberation, Peta Lindsay.
On some of the other ballot papers throughout the country were other smaller parties, for example, The Socialist Party USA; The Socialist Equality Party; and The Socialist Workers Party. At the bottom of the list on the ballot paper there is a space for you to write in a name! Yes, if you like none of the above you can write in someone else’s name.
Not only is it a presidential election but there are lots of other political nominations (Clerk of Circuit Court, Sheriff, Property Appraiser, Supervisor of Elections, County Chair, County Council Member in five districts, County Judge in four districts, School Board Members, Soil and Water Conservation, West Volusia Hospital Authority, Indigo Community Development District Seats), eleven state constitutional amendments and a vote as to whether we should change the property taxes to give more money to local schools that you are asked to vote on. On page nine of the ballot we in the city of South Daytona also have to vote on whether we should allow the city council to buy the electricity distribution service from Florida Light and Power.
Before I go on I should point out that the ballot paper I got consisted of NINE pages in both English and Spanish and measured 8½ inches by 18 inches. Even with the use of the Internet it took me almost half an hour to fill in my ballot and I was at home. Imagine how long it would take if you were presented with these nine pages at the ballot station. I think this may have something to do with the fact that there are low turnouts in American elections. Between 1960 and 2008 the average turnout was just 55 per cent of the electorate. The biggest turnout was 61 per cent in 1960. The lowest turnout was just 49 per cent in 1996.
There are no boxes to tick on the ballot paper just a small oval next to each candidate’s name. You have to completely fill in this oval with either a black or dark blue ballpoint pen or felt-tipped pen. The completed papers are then scanned electronically. A lot of states have early voting whereby you can cast your vote between certain dates weeks before election proper. In Florida a quarter of the electorate has already voted. In some states, including Florida, there have been so many votes cast already for say Sheriff or Circuit Judge that they have already won.
I must admit that I will be glad when it is all over. Your phone never stops ringing with political party activists asking you to vote for candidate “A” or candidate “B”. You can get live people, or more often than not, a recorded voice. I have been asked three times to stay on the line because they were having a telephone discussion in which you could listen and even take part. The amount of political junk you get in your mail box would sink a battleship. So much for saving the planet!
Oh, and who did I vote for? Mitt Romney.
All the very best from, Jack
Hello Jack. Fascinating stuff, arriving at the same time as a single-page letter from Simon Wright, our local MP, who generally confines himself to one personal communication per year. I was in the company of a fully-grown adult yesterday who took a little time to remember the name of the Prime Minister – puts me in mind of Churchill's 'If you want to question the benefits of democracy then spend five minutes with the average voter.' I like the idea that you can fill in the name of the person you would like to see elected –on the other hand, I don't want the country run by the winner of Strictly Come Dancing. But then . . .
All the best – and enjoy the relative peace until the next time. Reg
31 October 2012 – From Jim Cairns
Hi Reg, The Edinburgh reunion was held last Thursday, and everyone seems to have enjoyed it. Around a dozen people turned up, and others sent apologies, hoping to come along to the next one. It was great to catch up with so many of the old crowd. Print Procurement, Supplies, Graphic Design and the Bookshop were all represented. Hope that Warehouse, Rep and Press people may come along next time!
Below are some pictures of the event showing Graham Galloway, Norrie Veitch, Dot Adams, Jim Cairns, Ron Burnett, Malcolm Steven, Sandy Cameron, Ian Fruish, Gus McKinnon, Jimmy Jamieson, John Crosby, Dougie Williamson, Derek Jackson and Anne McHattie.
Thanks for your help in promoting the event.
Best wishes, Jim Cairns
Hello Jim, Many thanks for the feedback, and good to see that you had a healthy turnout. It was especially pleasing to see some old faces looking in good form. I won't even ask why Sandy has two drinks while Ian has none: doubtless he lost the bet as to whether Les Birch might turn up!
Best wishes – and next year's event will be with us before you know it! Reg
28 October 2012 – EDP list of top 100 local businesses for 2012
24 October 2012 – Helen George writes
Hello Reg, Good to hear from HMSOldies – as far as contact with colleagues is concerned, I recently saw Marilyn Nisbet, Jill Ward, Brian Wilson, Pat Tate and Ernie Downs on a CSSC visit to Duxford and Cambridge. At other times see Lucin Jackson, Annette Conn, Arthur and Gina MacColl – also at other CSSC events. As Geoff Sinden, Alan Crabtree and Kevin White are on the CSSC committee I see them at meetings. I will send a copy of the next newsletter once published – Pauline White puts the newsletter together for us. I also lunch regularly with Anne Stolady. Others I see – ex members of (CCTA) Buying Solutions – are Patsy Carver and Valerie Marsham, both of whom used to work in the punch room. We all remember how much fun it was working in HMSO and of the good friends we made there.
Regards, Helen
Thanks Helen. A good line-up of old friends, and the good side of living in Norwich. Many of my London friends never see anyone from one year to the next – which suits some of them very well! Best wishes. Reg
23 October 2012 – office2office news: Gavin Turner keeps an eye on the papers
Hi Reg, I don't know how many of your HMSOldies readers will know who Richard Costin was. I recruited him in the early 1990s to be our first office furniture salesman. He was a young man who had worked in the rough and tumble of small office furniture dealers, and I remember the very cautious HR lady on the board which selected him questioning whether we wanted such an obviously red in tooth and claw commercial operator. I said that, absolutely, he was precisely the sort of commercially-minded person that we needed in the business.
I used to get slightly alarmed, when attending pitches to potential major customers with Richard, at his brass neck and at the things he offered to close the deal which I was not always sure that we could perform (particularly on delivery – office furniture having notoriously long lead times). Always full of confidence, Richard would say, don't worry, it will be fine – which fortunately it usually was! A year or so later as we expanded quite quickly we advertised for a sales manager, and we should have appointed Richard; but I was told (HR again) that he didn't have the seniority and that we had to recruit an established sales manager type from outside (not easy when we were not offering commercial-style commission and bonuses). When the successful applicant eventually took himself off to work for a bank, we appointed Richard as sales manager anyway. At the privatisation he took over the whole furniture business. Later I lost touch and was not sure if the new company was still in office furniture and whether Richard was still with them. Lo and behold, fifteen years later, he is MD of the whole shooting match, Stationery and all, but which still includes quite a large furniture catalogue.
Best wishes, Gavin
(This note was prompted by the article in the Sunday Independent dated 21 October 2012).
21 October 2012 – Ted Ashton writes from Gateshead
Hello Reg, I do not know if you have heard, but John Harvey ex Gateshead Press died in March this year. I went to his funeral at Whitley Bay, along with Tony Pollard, Dave Crank, Jim Shiel, Neville Longstaff and Terry Edwards. John worked in the phototypesetting department under Alan McGilliwie. He was a good bloke, and we were all sorry to lose him.
I still see Jean Fox on occasion when she organises a reunion at a pub in Gateshead. Among the people often there are, Leo Docherty, Bert Lewis, Peter Davy and Lovain Kelly. I see Dave Crank sometimes when I am in the village – also Jim Johnson. I would like to hear from any ex colleagues who want to get in touch.
Regards, Ted Ashton (ex WO2) Gateshead Press.
Hello Ted, Thank you for letting us know the sad news. We will include your request for ex-colleagues to get in touch (if they contact me I will pass on your email address). As you know, Dave Crank passed on some excellent photographs and reminiscences of Gateshead. Ernie Downs (still in Norwich) was very interested, and I have copied your note to him. All the best, and I hope we get some responses! Reg
21 October 2012 – Young Musicians' Concert (Norwich)
The trustees will be delighted to see you on Sunday 18 November 2012, at 2.30 pm at the United Reformed Church, Princes Street, to witness and enjoy the excellent talents of the winners of the 2012 Norfolk Young Musician Competition – Annabella Ellis (Soprano) Rose Herbert (Oboe) and Finlay McEwen (Saxophone). They are joined by David Neil Jones and Duncan Barlow (Piano) (Head of Academic Music at Norwich School).
This event also features the winner of the Norfolk Youth Music Trust's scholarship to the most promising second-year student at the University of East Anglia's Music School, Robert Peck (Piano).
Music by a wide range of composers, including J.S.Bach, Barber, Beethoven, Binge, Bozza, Britten, Chopin, Dring, Grovlez, Handel, Howells, Mahler, Marcello, Mascagni, Poulenc, Purcell, Ravel, Rossini, Schubert and Woods.
Admission £6.00 (Under 18s, £3.00) including copy of programme and post-concert light refreshments. If you find yourself unable to attend, please consider making a donation to the work of the trust with the talented young musicians of Norfolk.
Early for Christmas: Jeanne Southgate is on the cards again
I’m emailing to ask if you will remind all Oldies about the Original Charity Card shop which is again open for business until 15 December. Still in the Assembly House and in the Edmund Bacon Room on the first floor. Turn right from the foyer and up the stairs (no lift access!). We donate 100% of our takings to the charities we support as opposed to the shop in the Forum which donates just 75%. We are worth a visit. Our unique selling point is that we split packs of cards enabling folk to buy individual ones – something that many seem to appreciate.
Best wishes to you. Jeanne
18 October 2012 – Adele Cook Says Hello
The following extract from a most welcome email from Adele goes to show what a good grounding in HMSO Supplies Machinery can achieve! Not to mention drive, determination and hard work, of course . . .
'I started at HMSO in April 1986, working on S6B with Gill Gent, Renate Bloomfield. Phil Nash and Eileen Johnson. I was a temporary AA but was made permanent later that year. I was Adele Watson back then. I stayed at HMSO until March 1994 when I left and went to UEA and graduated from Law in 1997. Qualified as a barrister in 1999, and now back in the civil service as a Senior Crown Prosecutor, currently managing a team of lawyers across Norfolk,Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. I am still in touch with Eileen, having met up via Facebook a couple of years back. I still see Mary Jones - we both ended up in Ipswich and remain very good friends. I occasionally see Sue Whitaker and Kim Ives is my sister in law – small world.
All the best, Adele Cook (was Watson, then Louis).
18 October 2012 – From Nodge Carnegie (2)
Dear Reg, I have just re-read the section of the HMSOldies Information Circular about The Controller's Library. It is all fascinating stuff and – to this dedicated but undeclared hoarder of paper – a bit dismaying. Fortunately, Dave Burchell's update lightens the gloom.
I don't know if anyone has given you the following information. Around the turn of this century – perhaps ten or twelve years ago – TSO was approached by an "outside" person (one of the founders of Waterstones) with a proposal to publish, in saleable form, several documents from The Controller's Library. Many of these had not been published before or, if they had, had been produced on a strictly limited scale. There was a positive reaction and the upshot was that several sets of small-format paperback books were published over the next few years. The overall title was "Uncovered Editions" and the early sets included words along the lines of "From The Library of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office".
My fellow-designer on "Uncovered Editions" was Sally Downes (who joined GD a year or so before the new company came into being). Sally designed a very striking style for the covers, while my task was to formulate a design style and identity for the text pages. Bearing in mind that some documents were very short while others were very long, this turned into a very interesting project. My counterpart on the Editorial side was Michele Staple (still head of the Editorial unit in TSO, I believe) who often said how much she had enjoyed working on each set of the series. We all had tremendous encouragement for our efforts from the various higher-level TSO managers who were involved at various stages and my memories are akin to those of Michele.
Topics covered included the sinking of the Titanic, Battles of World War I, Younghusband in Tibet, the Gallipoli Campaign, The Bethnal Green Disaster (WWII bomb tragedy), Rillington Place, and The Amritsar Massacre. All good material.
Best wishes, Nodge
Hello Nodge, Thank you: an excellent addition to the subject. The term 'Uncovered Editions' is familiar but I did not know the story. Seems there were 37 titles in all, as evidenced by the following link:
I'll see what I can find in the bookshops of Norwich – Oxfam here I come . . . Best wishes. Reg
18 October 2012 – From Nodge Carnegie (1) Dear Reg, I am in the process of catching up with the HMSOldies Information Circular. Wonderful stuff – even from folks such as Billy Stevenson (whom I never met but wish I had) and his fascinating tales from his long and busy life. Your comments always enhance original contributions, especially those referring to Belfast in times past, and give context for those of us who read these things 'cold'.
Seeing references to Kath Daviss and Barbara Bovington brought back many memories of Atlantic House in the 1970s. I always liked doing GD work for Kath and her section (which, at one wonderful period, included Barbara, Del Styan, and Keith Batchelor) and their names are a reminder of a different kind of efficiency at work – achieving results for clients in a quiet, professional, no-fuss way. Good to see a contribution from John Hopping as well as those from Stuart McLaren – good friends and colleagues here in Norwich after the GD move from London. The Scottish photographs remind me of the time in 1974 when Jim Cairns and Ronnie Burnett spent a period in the London GD studio. Several social occasions punctuated their stay, not least regular visits toThe Rumbo in Old Bailey for the lunchtime jazz sessions which usual featured the fine Scottish clarinet player Forrie Cairns. I never got round to asking either Jim or Ronnie if they were related. Other considerations always arose – the next pint, the next request for a tune, the always welcome steak and chips . . . The Rumbo had the most straightforward lunchtime menu I have ever encountered: steak and chips.
Enough, except to thank you again for all your hard work in keeping people such as me up to date with people and events.
Best wishes, Nodge
Hello Nodge, How very kind: the fiver's in the post! Interesting that you mention Billy Stevenson. He enjoyed a 'significant' birthday recently and I'm sure he would not mind my relating that his young granddaughter sent her good wishes via Facebook with the words 'to the best granddad in the world – the most generous and the most intolerant.' About the best compliment a grandfather can get. And The Rumbo. You'll get me started on the Magpie and Stump, Ye Olde Mitre, Queen Victoria, Booley, Blackfriar, Ring . . . enough! Thanks for the memories – and please keep them coming. All the best. Reg
18 October 2012 – John Jarrold Printing Museum, Norwich
Hello Reg, John Rumball has forwarded your email to me concerning the publicising of the JJPM on the HMSOldies website. We are open to the public on Wednesdays from 0930 to 1230, but private or group tours can also be arranged at other times. Needless to say, as we have a number of former HMSO folk staffing the museum, ex HMSO employees are especially welcome! Visitors to the museum are now around 800-900 annually, including a fair number of students from the NUCA and the UEA. I can't comment on recent acquisitions at this time (purely because I am not up to scratch with them!), but you are free to use any other info from our website that may be of interest.
Kind Regards, John Hutchinson (Secretary, John Jarrold Printing Museum)
Hello John, Thank you for the update. I was prompted by an ex HMSO Director, who suggested that people might appreciate a reminder about the existence of this most interesting facility. We will add the information to HMSOldies, and remind our readers of your website:
Hi Reg, While stewarding St Augustine's church on Saturday (Magdalen-Augustine's Celebration Day) at which David Berwick was playing the organ, I got into conversation with an elderly gentleman, Philip Bunn, who said he worked in PP and retired 22 years ago (1990) when he was 60. He is still in touch with at least one former colleague, Bill Robinson. Best wishes, Stuart McLaren
Hello Stuart, Thank you for your note (and I see from the NEN that the event went well — I couldn't make it as I was in London). I do indeed remember Philip Bunn, as will many others. He was top of the list of Administrative Assistants, having entered into Public Service in 1958 and joining HMSO Finance Division in 1974. Good to hear that he is still around. All the best. Reg
Stuart McLaren adds: I wondered if you might like this snap? David Berwick sharing his profound knowledge of the organ with the Lord and Lady Mayoress of Norwich in St Augustine's church, 13 October 2012.
Thanks Stuart. Wonderful! The temptation to launch a Caption Contest is almost irresistible. All the best. Reg
8 October 2012 – From Stuart McLaren
For those with a taste for the esoteric, our old chum David Berwick will be performing on a 140 year-old-organ at St Augustine's church this Saturday (13th Oct). Concert (free!) starts with Bach (J. S. that is) at one p.m. All part of the Magdalen-Augustine streets celebration day.
2 October 2012 – David Roberts Lecture
The Norwich branch of the United Nations Association has honoured David's memory by organising an annual lecture, the first of which will take place in The Forum on 20 October. Details are given in their newsletter:
Hi Reg, Sorry to have taken so long to reply to your ‘photograph of me’. When I read it I thought to myself that you must have taken to the bottle. I knew I had never been in London when I was 12 years old! It took me all my time to go into Edinburgh at that age!
Life is just jogging along as usual – I am just waiting for the result of a chest X-ray I had last week but I think it will be OK. Haven’t heard anything from the ‘oldies’ in Edinburgh but I imagine they are just jogging along the same as myself. I have said it before but I will say it again that we oldies owe you a great deal for keeping the ‘old boys’ in touch – it brings me in mind of the people I may well have forgotten about in my old age – especially when it brings me in mind of the very happy days I spent in Manchester. Keep up the good work and can I say 'Hello to all your customers who remember me'. Jim.
Hello Jim. No need for apologies Jim – indeed, all apologies are from me (HMSOldies readers should be aware that I found an old photo of HMSO Accounts Christmas dinner at 'The Chanticleer' in Soho featuring Charlie Lloyd sitting opposite one 'J Macallum.' I did not notice the different spelling – nor the date, 1938).
Great to hear that you are in good form, and thank you for your kind words. You will have seen from HMSOldies that a reunion is organised in Edinburgh later this month. If it wasn't so far from Norwich I would be there: happy memories of the office, and of my month at the College on Atholl Crescent – especially 'The Quaich' pub. Regarding Edinburgh exiles in Norwich, I still see Allan Reid and Cecil Hughes fairly frequently. As for old Manchester hands, I occasionally hear from Brian Blackmore, who is in Devon - also John Childs, Ian Smith, Tom McGill. Enough for now – and all the very best to you. Reg
28 September 2012 – From John Hopping
Dear Reg, Interesting to see Jim Simmons has contacted HMSOldies. I also worked in Cornwall House in the early 1970's in Commercial Books on the second floor. Laurie Andrew was the EO I think. If Jim is the person I am thinking of he was a diehard Watford supporter and went every week. I was (am) a lifelong Spurs fan and we used to swop programmes every Monday. I too was a fresh faced youth just having left school ready to embark on the great Civil Service adventure. My main memory in Commercial Books was that a girl there used to wear hotpants every day and I believe Laurie Andrews had to ask her to dress more 'appropriately'.
Laurie I seem to remember had a secret list locked in his draw of addresses that we had to post issues of Pravda to. The subscriptions taken out for Pravda were sent to us so that the Soviets would not know the addresses they were going to. We had all signed the Official Secrets Act of course so the nations secrets were safe with us! John Hopping
Hello John, Good memories – thank you. Cornwall House always seemed quite unlike other HMSO buildings. Were you there when the 'Payroll heist' took place? People could wander in and out unchecked – presumably wearing face-masks and carrying baseball bats! And the days of hotpants – I can quite understand how they might give Laurie The Vapours: bare arms (elbows to wrists only – we're not at The Windmill) were enough of a distraction. All the best. Reg
John adds: Yes I was there. I seem to remember that the gang just walked into Cornwall House and said they were there to paint the reception area. They set up their ladders etc and when the pay arrived that produced sawn off shotguns from their overalls. Shortly after that passes were issued for the first time. At the time there was an on-going series of bomb threats from the IRA but it took a payroll heist to get them to issue passes. Cornwall House was unique and would provide good material for a sitcom.
Thanks John You have already got me thinking of casting – Arthur Lowe as Laurie Andrew – Peggy Mount as Judy Tassell . . . All the best. Reg
26 September 2012 – From Invoice Matcher to Mole Catcher
Louise Chapman was not actually an invoice matcher when she was employed by HMSO – she worked in Supplies Machinery – but we were trained at The Sunday Sport and the headline does not necessarily reflect the story.
Anyway, there we were enjoying lunch at the Eaton Red Lion – Roy Keavney and Dave Perry will confirm this if you doubt it - and who should shimmy over but the ever-youthful Louise. To cut a very long story short, she has undergone a vigorous bout of re-training since leaving HMSO, and among her many skills now counts Garden Design – and the Catching of Moles.
What she does with the creatures when caught was not explained, but I imagine that's up to the landowner. Anyway, many a retired HMSO employee, now regraded as fair-weather gardener, has muttered darkly about what they would do to Moles if they could only catch 'em - and now they can. A telephone call or email to Louise and all your moles could be holed in one.
14 September 2012 – From Adrienne May
Hi Reg, Doesn't it all seem a long time ago. Why did we worry about it so much, when the Government could just trash an asset like that. They'll never learn.
Anyway, here I am at 73, living with Milly, my 18 month old cat, who is probably more crazy than me. I walk about 16 miles a week and still ski in France. Over the past 12 years I fought for transsexual pension rights, against a Government that had failed to ratify and bring into National law, EU Directive 7/79 of 1979. In the end, and after various Upper Tribunal cases, 2 visits to ECHR and a decision in the UK Court of Appeal, DWP had to give in.
Now I devote my time to haranguing my very good MP, Norman Lamb, reporting the mismanagement and failures of Norfolk County Council and writing novels. [See below, on Kindle]. You can click the icon and read the beginning for free! I have one more being edited and another a third finished.
Regards to all, especially your 'gang'.
Adrienne May. Supplies Paper.
Hello Adrienne. Good to hear from you, and that you are doing well. I am impressed by your literary activities. It takes some dedication, as I know: never got past the Short Story myself. Keep at the politicians: they love the attention. All the best –off to give your latest a read. Reg
12 September 2012 – HMSO People Get Everywhere
Hi Reg, Presently Chris and I are touring the Eastern Seabord with a Toronto Probus Club. Having dinner Sunday night in the Saint Johns Reversing Falls restaurant, discussing photoshop and imaging with Charles and Marilyn Cummins who are on our trip, I happened to say I was in the printing industry, Marilyn said oh our neighbour is a printer – I said it wouldn't be Barry would it? She said how do you know that? I said well if it is Barry Palmer (which it was) a couple of years ago Reg Walker asked me if I would take a Barry Palmer and his daughter round the John Jarrold Printing Museum on leaving Norwich to go to London. What are the chances of sitting next to a person whom you have only just met the previous day when the tour started and they live next door to Barry Palmer?
Trusting you are having the weather we having which is good.
Regards John [John Rumball ]
Hello John, Well I'm damned – that's some coincidence! Certainly on a par with Dave Martin's meeting someone who knew George Rokahr in New Zealand. And to think I can spend a day in Cromer and not see a souI I know. Weather definitely on the change here: it has been raining on and off for the past five hours. All the best – and enjoy your visit. Reg
11 September 2012 – NABADS: A Late Correction
Recent correspondence with Jack Payne (Manchester Press, 1951 vintage) has resulted in the following comments on the article appearing at http://www.hmsoldies.org.uk/NABADS.html
'I read the article on NABADS and some one has got their facts wrong! I didn't act in 'Moonshine'. I may have been stage manager then, but my main acting part was Uncle Stanley in 'Queen Elizabeth Slept Here'. It was a small part but a difficult one. I played an man of about 70 who went round to his relations pretending he had plenty of money, and had some very dull reminiscences. My nerve-wracking time was at the end of an act, when I had to start a speech just as the curtains closed. My dread was that they wouldn't! My only other appearance was as a ghost in Gramacy Ghost. All the best. Jack Payne.'
10 September 2012 – Sue Prutton at Seventy
Sue Prutton (HMSO Supply / IT / Pubns, 1980 - 97) celebrated her 70th birthday in the Orangery at Blickling Hall. On one of the sunnier August days family and friends from the Forties through to the Noughties shared music, laughter, one thousand and forty nine years of friendship and a buffet lunch. The Eighties and Nineties contained some HMSO friends (Pam Janacek, Jill Ward, Sue Mickleburgh and Keith Staff), though for some reason Anne Stolady preferred to be riding round California on the back of a Harley Davidson. “No presents” was the request but donations to Help for Heroes realised some £400.
Ten years since Don died, he was remembered by everyone there and the flower arrangement in his memory was later placed in the Entrance Hall at Blickling, a place Don loved dearly and where, as an RAF Officer at the end of WWII, he had lived for some months.
8 September 2012 – From Jim Simmons
Hi Reg, Just found your site for ex-employees. I am now 58, but my first job from school was at Cornwall House between 1970 and 1973 and I had some really good times and met some really nice people with whom I kept in touch by visiting the office on a few occasions. As it was my first job I was very much the baby in the office, being a month away from my 16th birthday when I started.
It would be great if anyone remembers the shy Jim Simmons from those days. I have read that Keith Batchelor keeps in touch with Esther Mackay who I worked alongside throughout my stay, and it would be great to get in touch with her and any one else who remembers me. Thanks for a great site.
Jim Simmons
Hello Jim. Thank you for getting in touch. Like you, my first job was in Cornwall House (ITW1c, Room 204a, EO was Mrs Wilhelmina Robbie) 1963-1965, when I moved to Atlantic House and then Norwich. Not sure whether you get down that way these days, but Waterloo has been somewhat 'gentrified' and Cornwall House is now part of the University of London. The picture below was taken recently, from a room in the Union Jack Club.
We will add your note to HMSOldies to see if any of our readers remembers you, and I will see if I can make contact with Keith and Esther. All the best. Reg
7 September 2012 – From Sandy Cameron
Hi Reg, Just discovered the HMSOldies website thanks to Jim Cairns.
Re Jim's photo of Tom Watson's leaving do back in the '70s posted on 13 July, the missing names are Grace Kennedy and Hugh Brunton. Also in the photo were Tom Morrissey and Susan Page. There are two others whose names totally escape me. Hope this helps jog a few memories.
Regards, Sandy Cameron (formerly Business Supplies, Edinburgh, left in 1997)
Hello Sandy. Glad you found us, and that you are able to add the names. Our collective memory needs all the jogging available!. All the best. Reg
5 September 2012 – From David Silver Down Under
Dear Reg, We are just about to come out of the worst winter we can remember in Oz. We went straight from summer to winter no Autumn. On the plus side I was able to catch up with all the HMSO news, which certainly brightened up the days so a big thank you to you and all contributors. Susan has been struck down with flu’ but needs to get better before next Friday when she and her friend Sue head off for Iran.
Again thanks, David Silver
Hello David. Great to hear that you have survived the ravages down there ― the old British Spirit comes up trumps. Hope to see you in UK when next you make it. Best wishes. Reg
4 September 2012 – From Dan Lavery
Message from the colonies ― excellent stuff Mr W, hope you are keeping well. I notice some great names in the groups but one missing, any word on Brain Minett? A nice man I always liked and admired.
As to the pictures, some things need addressing:
1. Appropriate background music to bring life to the images! 2. Air brushing a must for some of the ageing males! 3. And a Government health warning in advance of viewing for people of a delicate disposition on the Walker jackets and the Pawsey shirts!
Pass on my very best wishes to anyone who remembers the upstart Irish! Dan L
Hello Dan, Good ― but by no means surprising ― that you are in thrusting form over there in the Six Counties. We rely on you to calm them down a bit. Thank you for the good words ― and I am pleased to report that when Brian Minett wrote to me last year he was also in fine form, doing the grandparent duties and happily retired in Swanley, Kent.
We take your points regarding the pictures. I'll dig out my 78 of 'Boys (and Girls) of the Old Brigade' and Billy Bennett's 'Where Did I Leave My Teeth?' for mood music. And I will inform my tailor (Man at Oxfam) to find me a quieter jacket for next year ― and Mr Pawsey's shirt-maker (Man at Colourblind) to tone it down a bit. We'll also organise a mass hair-spraying for those who can't afford the Wayne Rooney or Terry Wogan treatment. All the very best. Reg
4 September 2012 – From Norma Groom
Hi Reg, Thanks for email, unfortunately I could not get the side show.
I have tried on several occasions to get something down about Basildon Reprographic Unit. Having worked there from 1958 until 1978, when I transferred to Norwich, I would hate to think that any memories of it have it completely disappeared. My memories were of some very happy times there. They printed the original Supply Catalogue for Norwich. Dick Moore was Rep Manager, John Brunton, Eddie McKendrick, and many more.
My first days in Basildon as a Grade 2 typist, when I think it about it now, were a comedy: overhead gas heating which if you sat directly underneath them boiled your brains and if you sat three places away you sat and shivered all day. When it snowed the snow fell upon you, etc etc. The move to The Gore did improve working conditions ― In those days I was Norma Ellis and was Secretary of the Social Club and Len Ellis was the Chairman, so we were always being mistaken for husband and wife, which did sometimes cause embarrassment to our respective partners. When I moved to Norwich, Len was already there and I thought that that would be the end of our “marriage” but no, my first greeting when arriving in St Crispins was “I bet Len is glad to have you here now.” The most embarrassing was at a dance at Basildon when one of the messengers came up to my late husband and I and said he was so pleased to hear our news about the new baby and when was it due, we sat there opened mouthed until I woke up and realized that Len’s wife was expecting!
Best regards, Norma Groom
Hello Norma, Pity about the slideshow. If you click on the link from the HMSOldies page as usual, and not from my email link, it may work ― but I will leave other advice to the experts!
Many thanks for the Basildon Memories. I remember you there from my days in S13, visiting the OMTS section, and afterwards in 1975 when I was in Management Services and went on a joint project with Ray Fox of Work Study. George Furn was D Rep then, with John Brunton, Pam Brotherton, the Littlewood Sisters, Arthur Aldersley, Frank Meads ― so many names. I still see Len Ellis every month (I'll mention your reference to him) and John Eason and Jim Wretham ― other ex-Basildon inmates. In the early sixties I worked with Dolly Moore, of Adrema fame, when she moved to ITW. Basil Radford, Stan Smith and others long gone all had their Dup. and Rep. stories, some of them actually printable. All the best to you, and keep out of mischief down there in South Africa! Reg
3 September 2012 – From Jack Payne
Dear Reg, I would just like to add my condolences for Charlie Bradshaw and Roy Stonehouse. I knew them both very well when I was at Chadderton. Charlie and I both lived in Marple and shared cars to the office. The journey was never boring!
I meet Roy at NABADS when I was stage manager there. He came in as scenic artist and very good he was. He produced some excellent sets for the Pantos we put on. I was pleased to hear he was still going strong last year when he sent a message.
All the best, Jack Payne
29 August 2012 – Les Birch pays tribute to Charles Bradshaw
Dear Reg, Once again very saddened by the passing of a very old friend [see Obituaries] but as we know he had already been lost to the world for quite some time.
We were at grammar school in Manchester together for just about a year ― when I went there in September 1933 he was in his 4th or 5th year and I remembered him principally because he played soccer in the school's First XI. When we met up again in June 1939 when I joined the Manchester Office he had of course no recollection of me and our re-acquaintance lasted a bare two months.
He was the first man from Manchester to be called up to HM Forces in August 1939 following the belatedly-passed 1939 Conscription Act and initially he joined the Lancashire Fusiliers. Being ex-grammar school he quickly transferred to the RAF for aircrew training and became a bomber pilot. He flew Wellingtons in North Africa and became a flying instructor back home when he had completed his tour there. He was one of the last ex-servicemen to receive a pension for deafness caused by the very noisy Wellingtons before the Government stopped such payments when it became increasingly difficult to distinguish between war-related and age-related deafness.
I think he was very proud and happy when he became Director Manchester and he and Muriel were very fortunate to survive the horrendous car crash during his journey back from Holland for Gillian's wedding in 1971(?). I do not think he was ever the same man after that but even so he still livened up many of our numerous courses and conferences when HMSO was trying to sell the latest management fad ― Peter Drucker, MBO etc etc.
All in all a tremendous character. So, Reg, not a good year so far for the Oldies but be assured that I will do my best to keep off your obit. pages for some time to come.
Best wishes as always, Les
Dear Les, Excellent memories, as ever, and many thanks. I am sure that Gillian will especially appreciate words from an old friend. Very best wishes. Reg
28 August 2012 – Norfolk Youth Music Trust: Ivor Hosgood writes
The trustees are seeking your nomination of the The Norfolk Youth Music Trust for the 'The EDP People's Choice Award'.
Since October 1977, when Music at Saint George's was founded, no fewer than 265 public-performing opportunities have been offered to both young and mature amateur and professional musicians. Musicians from the United Kingdom, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Japan, South Africa, the Ukraine and the United States have been helped to find a public platform for their talents. Since 1977, the trust has donated over £20,000 to young musicians mainly to help them in meeting the costs of living, training fees and travelling during their studies to become professional musicians.
During these last 35 years, the trust has succeeded in attracting funding from Xerox (UK) Ltd (continuously over 20 years) the John Lewis Partnership plc (continuously over 18 years) and many other commercial companies and charitable trusts, including the The Paul Bassham Charitable Trust, the John Jarrold Trust Ltd, The Paul Morgan Charitable Trust, the Music Sales Charitable Trust, and Smith and Pinching Ltd, as well as the two local government authorities.
Please enter your nomination at <www.norfolkartsawards.co.uk> and go to 'EDP People's Choice Award' and the 'Nominate Now' button. On-line applications close on Friday 14 September.
Hi Reg, By way of another call for the Reunion, here is another picture of HMSO Scotland staff, taken after completing the Evening News Walk sometime in the '70s. Come along on the 25th of October to the Alexander Graham Bell in George Street at 7.30!
Back row: Jim Cairns, Charlie Thomson, ?, Angus McKinnon Front: Alison ?, Anne Whyte, Senga Brawlie
Apologies for memory gaps and/or spelling errors! Hope to see them all at the Reunion.
Thanks Reg, Jim Cairns
Hello Jim, Thank you: good picture! We will certainly add an urgent recommendation that anyone in the area on 25 October should make a date with Alexander Graham Bell . . . All the best. Reg
21 August 2012 – How far do you have to go to avoid HMSO?
Hello Reg, Re: your latest piece regarding weird sightings, we were in a supermarket in Yugoslavia in the '80s when there was a power cut, all the lights went out and the tills went dead, I looked out of the window and who should be standing outside but Sally Webb, I had no idea she was even in Yugoslavia at that time. Spookily I was with the family recently climbing up a lookout tower in Sheringham Park and when I reached the top who should be up there, but Sally, her fiance and two friends, I said "We have got to stop meeting like this!" Great to see her again, we both said we haven't changed at all!
I still have regular lunches and outings with Hilary Goreham, Di Ward, Anne Battley, Pat Brent, Ann Claydon and also the exclusive Copyright gang! including Audrey Hardstaff. I recall Hilary telling us she bumped into Valerie and Bob Barnard in a car hire outlet in Australia, now that is a coincidence. I am sure you will get lots of other strange sightings.
All best wishes, Pam Flynn
Hello Pam, Good to hear from you. Speaking of which, I was pleased to see the list of your occasional lunch companions. This lead me to wonder why I haven't seen any of you on the streets of Norwich for years now. Personally, I am on the streets more than the average Big Issue seller, so you must be avoiding me. I'm the one with the trilby, tie, waistcoat and Oxfam bag. Perhaps I should try a different disguise and you won't have time to hide. All the best. Reg
18 August 2012 – Two Degrees of HMSO Separation
Just to let you know that I recently went on a coach trip organised by Newmarket Travel, they sub-contracted it to Chenery of Dickleborough, Norfolk. This was to see Edinburgh Tattoo, Loch Katrine, Trossachs, Moffat, Bo'ness steam railway, Gretna Green. We stayed at the Holiday Inn, Glasgow Airport, the coach driver was Victor who is the brother-in-law of ex HMSO employee Barry Harper. Small world!
Thoroughly enjoyed trip and Edinburgh Military Tattoo was excellent. Philip Jinman
Hello Philip, Thank you for your message: small world indeed. I will let Barry know if and when I next see him on the streets of Norwich. This fits nicely with the reports that Glyn and Ann Jones happened upon a cousin of John Butler while on holiday in Cyprus, and Dave Martin met someone who knew George Rokhar in New Zealand (how far does one have to go to escape the skirl of his Chanter?). Perhaps we should start a competition for the most unusual sighting. Anyone seeing someone who knows Albert During anywhere in the world ― North Pole, South Pole, Gobi Desert, Peckham ― is disqualified: too easy. All the best. Reg
7 August 2012 - For students of Architecture
For those not lucky enough to be able to visit the verdant pastures of Magdalen Street, Norwich, on a regular basis you may care to see the improvements made since HMSO left it in rather a hurry in 1996, leaving the washing-up in the sink and the step unswept.
Thanks to the Hardest Working Man in St Crispins, Mr Mitie, Sean Cooper, the place is considerably tidier on the inside than on the outside. How he remains so cheerful is a lesson to us all.
6 August 2012 – Open Heritage Days in Norwich
Dear all, Bookings are now open for the Open Heritage Days in Norwich 6th to 9th September. Click below and have a look on the site ― you can book by email:
Dear Reg, You are doing a grand job in keeping the HMSOldies web site going. I log on a couple of times a week, and it brings back many happy memories of the people I have known and worked with over the years. When I joined in September 1962 HMSO was about 7500 strong and I was drafted into Works HQ and have many happy memories of dealing with you in Supplies along with the likes of Chester Willmott and Kath Daviss. You must have been about 18 at that time. Where have all the years gone?
I finally packed up work just over a year ago when my firm Colibri decided to shut down. I was 73 then so I had enjoyed a good run. Shortly after I packed up, my old customer COI closed down as well. Very sad as I had made many friends there, and some of them were old HMSO staff. A very difficult time for those made redundant there as we all know what state the country is in regarding finding a job these days. When I took over the COI section in PP in the late '80s we were buying £21 million of business for them. Unbelievable isn't it.
I still keep in touch with some of the COI staff and attend the HMSO Oldies lunch run very well by Bob Alder. We usually have a good turn out and try to put the world to rights. Haven't succeeded yet but will keep trying. I keep myself busy with sport. I play in two table tennis leagues, and have all my family living near me. Four grandchildren ranging from 2 to 15. The two youngest are really hard work as they have so much energy. I am sure that you have similar problems.
In a recent email you heard from Phil Jinman, who I used to work with in PP and later at COI. He mentioned me along with others. If he wants to get in touch with me please give him my email address and he can contact me? I go up to London on a regular basis so it wouldn't present me with any problems if he wants to come up and meet me.
I am sure that you are enjoying the Olympic Games along with the rest of us. Aren't we doing well? I hope you and your family are well, and who knows perhaps we will meet up again one day.
Regards, John Barker
Hello John, Great to hear from you, and that you are doing well. I had heard about Colibri from old friends at Formara. As you say, who would have thought that COI would dissolve in such a way? And by the way, I endorse your point re grandchildren ― just returned from a day out with mine, where coincidentally we went through Hevingham where one of the very nicest of HMSO men lived ― Norman 'Chester' Willmott, who you mentioned. I was 19 when I worked with him in S6, Atlantic House.
Thank you also for your kind words. I am sure that many will remember you. I will contact you when we organise our 'second Tuesday in December' event in The Ship, Borough Road, to see if you are available. Meanwhile, all the very best, Reg
1 August 2012 – From Billy Stevenson
Dear Reg, It was interesting to learn from Jim Wretham that the Copyright Act of 1911 is celebrating its hundredth birthday. I think I'm right in saying that this Act made provision for the legal deposit of a copy of every book published in the UK in each of the Libraries designated for this purpose. Trinity College Dublin is one of the aforementioned Libraries. There is none however here in Northern Ireland which brings me to the subject of HMSO’s own depository. In Northern Ireland this was in Belfast and known as 'The Controller's Library' where we kept one of every 'Government Publication' produced in Northern Ireland since 1921. Anyhow what happens now to all these printed works? Will they be committed to memory in a 'Cloud' somewhere, or will we still be able to see the originals in printed form?
Kind Regards to you and the team, Billy
Hello Billy ―Good point ―we will publish your item and I think we will get an answer from at least one reader! All the best. Reg
Alan Pawsey adds: Billy, You are indeed correct about the requirements which were set out for Legal Deposit in the 1911 Copyright Act. Although it didn't affect the old arrangements for deposit at Trinity College the legal requirements were superseded by the Legal Deposit Libraries Act 2003 which enabled arrangements for the deposit of electronic publications.
Following the privatisation of HMSO's trading functions in 1996, the responsibility for the Controller's Library transferred to the privatised company, TSO. I am not sure what its current status is, though I doubt that printed copies have been retained for all titles. Following the creation of the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1998, when I had responsibility for Official Publishing policy within the Cabinet Office, I ensured that arrangements were put in place to ensure the deposit of copies of all Northern Ireland Official Publications at the Library of Queen's University, Belfast. I know that these arrangements were warmly welcomed and that it has encouraged the campaign to change the law regarding the deposit of all publications in Belfast. The Publishing industry generally has fought against these proposals and the aims of that campaign have, therefore, yet to be realised!
Jim Wretham adds: Reg, and others. Alas it seems to be part of my role these days to shatter people’s hopes and dreams. I would love to be able to report that the contents of the Controller's Library is alive and well and the contents are being stored in pristine condition in a library somewhere. But back to the real world . . .
As you will no doubt recall, pre-privatisation the Controller’s print library consisted of a huge pile of books scattered on a few pallets at Nine Elms. At privatisation the CL transferred as an asset to TSO. TSO continued to maintain the CL for several years but wished to dispose of it when it moved out of Nine Elms. The residual HMSO was asked whether they wanted it and it was decided that government didn't want the contents. Alan Pawsey made efforts to interest various universities in the CL but there were no takers. Consequently, my understanding is that the books were scrapped. Alan may have further information.
The British Library would hold a copy of each of the publications of course. The BL also have a microfiche set (filmed by the microfilm unit at Basildon incidentally). Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings. Regards, Jim
Dave Burchell, Parliamentary Liaison Manager, The Stationery Office adds: Reg, Regarding the Controllers Library, a large amount of it still exists in a DHL Warehouse at Normanton. We have used it to enable us to digitise copies of the Commons Journals going back to 1834. I believe that we still have: Command Papers, Commons and Lords Bills, Lords and Commons Papers, Bound Volumes of Hansards and Public Bill Committees, Acts, Statutory Instruments. There are no London Gazettes in the Library.
The Controllers Library is still an important resource for TSO as we now produce a large number of orders as Print On Demand. If we do not have a physical copy for scanning, the Controllers Library is our first point of reference. I believe that there were originally two complete sets of everything at Nine Elms, but when we moved from Nine Elms, one complete set was discarded. There is still a large amount of material in the Controllers Library at Normanton that has not yet been catalogued, so exactly what else may be there is still unknown.
Hope this helps, Regards, Dave.
31 July 2012 – From Les Birch
Dear Reg, Much saddened by the passing of Roy and Vic [seeObituaries ]. I succeeded Roy as Director Wales and West in 1976 when he retired to breed his goats in West Wales. I visited him once in Belfast when there had been some suggestion that I might succeed him there but having learned of the 24 hours guard on his home and the inaccessibility of one of his warehouses because it was in the Catholic area of the city I decided against it.
Dear old Vic had tried to persuade me in the 1960s to join his team of all the talents to work on computers in their early days in the Department and assured me that this was where the future lay. In one of the more spectacular of my many misjudgements during my service I argued that the future really lay in reprographics where I was already having a great time in CRS. Whenever we met in later years he never failed to remind me of this.
Vic died on the day when I was having a tremendous bash at the golf club to celebrate my 90th birthday on the following day (23 July). My daughter had laid on a hog roast there and incredibly the weekend coincided with the biennial visit to Caerphilly of our twinned town of Lannion in Brittany. So my friends of 21 years' standing came from there together with my friends from Normandy, including my golfing chauffeur from the D-Day ProAms at Omaha Beach Golf Club. The international flavour was completed by the attendance of my son from Budapest, where he has lived and worked for many years now, together with his Turkish wife. I was of course thoroughly spoiled and it will take quite a few weeks for me to get through the bottles of various whiskies which, apart from the usual malts, included a buckwheat grain from Brittany and the inevitable calvados. We were fortunate in having a glorious day for the event after the months of rain ― mainly due I think to the presence of our Normandy Veterans Branch padre who I am sure used his direct line to the Weatherman to fix things.
Best wishes. Les
Dear Les, Many thanks for your characteristically incise memories of both Roy and Vic. I don't think you did too badly by avoiding HMSO Computery! And of course I would like to add our belated hearty congratulations for your 90th birthday. Just shows that living a virtuous and abstemious life brings its rewards ― Alan Cole and I well remember a couple of abstemious evenings with you over 30 years ago. Excellent to know that you had a full company of admirers on the great day, including divine intervention. You obviously still have the old powers of persuasion. All the very best. Reg
26 July 2012 – From Genevieve Gardner
Dear Sir, I have looked at HMSOldies website and was very impressed to see how everyone is still keeping in touch after so many years! I have noticed though that most people on the website used to work in Norwich or various locations in London. I have been desperately searching for ex-employees of the HMSO Bookshop at 258-259 Broad Street Birmingham up to its closure, possibly in 1996? Would you have any information or leads that could help me in my search? I would be very grateful for your assistance in this matter and look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards, Genevieve Gardner
Hello Genevieve, Good to hear from you. I must confess that I am personally not too familiar with Birmingham Bookshop, but we will see if anyone can help. I have also copied to a couple of ex-Publications people who may have some information. Presumably you worked there ―who was the Manager at the time? His/her name may help the search! All the best. Reg
23 July 2012 – Les Birch at Ninety
GL Birch was born on 23 July 1922 and joined HMSO on 8 June 1939. That didn't mean he missed war service. Quite the contrary, as can be verified by the fact that he still has very good friends in Normandy, some of whom were on hand to celebrate the great occasion with members of the extended Birch family. Just goes to show that a few rounds of golf followed by decent food and a glass or two in good company is the best medicine!
18 July 2012 –Tom Smith at Ninety
TG Smith joined HMSO in 1957 and moved to CEPA in Norwich in 1967. In those days long ago, as he looked through the window of Norvic House at the drizzle forming on the Chapelfield Bandstand, little did he expect that 30 years after retirement he would be celebrating his 90th birthday in the prestigious company of the Friday Club (Organiser Plackett, R – members Messrs Bradbury, Jones, Marchant, Davy, and others too nervous to be outed). But the highlight of the day was the attention paid to him by the Landlady of theTrafford Arms. He was so overcome that he was still smiling when the Landlord presented him with the bill . . .
13 July 2012 – From Jim Cairns
Hi Reg, I came across this picture, taken at Tom Watson's leaving party, in the Blue Blazer , Edinburgh, sometime in the 70s. I hope it will inspire folk to attend the upcoming reunion [Thursday 25 October – see below]. PS long hair and beards optional! Sadly quite a few of the people in the picture are no longer with us, including Tom Watson.
Hello Jim, What a good photo. This should make for plenty of head-scratching regarding names ― Norrie is front-of-stage, of course ― and Gordon ― isthat a young Gigg? And young Roger Dunn? Looks like a good event. All the best. Reg
Jim Cairns adds: Hi Reg, In the photo, in no particular order: Bob Wood, Malcolm Steven, Bill Merrilees, Allan Forbes, Jim Hume, Ron Burnett, Jim Cairns, Tom McNeil, Bill MacIntosh, Sandy Cameron Eddie Robertson, Bob Thomson, Tom Watson Gordon McGowan, Hugh ???, Gordon Campbell, Grace ???, Jo Landles, Norrie Veitch and Eddie Hendry. Please forgive my memory, those of you I've missed or have forgotten your surnames!
Hello Jim, Perfect.There are some famous names in your list, which will prevent some grey-haired head-scratching. On the other hand, the sprinkling of names might pose more questions than it answers. For instance, the Mike Gigg impersonator at the back, in the light-blue roll-neck, and the besuited, blue-tied lad to his left. I'm sure I know them, but the names have gone. . . . All the best, Reg.
Jim Cairns replies: By jove! Mike Gigg must have been a fine-looking man! That's me in the polo neck, I'm afraid! The chap with the tie was an English lad who didn't work with us for very long. Can't remember his name.
Jim, Well I'm damned ― of all the people to get wrong! All I can say is that Mr Gigg was/is a strapping fine fellow and the most helpful man an HMSO Press Officer (as once was I) could ever hope to have on his side. Enough of this, I'm starting down that dangerous Road to Reminiscence . . .
10 July 2012 – HMSO Scotland Reunion on 25 October
I wonder if you might be kind enough to draw attention to an upcoming reunion of the Edinburgh Branch. It will be held in the Alexander Graham Bell, George Street, Edinburgh at 7.30pm, Thursday 25 October. All ex HMSO folk are most welcome! Many thanks, Jim Cairns
Hello Jim, Good to hear from you, and thank you for the advance notice. Sounds a good location: if there was a cheap, direct train from Norwich I would be tempted to make it. I was last in George Street with Norrie Veitch ―time before was Dave Currie. First time was a month's course in Atholl Crescent, staying in the barracks at Holyrood. Happy days. All the best, Reg
9 July 2012 – Ton Up: Jim Wretham Celebrates his Centenary
Jim Wretham is among the last of the (very) few people still entitled to write the words 'HMSO' in the box marked 'Current Employer.' A cause for celebration indeed ― made all the more exciting by the fact that his particular area ― Copyright ― is celebrating a significant birthday this year. All will be revealed if you access the following sites:
We don't mean the aeroplane ― not even the Spaceship in Blake's Seven ― nor even a reference to Daniel O'Connell (there's one for the Irish historians), We refer to the ground-breaking laptop text processor from the mid-1980s.
The May 1985 edition of Progress contained a short paragraph celebrating 'the British-made portable Liberator Text Processor launched by Thorn-EMI ― with an estimated public service requirement of 6000 plus printers for the year 1985-86 ― demand for a further 10,000 during the following year.' Following development instigated by a team from CCTA under the leadership of Bernard Terry, HMSO had been granted the sole Public Service agency, with a predicted ￡4m sales during the first year.
In fact, the predicted level of sales was not achieved, despite the very positive user reaction, due to the fact that Government Departments were not prepared (or authorised) to increase their office equipment budgets. There were also procedural and Union-led questions regarding the engagement of relatively highly-paid staff on typing-related activities.
To the point (at last). In July 2012 Tony Smith ― not the HMSO Tony Smith: the London-based editor ofThe Register , one of UK's most-read Tech websites, and an excellent read too as you will see by clicking
sent HMSOldies an email to the effect that he was researching background to The Liberator and had seen theProgress reference while trawling the Net.
Subsequently we spoke to Tony, and gave him as much information as we could. Like a good journalist, he is hungry for more, and has plans to interview one of the product developers in the near future. He would also be very interested in any user or supplier perspectives that we may be able to offer. Naturally, we will not divulge your details unless you wish, so if you contact The Editor with any information your privacy will be secure. On the other hand, I know that Tony would appreciate a conversation should you agree. Of especial interest would be any promotional material etc. My copy of the short Operation Guide is sadly still in a cupboard in Room 5S, Sovereign House . . . Reg
Judy Pritchard adds : If I'm not mistaken, the first Liberator to land at HMSO found its way into the hands of Ken Allen, who was understandably reluctant to part with it, like a kid with a new toy. I still have nightmares about you begging me to get it back from him. I think that was probably the reason I left HMSO. Happy days, Judy
Hello Judy, Amazing how the casual mention of something like The Liberator triggers instant memories such as this. Now you mention Ken Allen's 'attachment' it all comes back to me. Luckily, many of the Senior Officers at the time liked to keep technology at arm's length, otherwise we would have lost the lot . . . All the best. Reg
4 July 2012 – PC World
Most readers will recall that HMSO Publications Centre in Nine Elms was demolished some years ago to make way for the new US Embassy. Progress is being made, according toThe Sunday Times dated 1 July 2012:
'It is an unlovely stretch of the River Thames: a tangle of industrial warehouses interspersed with Covent Garden flower market and the brooding presence of Battersea Power Station. Yet all that is set to change . . . at its heart will be the American Embassy, a new glass and steel construction on a four-acre moated island. Surrounding it will be a variety of developments that will include about 16,000 homes spread across the 482 acre site, making one of the largest residential schemes to be built in the capital for a decade.'
'This week . . . Embassy Gardens, a development of 2000 new homes, opens its marketing suite. First off is the Ambassador Building, due to be finished at the end of 2014. It will be 19 storeys high, with 313 Studios and 1-3 bedroom flats, as well as a private members' club that will include a gym, a cinema and meeting rooms. Prices start at £400,000 for a studio, rising to about £1m for a three-bedder. Two more buildings in the first phase are due to be completed by 2015.'
'The developer, Ballymore,has already sold about 200 properties off plan, to a mixture of overseas (a lot of Chinese, apparently) and British investors . . . and Nine Elms Parkside, a 13-acre site owned by Royal Mail, has planning permission for almost 1900 homes, a primary school, and shops. A little further down-river The Tower, One St. George Wharf, contains three penthouses priced at up to £50,000,000, one of which has been snapped up by a Middle Eastern buyer.'
On other pages: 'there's no money left . . . we're all doomed . . . run for the hills!' You could not, indeed, make it up.
30 June 2012 – From Stuart McLaren
Hi Reg, I was wondering if your readers would be interested in any of these snaps? They were taken at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in June 1996 where HMSO was launching QuickSilver. An Investigation into the Development of German Grand Prix Racing Cars 1934-1939 , a facsimile of a book published by HMSO after the Second World War. The launch was in the tent of the vintage car auctioneers Brooks (no relation!). The Mercedes Benz team wheeled over a real Silver Arrow, which Lynda posed in after flirting with the German mechanics! I still have one of those T-shirts.
Most of the personnel should be familiar to you. Mr & Mrs Gordon Robbie, Phillip Brooks, Lynda Turner, Mick Spencer, John Hudson and the young Miss Hudson and yours truly, Stuart McLaren. Most of Pubns from London and Norwich seem to have turned up that day. Those were the days when expense and travel claims were more or less treated like confetti.
Hello Stuart, We are delighted to add these photos, from days long ago when the sun shone in June, and I must say how elegantly most of you scrubbed up for the event. Which bounder told Brooks it was dress-down Friday? All the best. Reg
30 June 2012 – From Philip Jinman
Hi Reg, I am off to a family celebration at The Chelmer Tavern in Chelmsford tonight as I retired from Augustus Martin Ltd yesterday after working for them for 6 years 3 months, and I will be 67 on 5 July. As I will have time on my hands ― although I will be going on a short holiday on 9 July to Rye in Sussex, and another on August 12 (my late Mum's birthday and the start of the grouse shooting season) to see the Edinburgh Tattoo ― I expect will do some fishing and be looking for a part-time job either paid or voluntary.
The fares from Braintree to Stratford are in the region of ￡4,000 a year and going up again in January so now was a good time to retire. Augustus Martin Ltd used to do work for my ex colleagues of COI many of which used to work for HMSO such as Carol Piper and Phil Brimley. Augustus Martin Ltd acquired Print Processes whom HMSO used to use for printing posters for me when I worked for COI. But COI closed at the end of March this year with the loss of many jobs.
I wondered whether there were any reunions that maybe I could go to either in London or Norwich? It would be nice to see John Barker, Geoff Hooper, Alex McLeod, Ted Johnson, Carol Piper and Phil Brimley again. I never did find out what had happened to Adrian Lambley — we joined HMSO at the same time and went on holiday to Elba together in the 70's. Yours, Philip Jinman
Hello Philip, Good to hear from you — and congratulations on your second retirement. I beat you to it, a few years ago, having retired from my post-HMSO job at Formara Printers. I am sure that you will find something to fill the day ― I find wandering the streets and generally boring people with self-righteous ranting compensates for the absence of 'Quality Circles.'
There was a London reunion lunch recently ― photos etc will appear on HMSOldies soon, as they will for The Eagle event we had in Norwich. I will certainly let you know when another lunchtime is planned. I used to see John Barker in The Pineapple, Hercules Road, when he was lunching Phil Battle on behalf of Colibri ― while I was doing the same for Carol Piper for Formara. Alex McLeod is living in Kent, I believe: I haven't heard from him for years. And I can't help you regarding Adrian: perhaps one of our readers can. I know that Phill Brooks and Alan Pawsey had lunch with Phil Brimley at the last knockings of COI.
I remember you in your IP days ― Derek Wintle, Mick Moore, Harry Currie, Malcolm McNeill were around then, I think, I dealt with Reg Myers, Terry Quinlan, Glyn Jones (still around Norwich), Dave Ware, Graham Boulter on various PC and Warehouse jobs. Seems a lifetime ago ― I suppose it was. All the best for what sounds like a convivial weekend. Reg
Philip Jinman adds: Hi Reg, I have been asked by Augustus Martin to do holiday cover for their estimating in August. Unfortunately I'm enjoying my new found freedom but nice to be asked. I'm going to see the EdinburghTattoo and looking after grandson in August so no can do estimating as well ― even from home, as it would be nightmare going to Bow during the Olympics. Enjoying fishing and went on a long walk round the footpaths of Finchingfield and Great Bardfield yesterday. Just come back from a week in Rye: weather was good despite rain everywhere else, it only rained at night or as we were going to Hythe on a bus ― free to us oldies, had to pay for Barbara though. Regards, Philip
Hello Philip, As you say, nice to be asked ― but it doesn't take long to realise that for many of us the flog into and back out of London was the worst part of the working day. Good to see that you are adjusting well. Don't tell everyone: they will all want some. All the best, Reg.
30 June 2012 – Pubns’ Rock by Stuart McLaren
Hi Reg, I've just been studying the 1971 Pubns organisation chart in the IC of 26 June [below]. Having joined Pubns 20 years later, what struck me was that of the five names that I recognise, four are graphic designers ― Mssrs Arnoldi, Hammond, Marriage and Saville. Among the non-designer fraternity only Mr R. C. Barnard stands out. What the chart reminded me of most was one of Pete Frame's hand-drawn Rock Family Trees. On this analogy GD was clearly the Rolling Stones of Pubns in terms of its consistent and enduring core personnel. I don't know what that makes Bob Barnard, the Ozzy Osbourne of Pubns perhaps! Best wishes, Stuart
Thanks Stuart. Well observed ― I have forwarded to Bob Barnard so that he can bask in the undoubted compliment! All the best. Reg
26 June 2012 – Philip Marriage agitates his little grey cells
Reg, Barbara Bovington's neurones are clearly still in good shape if she remembers me after forty years, however I do know she worked under Kath Daviss in P1c because I still have this chart (don't ask why) drawn-up by John Westwood in August 1971 showing Publishing and Design teams and their reporting structure.
[click chart for larger version]
There's so many personalities here which linger in my memory, big Terry Morgan, helpful Derek Eke and Frank Glynn under Ken Hutchins and booming 'Sergeant major' Eddie Sargent in P&B (as it was then).
Nora Henderson, the indefatigable Ivy Lee (who could give Eddie Sargent a run for his money), the immaculate Miss Williams (sometimes 'Billie' but never Nora) and tiny Kath Daviss in Pubns under Bob Barnard and Andy Woolway. The relaxed Paddy Morrison and Dorothy Daggett in Publicity with the plummy-voiced Harry Edwards under Ray Brearley.
And my fellow designers, Vera Brice (who later became Senior Designer at HarperCollins) and myself learning the 'gentle craft from a gentle man' that was David Napthine as John Saville once described him. The inimitable David Challis (who later joined The Museum of London) and Sue Grindley whose involved tales of why she was always late amused us all. Tony Garrett (who later joined The Times ), with Ken Arnoldi, Dee Smallridge and George Hammond each of whom made the move to Norwich. But David Tudor didn't, preferring the life of a freelancer in London, and bearded Peter Branfield who headed the small HMSO London Studio until 1985. Peter is best remembered for designing some four hundred posters for the V&A and other national museums. All of us striving for the challenging John Westwood.
Then the senior staff whom I knew less well, Jack Carpenter, Bert Leader, Tim Powis, Charlie Blundell, the industrious George Macaulay, Jim Macausland, red-nosed John Morgan, water-colourist George Thompson, Doug Masson, and lofty Derek Dashfield – all good to work for as I recall.
Finally the Management Board of Jack Cherns, Bill Donaldson (who sanctioned the change of my day-release course to Graphic Design), and Jim Turner (who signed my Compositor apprenticeship indentures when I first started in 1959) each reporting to the Controller, the energetic Cliff Baylis who I most remember dashing around the corridors of Atlantic House one Christmas Eve wishing everyone a much appreciated Merry Christmas.
They were happy days . . .
Hello Philip, Lots of names, just what I like. Kath Daviss worked on S6 as EO with Charlie Lloyd as HEO in 1965 when I moved to S6B. As you say, happy days. Reg
25 June 2012 – London at its best . . .
Many HMSOldies living and working in Norwich are known to be of the opinion that the best thing about London is the train back home from Liverpool Street (when it is not a Replacement Bus Service, that is). Well, if they care to take a later train they may be interested in what the area around the station has to offer.
In 1967 Philip Marriage discovered he had ancestors who once lived in Spitalfields, so it was inevitable that he would explore the area with his camera.
Periodically over the years he repeated his visits and slowly built up a collection of photos which record the changes that have taken place. A selection of these photos were recently published by 'the gentle author' of 'Spitalfields Life':
Those Oldies who know London might find these photos of interest and the many other fascinating articles on this web-site — I certainly did, in common with Barbara Bovington, who in the 'Responses' at the foot of the first article says "Interesting to see these. I doubt that Philip would remember me but from 1971-1976 I worked for HMSO in Pubns (P1C)." Small world.
Reg.
24 June 2012 – Peyton Place? Jack tries not to Tampa with the evidence
I may live in a geriatric community, Crane Lakes Golf and Country Club, where you have to be at least 55 years old to live here, but it is more like Peyton Place at times. You remember that American series that aired in Britain in the late sixties?
ATTEMPTED CONTRACT KILLING: Last summer my friend Neil’s wife died. A few months later he married his cousin, Doreen; well it was his wife’s cousin so she was not a blood relative. After a short while Neil decided to dump her and she didn’t like it. She became angry with Neil because he sold their home and didn't split the money as he promised. Neil had sold his home here for $72,000.
What did Doreen do? Well, she's accused of putting a contract out on Neil? She reportedly asked a fellow nurse's aide to kill her husband. According to Press reports, she allegedly offered Brandon Parrish $25,000 from her husband’s insurance policy to murder him. But Parrish told the police about her offer and she was arrested and is still in jail without bail.
It doesn’t end there: Investigators are reportedly questioning whether Doreen could be a black widow. A report shows her second husband mysteriously committed suicide in New Hampshire in 2001. Investigators said they found traces of anti-freeze in his system that he drank over time. That case is now being revisited.
LIGHTNING: A woman was injured after lightning struck two trees Wednesday afternoon on our golf course. Lightning had struck two trees nearby, but it couldn’t be confirmed that the woman was struck.
The woman was taken to Halifax Health Medical Center of Port Orange. Witnesses said she was knocked to the ground and bleeding from the mouth, but alert when transported.
SUICIDE: In the next street down from my house a woman committed suicide by shooting herself in the head. Apparently she didn’t do a very good job of it because when the police arrived she was still breathing. She died the following day in hospital. Now why would an apparently attractive woman in her late fifties do this?
From what I have been able to find out she was a bit of a boozer and was also addicted to pills. I don’t mean banned substances I mean pain pills, sleeping pills or anything she could get her hands on. Her next-door neighbour was a gentleman in his lower nineties who was being prescribed various pills by his doctor. Our suicide victim found out and asked him if he would let her have some. He at first declined until she offered him “favours for pills”. So she would pop around to his house, pick up some pills, provide him with her favours (don’t lose sight of the fact that he was in his nineties!) and go back home . . . until one day the gentleman declined to give her any more. She was none too happy with this and got hold of a small gun, put it to her head and . . . bang!
DEATH AND RESURRECTION: I was told by my friend Harry that a guy named Jim, who lives about twenty doors away from me, had been found lying face down in the road, dead to the world. This story went from mouth to ear like wildfire. Jim lived on his own so it could not be confirmed too easily whether he had in fact died. It went on until Wednesday evening when, during a bingo session in the club house, someone got up and announced that Jim was not dead but had gone north to visit relatives in Pennsylvania. So where had this story of his death come from?
A few friends and I were talking to Jim at a baseball game last Wednesday evening and he told us the story. A friend of his said he would pick Jim up in his car and take him to the airport. It was thought, so I am told, that the car resembled a hearse (why? Because it was black or what). Someone saw the car turn up and then saw luggage being carried out; I can only assume that it was not in broad daylight but in fading light, but then you never know with myopic geriatrics. This unknown person put two and two together and assumed that it was Jim’s body being removed from his house. It doesn’t resolve the mystery of why someone said he was found face down in the road!
I need to get away from all this excitement; it is not good for my heart! A friend of mine said he would hate to live here on Crake Lakes. When ask why he replied, “The noise of the ambulances, fire trucks and police sirens coming to pick up the dead would keep me awake.” As a matter of interest the fire trucks are usually first on the scene of accidents because all the crew are trained paramedics.
Talking about getting away I am flying across the pond and will be in Norfolk and Suffolk from 3 to 23 July. Best wishes from, Jack Keating
Hello Jack, My word, I didn't realise that life over there was so exciting! I thought at first you were trying out a script for a new television series ('Scouse in the House?') and checked to make sure it was all true . . .
We will certainly find a place for your piece as a Public Service and it would be good to catch up with you when you are over. All the best. Reg
Stop Press : Jack escapes from the Everglades for a week or two and gets outside a few pints of London Pride in the Wig and Pen , Norwich.
23 June 2012 – From Billy Stevenson
Dear Reg, Like your good self, I look forward to reading Dr Pickford's new book when it is published. I have reserved a place for it on my bookshelf alongside "Barty-King" which I got from Amazon for two quid. A further place is reserved for Reg Walker's definitive work on the old firm. I know you can do it, having read your many recollections in the 'Oldies'
The Belfast Bookshop I was thinking, had been at 80 Chichester Street for a long long time, I must check if it was there when the Titanic was built. Now there was hot metal of a different variety, white hot rivets, which reminds me of my own days at Harland and Wolff. My good mate in those times was Roy Walker. We were Catch Boys in the Victoria Yard or Wee Yard as it was called. Roy went from Catch Boy to Catch Phrase.
The Shipyard was like an Industrial Academy, young lads learned a lot, not only about Trade skills but about life in general. The things I remember most were the wonderful nicknames. One of the Riveters I worked with was called "Bones Gallaher", another was "Jack Bull Hynds"
They were tough men, but warm-hearted too. There was about twenty thousand men in the Yard at that time and most of them came to work on bicycles, myself included. It was God help pedestrians when the horn blew in the Yard at finishing time. Another memory was, on Friday night when we got paid the members of the Squad you worked with gave you what was called "Blood Money", no it's not what it seems. It was for boiling the tea cans. Good Days as was my time on board HMS Circle at Chichester Street and later Arthur Street.
Best regards to yourself and the team. Billy
PS Did I catch a glimpse of you Reg, in the Royal Enclosure chatting to Frankie Dettori the other day?
Hello Billy, Lovely reminiscences ― especially for me, as my Uncle Frank (born around 1908) was 'one of John Brown's Boys' at the Shipyard in his early days. He was a French Polisher and went on to Gilpins, a place of which you are well familiar. Even had the honour of a mention in 'Belfast Life' . . .
He lived into his 80s at Cregagh, with daily trips to The Rosetta and the odd away-day to the Kitchen Bar, Ulster Sports Club etc. Roy Walker was not a relative of mine, as far as I know, and I am flattered that you thought I was among the 'monied classes' at Ascot. Fakenham Races is about as far as I am likely to get. You bring back some fine memories, which I am sure will be shared among many ex-pats and visitors to the places you mention. All the best, and keep 'em coming. Reg
23 June 2012 – From Brian Blackmore
Reg, Thought you would like to see that I am still alive and kicking!
Hello Brian, You old Sea dog, you haven't changed a bit! Could have just come back from a walk to Orsman Road to check on the number of Fit Stock Gestetner 105s . . .We look forward to any reports of your future sea-going activities. All the best, Reg
13 June 2012 - HMSOldies at The Eagle, Norwich
The eagle-eyed among you will spot the following participants in this slideshow of photos taken by Messrs Pawsey, Taylor and Walker:
Ann Clancy, Alan and Janice Pawsey, Judy Tassell, Brian and Jean Whitefield, Jane Burgis, Julie Jermy, Ann Cullum (the only person to avoid a portrait!), Steve Johnson, Viv Jones, Brian Ekers, Alan Cole, Andy Taylor, Pat Owen, Pat Tate, George James, Roger Nash, Gordon and Jennie Robbie, Ann Eason and Reg Walker.
6 June 2012 - HMSOldies London Lunch
Twenty-three HMSOldies attended the Annual London Lunch at The Freemasons’ Arms, in Longacre, Covent Garden organised by Bob Allder. By coincidence, the venue was an appropriate place to hold the event as just around the corner lies the building which once housed the old Drury Lane Press.
Those present were: Bob Allder, Bob Avery, John Barker, George Billson, Dave Burchell, Eric Darby, Alan Crawley, Dave Brennan, John Davies, Ken Dustan, Michael Edwards, Dave Forbes, Tony Ford, Eddie Gregory, Alan Hardman, Geoff Hooper, Fred Howe, Ron Reddick, Dennis Rose, John Rumball, Gordon Parfitt, Graham Smith, and Peter Watts.
Although booked-in for the lunch, but unable to attend on the day were: Geoff Brewer, due to a medical emergency was prevented from attending; John Morley, delayed in getting back from France; Grace Ware, having just returned from holiday, ended up with a heavy cold. The three spare meals served up were shared around the tables with Ken Dustan clearing the most plates. No doubt Ken needed the extra sustenance, having travelled up to London all the way from Torquay.
After the meal, apologies for absence were announced: John Eveson, away on holiday in sunnier parts; Keith Frances, unable to attend on the day; Gerry Taylor, attending the Steyning Festival; Ron Sawyer, involved in the his local Diabetes Support Group activities; Mick Davies, looking after his grand-children during the school holiday; Ron Bent, recovering from a triple by-pass, and suffering at the time from a tooth abscess;. Martin Grant, away on holiday; John Robertson, attending a prior engagement. After the meal, the assembled company were later joined by John Rumball’s wife Christine.
There were no reported sightings of any apparitions, as within visible distance of the venue is Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, frequently used as “Thames House” the headquarters of MI5 in the television series “Spooks”. With no pressure from the landlord to leave the function room, the event carried on well into the afternoon, enabling those present to continue their conversations and “catch-up” on news and gossip.
6 June 2012 – From Dr Susan Pickford
Dear Mr Walker, I've just come across your very interesting and informative website. I'm an academic currently working on a chapter on government publishing for a forthcoming volume of the Cambridge History of the Book in Britain. At the moment I'm trying to find out what happened to the HMSO bookshops in the 1980s and 1990s: I presume privatisation saw the end of them and the operations are now run online through the TSO. I wonder if you or your members could shed any light on the question for me?
I'd also be interested in the possibility of reproducing an image or two from your photo archive if you are inclined to grant permission.
With many thanks, best wishes, Dr Susan Pickford, University of Paris
Dear Dr Pickford, Thank you for your kind words regarding the HMSOldies website. It is some 16 years since most of us were made redundant from HMSO so our knowledge of TSO and o2o (the Banner-branded Office Supplies business) which remain as privatised entities is becoming less reliable. I know that the bookshops have disappeared in their old form. In fact, I was in London yesterday and walked past the old Holborn shop, which is now a coffee bar. This TSO site, which you may well have seen, gives the latest contact information:
The book sounds interesting: once it is published we would be pleased to mention it on the website if you give us a prompt. Good luck with the book. Reg Walker, Editor, HMSOldies
30 May 2012 – Who's that with Maria? From Bob Cavanagh
Ed, Following the publication of photographs of John Terry in the wake of Chelsea's Champions League success, my thoughts returned to a picture I came across on the internet a while ago.
In all his youthful, debonair, un-photoshopped glory here's HMSO's own Phil Brooks accompanying a very chic Maria Callas. And with Liz Taylor and Dickie Burton in tow ― strolling through the Bois de Boulogne on their way to Longchamps. Ah, Phil, you were such a handsome bugger ― even Burton is in awe. O tempora, O mores, eh? Don't suppose they'd serve you if you dressed like that in The Eagle ? Cheers, Bob Cavanagh
Hello Bob, Thank you for your bombshell: Brooks mixes with the Beautiful People! All these years and I didn't know that he was a Gigolo. We will publish and see if any of our readers has other samples of his Other Life. Hope he took leave for this event . . . All the best. Reg
Up and Down the Newmarket Road . . .
Norwich readers — and of course others who will be in the area around 1230 on Wednesday 13 June 2012 — are reminded that the next informal lunchtime meeting will be held, as before, in The Eagle. Further details, should they be needed, from The Editor.
20 May 2012 – CSSC Goings On!
Hi Reg, had an enjoyable although cold visit on Saturday 19th May to Barnsdale (Geoff Hamilton's garden from BBC TV ― if you are old enough to remember this!) and Rutland Water. HMSO colleagues on this visit were Brian Wilson, Bob and Val Barnard, Arthur George, Barbara and Brian Cockram, Kevin and Pauline White, Jim and Lynda Marshall. They all know a good value day out when they see one!
We are organising a visit to the Olympic Park in August, 20:20 cricket at Trent Bridge in June, Duxford/Cambridge in October and pantomime visits to the Theatre Royal in the New Year. So if any HMSOldies would like to come along we would be very pleased to see them. Contact details for the events can be found in the newsletter in this link.
19 May 2012 – Cambodia: An Introduction from Jo Williams
Reg, So much so soon has happened after arriving back in Cambodia, after my first and only visit in 2002. People keep asking 'how has it changed?' For me it has the same mixture of dusty streets, vibrant capital, sleepy river towns and generously spirited people always ready to help and invariably with an honest smile.
But for sure change has happened, as indeed it has back home in my own English city. Cambodia is returning to a place where various nationalities can emigrate to. There is evidence of Chinese, Vietnamese, European and American investment in homes and businesses. Also the change has been to accommodate the holidaying ‘barang’, foreigners, and hopefully to work with or profit from them. The distinction seems to be that the poorer locals seek money from work and the wealthier government officials seek money from corruption. The overwhelming impression I get however is that everyone is an entrepreneur engaging in proven ways to make money. They need to be, there is little in the way of government support.
Anyone with a small capital investment can purchase a small plastic basket to contain a small bottle of oil, some string, a piece of lime, a pair of scissors, a piece of cloth and some nail varnish and they are mobile beauty parlours. Children buy photocopied Khmer bestsellers and make bright woven bracelets to sell at riverfront restaurants. Families save money from selling surplus rice to invest in a 250cc motorbike so that the son can start a moto-taxi business. Some people buy a push-cart to sell prepared fruit from. Farmers take fresh coconuts by ox-cart to wherever they can sell them. All profit in their own way. The hard part is getting the initial capital so a good friend or family member who has already succeeded is key to getting a loan.
32% of the current population are 0-14 with 64% aged between 15-64. With a third of its population too young to remember the Khmer Rouge’s genocide of the educated, there is a real understanding of the benefits of education. The children know little of the past, either because of unspoken words of what happened to their families, or relieved by the country’s present stability or they are simply uninterested. Most people who lived through the Pol Pot era and subsequent Vietnamese occupation seem to have gone on with living without self pity, whether through cultural norms of denial and suppression or by strength in Buddhist faith, and most seem able to be present and do what they can in their short lives as life expectancy falls short of 65 years old.
The main feeling I had though is that despite all that this country and its people have been through, the people are strong enough to succeed and will do so with determination. Perhaps it's because of what they’ve been through that this is possible. They realise that tourism and foreign trade will play an increasing part in their lives and most young people I met seemed to be doing what they could to earn money to pay for English classes at private schools or for extra tuition by teachers at the government schools. The people I spoke to had excellent pronunciation and were very forward in practising their English with foreigners, shyness doesn’t seem to exist. Even at a café run for and by deaf people I had a conversation about the football match they were about to play and how they would get there.
Corruption exists of course, and people have no choice but to endure the drawn out Khmer Rouge show trials screened daily on live TV which have been taking place for 3 years and are now seeking funds for another 2 years at cost of millions of dollars. They live with the ghosts of the horrific past with unshed tears and in painful denial but in some ways maybe that is what is needed in the end to maintain a sense of letting go.
I hope to return to Cambodia within a year. Cambodians smile and are outgoing, fun loving people with a sense of responsibility and seemingly have easy joy in their relationships with family, friends and neighbours. Most people were patient, friendly and honest, all of which count for a lot when you’re travelling. My advice ― Visit Cambodia ― you’ll live to love the experience as all of the travellers I’ve met have!
Jo Williams
Hello Jo, Good to hear from you ― and read your optimistic reflections. Sounds fascinating! All the best, Reg
16 May 2012 – From Les Birch
Dear Reg, Congratulations to Jim Cairns on his production of what must be one of the best pieces we have seen on the site for a long time. I remember him joining the design team in Edinburgh ― they were all first class designers and the London boys I think felt that their noses were very much put out when Edinburgh consistently gained the highest awards for their work. They were of course all complete nutters ― I recall one occasion when they were designing a book for the Ancient Monuments people in Scotland, something about some dig in the Orkneys or Shetlands, I cannot recall which. I walked into the studio to find them all wearing Viking helmets, essential, they told me in all seriousness, for them to get into the right frame of mind to design the book appropriately. But it seemed to work. Best wishes, Les
Hello Les, Yes, an excellent piece as you say. I have alerted Alex Smith, who I am sure will be interested. Thank you for your additional reminiscence ― which tallies with my memories of the exuberant GD people I dealt with at Customer events in the early 1990s.
However we have managed to find a photo of them from 1980 in one of their more relaxed moments ― Jim Cairns on the right, Dot Adams in the middle with Ronnie Burnett on the left. All the best, Reg
16 May 2012 – HMSO Great War Roll of Honour: update
Following Stuart McLaren's earlier note (1 May), HMSOldies is in the process of re-positioning and enhancing the prominence of this important aspect of HMSO's past ― and we have been told that there are plans to place the Plaque on permanent public display near the main reception desk at the National Archives at Kew later in 2012.
Printers' Pie and Pyknyks — in Edinburgh
John Saville has alerted us to this excellent short film, produced by Jim Cairns
The film follows the progress of the well-known Edinburgh Printers, R&R Clark. Jim Cairns joined HMSO Edinburgh in 1974 as Technical Officer in Graphic Design. He subsequently left to set up a design consultancy in Glasgow. The film will be of interest both to printers and those interested in social history — specifically related to Edinburgh in the last century. And the background music is also particularly well-chosen.
Jim Cairns adds: Dear Reg, Thank you for putting my 'Printers' Pie' film up on HMSOldies. I hope that people will enjoy it. It was kind of Les Birch to remember GD Edinburgh so nicely, and I take his description of us as 'nutters' as the highest possible compliment! I wonder what happened to those Viking Helmets? Regards to all oldies, Jim.
Dear Jim, A lovely film: even non-Scots and non-printers have told me how it happily takes them back to The Good Times (rose-tinted specs suitably adjusted) that we all think we remember. Strangely enough, we took the grandchildren to an event at Pensthorpe recently where there was a re-enactment involving Viking helmets. I wonder . . . All the best from a very warm Norwich. Reg
Fred Stubbs adds: The Jim Cairns film was most enjoyable and I found it quite moving at the end. When I was in the Edinburgh office HMSO made good use of R & R Clark as it was a top quality printer. It really looked like a very good firm to work for. Jim deserves some kind for award for the production of that film. Best wishes, Fred
Bob Nelson adds: I’ve just watched Jim Cairns’ film about R. & R. Clark of Edinburgh, and have never seen a more affectionate record of a printing firm. I worked at R. & R. Clark for about a year at the end of the sixties and I worked with Jim in Edinburgh for some years before moving to Norwich in 1978.
14 May 2012 – David Berwick: 'The Divine Delinquent'
Hello Reg, You were on my list of good folk to contact when blow me, up pops a message from Nodge this morning saying that you were enquiring after info! I've no idea how you knew about it. I would of course be delighted if you could give my latest publishing venture a run in front of your readership. My first book took 25 years to produce. I'm getting the hang of it now — this one has whizzed into life in slightly less than 3! I am publishing this one myself — PP experience has been very handy indeed! Mature readers from the technical area may be interested to know that dear ol' Barnwell's of Aylsham are being trusted with getting paper between printing surfaces and in the right order — hopefully! They now have a very modern plant and produce some excellent work. I can't speak highly enough of them thus far down the track. Anyrate, if you could run the details from the attached documents I would be more than grateful. All the best, David.
Hello David, Good luck with your launch! All the best, Reg
9 May 2012 – Les Birch: A little more about Chadderton
Dear Reg, Good to see Jack Payne's note about Chadderton and particularly his mention of the bowling green ― it was of course a crown green, flat greens being reserved for effete southerners. In addition there was a 9-hole putting green adjacent to the main office block and 2 shale tennis courts (they would be called 'clay' now). Indoor sporting activities were covered by a full size snooker table and two table tennis tables. There was also I believe a dart board but in keeping with the class distinctions Jack makes much of this would be the province of the 'industrials', the 'clericals' being above this sort of sport.
It has struck me that apart from myself the only people still alive to remember those pre-war and early war years at Manchester are Jim Holden and Harvey Wild - the memories of both Tom Harris and Charlie Bradshaw being both a little fragile at present. So here are a few other memories of those now distant days.
On arrival in June 1939 we were soon conscripted into the office fire brigade. About once a month we would have a wet drill when, shorn of all clothing except a boiler suit and Wellingtons, we would have great fun squirting water from a pretty powerful trailer pump over all and sundry. I think we were paid 1/- (5p) for each such wet drill ― doesn't sound a lot but when one's annual salary was £80 the sum was very welcome. The salary would of course rise by annual increments to £350 p.a. by the time we were 37 and we were told quite seriously that if we kept our noses clean (a clean nose being most essential) we might achieve promotion by our early 30s to Higher Clerical Officer where the salary would eventually reach £450 p.a. ― Staff Officer (later HEO) was a distant dream carrying a princely maximum of £550.
With the fall of France in June 1940 the next excuse to get away from the desk arose with volunteering for the LDV, later the Home Guard. We used to do at least one guard a week and as we were granted a half day off for every 2 guards done we tended to volunteer for as many guards as possible. One of the daily rituals if one was on guard duty at the main gate was to present arms to the Superintendent, Captain Hammond, as he swept through the gates in his car ― he somehow managed to get enough petrol coupons to keep his car going throughout the war. Presenting arms to a retired RASC officer was way over the top and he should have had just the simple slap on the rifle butt by way of salute ― if that.
With the arrival of the blitz later in 1940 our monopoly of night duty was shattered by the onset of firewatching and we 'soldiers' resented very much the presence of these 'civilians'. They used to sleep during the night so of course did not have the time off that we managed.
All the time from when we reached the age of 18 we would submit an application every month to be allowed to volunteer for the forces and every month it would be turned down. Eventually we were told that we could volunteer as soon as our age group were notified of their date for registration for conscription into the forces. In my case the notification was made on Friday 5 September 1941, I went down to the recruiting office on the morning of Monday 8 September, signed on immediately to report to an RE depot in Halifax on Tuesday 9 September and of course caused much upset in the office leaving with virtually no notice. Not that I cared in those days.
We all returned in 1946/7 to be greeted by the then Superintendent with the immortal cliché 'You left us as boys and have returned as men' which I suppose was true enough.
And talking of enough I think that this is it for now. Use of it what you will, if anything, but I hope that it will be of some interest to the Norwichites for whom quite often I feel a measure of sympathy for never having known what I and some others think of as the real HMSO.
Best wishes as always, Les
Hello Les, What a perfect potted history ― just what we need. As you say, you are certainly one of 'the few' again as regards remembering pre-war HMSO. I like to think that although I came to HMSO relatively late, in 1963, just about everyone I worked with had been through the war, generally in the Services, and one Messenger had been in WW1. The man I sat next to ― AJ Mew ― spoke almost entirely in Army slang ― and Marge Todd also taught me a few new phrases.
My oldest Establishment List is dated 1954, by which time you were already an exalted HEO in ITW (Director A Ryder; Deputy Director C Pengelly, who was Director when I joined) on a payscale £ 830 - £ 995. The few women HEOs, such as your contemporaries Winnie Delaney, Adeline Rosina Head, and Doreen Brandel, were on a scale £ 710 - £ 860. Incidentally, John Eason is still in contact with Arthur Brunwin, an EO in 1954 languishing on a scale up to £ 800 p.a. Brings it home to you when the London Evening Standard is advertising one-bedroomed flats in the City 'from £ 500 per week,'
All the best, Les, and please keep any memories coming. Reg
The Only Way Is S6
There was a time, in the mid-1980s, when visitors to Supplies Office Machinery thought they had walked into a Model Agency. HMSO's own George Clooney — Norman Reeves — had moved on when these pictures, supplied by Philip Nash, were taken, but his legacy is apparent.
The photos were taken at evening and lunchtime festive functions in 1984 and 1985. Main setting is the Savoy Greek Restaurant in Norwich's Prince of Wales Road. Philip was only 19 at the time, and was obviously trying to impress his EO, Gill Gent, with his savoir faire. Otherwise why would he try furtively scratching the back of her neck in one picture, and burning her nose with a candle in another? She smiled through it all, of course, thinking that it couldn't get worse. It could. And it did.
Philip continued the rounds of the party — via his old friend Mark Ganderton — helping Louise Chapman put linen (don't ask) on JT Gardiner's head — then hokey cokey with Eileen Johnson and Barry Finch, of Grundig. He wasn't there to help Madeleine Baldwin spoon-feed Bob Adams (also Grundig) thus earning another 5% discount on the Standing Arrangement. Frank Payne (seen restraining a drunk who insisted on singing) worked them hard in those days. What were Peter Gauchy and Gill Gent laughing at? Was he pulling that old 'waiting for a Dictaphone' line?
Lots of other famous names — who can you spot? No prizes for getting ARH During: lucky Albert won a day's labour from Gandy in the raffle. Funny thing, he hasn't been seen since . . .
8 May 2012 – From Tony Gummett
I read with particular interest the recent entry in HMSOldies regarding the forthcoming performance by Gavin Turner and the William Byrd Choir. This prompted me to dig through my CD collection and find a BBC recording of an excellent performance of a Palestrina Mass by the choir ― conducted by Gavin ― in the Sistine Chapel, Rome, and broadcast by the BBC on 31 December 1984! It is good to know the Choir is still going strong. Regards and thanks for keeping the Oldies going. Tony Gummett
Hello Tony, Excellent to hear from you ― and that you are still an HMSOldies reader. We will add your note, and I will pass on your comments to Gavin, who I am sure will be pleased to read them. Best wishes ― and hope to see you in The Ship on 11 December (only about 30 weeks!) Reg
4 May 2012 – From Helen George (NAA Newsletter)
Hi Reg. Just been catching up on HMSOldies site and saw Annette Conn's note about the Norwich Area Association (NAA) visit to Syon Park last Sunday. Would it be possible for you to put the NAA newsletter on the HMSOldies website? It might be of interest to some of the Oldies that no longer belong to CSSC ― they can rejoin at any time.
There are a number of HMSOldies involved in the NAA, Geoff Sinden, Alan Crabtree, Kevin and Pauline White and myself and we regularly see other Oldies, Annette Conn, Jill Ward, Lucin Jackson, Barbara and Brian Cockram.
It would be much appreciated if you would publish this newsletter on the site. We publish a newsletter every 6-8 weeks and the next one is due out in about 3 weeks. Would it be possible to put them on the website regularly? Regards, Helen
Hello Helen. Thank you for your note. I see no reason why we can't add the link to the CSSC Newsletter now, and on a regular basis. Meanwhile we will see who surfaces . . . All the best, Reg
2 May 2012 – HMSOldies London Annual Lunch: 6 June 2012
Bob Allder writes on 2 May 2012: Would you be so kind as to post the details of the HMSOldies London Annual Lunch on 6th June 2012? I have attached a flyer with details and Booking Form. HMSOldies really is an invaluable site –where else can you find out who's doing what these days, and sadly who has passed away.
With kind regards, Bob Allder
1 May 2012 – HMSO Great War Roll of Honour
Can I make a plea for a more prominent position for the HMSO Great War Roll of Honour (currently buried at the end of the Picture Galleries)? and could there be a link to http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Surrey/HMSO.html please? This is where the database of information I compiled on the individual men listed on the plaque is located. With the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War looming I think there will be more interest in this.
Incidentally, I have completely failed in my efforts to get the National Archive to say what they intend doing with the HMSO roll plaque. If anyone has any contacts there still perhaps they could try to find out. It's a pity if it is not going to be displayed. Thanks.
Best wishes, Stuart McLaren
1 May 2012 – William Byrd Choir: 7 June 2012
Gavin Turner, who directs the William Byrd Choir, has asked us to publicise a musical event to be held at Hanworth Church on Thursday 7 June 2012 at 5 pm. The choir of young London-based professional singers will be performing at a Solemn Eucharist for Corpus Christi.
30 April 2012 – From Annette Conn – brief report on CSSC trip to Syon Park
Despite driving rain, 35 of us set out for Syon Park on a wet April day. We had an excellent guided tour of the magnificent Syon House, good food, a chance to spend in the beautiful Garden Centre and time to explore the Great Conservatory and the Park.
The rain finally stopped and we had had such good day. I think one of us got carried away in the Gardens or found enough coins in the pond to pay the modest £5 (for members) for the day! Kevin White organised the day.
All the best, Annette
25 April 2012 – Last of the summer printers, Edinburgh
Reg, Hope you are keeping well. Jim Johnstone and I went up to Edinburgh in April to see John Hamilton. We had a good day out so I thought you might like to see the state we are in. Regards, Dave Crank.
On the bench (they couldn't get a game at Hamilton Academicals), from left to right, are John Hamilton, Dave Crank and Jim Johnstone ― stunt doubles for Compo, Clegg and Foggy.
Hello Dave, Good to hear from you, and that you have been in good company. I remember JGH Hamilton Esq. as good company when I visited Edinburgh to see Norrie Veitch, especially when he worked on the Post Office (or was it BT?) Print section set up by Jim McDonald. Glad to hear he is in fine form. I will let Ernie Downs know that you are still dodging around. All the best, Reg.
19 April 2012 - Street-walking In Norwich and London
We get asked, by the occasional caring reader, if we have seen so-and-so and are they still up to such-and-such with what's her name. Farbeit for us to associate ourselves with the disgraced practices of the News of the World, and Ron 'I made an excuse and left' Mount, but the following 'Faces' (excuse the lapse into Sweeney-speak) have recently been seen on the streets:
Mistresses Eason, Williamson, Conn, Womack, Upton, Holland and Messrs McCrum JT, Durkin, Plackett, Bradbury, Cole, Holland, Penn, Reid A, Eason, Taylor M and Brooker JJ (sportsmen both), Marchant, Davey, Betts, Simmonds, Carnegie, Staples regularly feature on the streets of Norwich. London saw Messrs Ekers and Eveson out to play. A rare encounter with David Holt, where he vouchsafed sighting of Sue Whitaker taking tea among the blue-rinses at Notcutts and a possible reunion including Sally Webb, David Horn, and others recently removed from their place of employment on grounds of efficiency (they were too efficient at keeping customers happy: that will never do). I promised not to mention that he still remembers with pride the only advice he received from CTBL Robinson: 'You will never get on in the Civil Service if you wear socks like those.'And Ian MacFarlane, at the dirty end of Nelson Street, still with DWP, as is Ray Allwright. David Rae has escaped, as Ian might next year. He still sees Roger Dunn on his visits back from USA.
And who have you seen? We are sure that readers will be interested.
Robert Stutely adds: As most of my time is spent at my PC and gazing out of the window* behind the screen (doing my bit for Neighbourhood Watch is my excuse), it is not unusual to see George James passing, sometimes with his wife. My wife, when dog walking, tells me that she often saw Alex Herbert and his wife before they lost both of their dogs just recently in quick succession. I do venture to Norwich on the bus with my carer (Mrs S) but have not seen any ex-colleagues yet or just do not recognise them.
*I can now do this all day. When in the office, this wasn’t allowed in the mornings else what would we do in the afternoons!
Philip Marriage adds: I was in London recently at the Kew Bridge Steam Museum and quite by chance my visit happened to coincide with a 'Magic of Meccano Show' with enthusiasts from all over displaying their models. I mentioned John Westwood's name to a couple of exhibitors and they said he was still involved with the world of Meccano and may even make an appearance that day – not bad for someone in his nineties, though they added that he is quite deaf now and no longer drives.
Ernie Downs adds: A couple of sightings for your delectation. On April 4, Mr and Mrs J Eason on a bus close toThe Fat Cat. On April 8, on the Marriott Way, Peter and Mrs Lince. They were walking part of the Way working up an appetite for lunch; having started atThe Otter at Thorpe Marriott and were returning to same.
10 April 2012 – From Jack Payne
Reg, Seeing the item from Les Birch about Chadderton reminded me of my time there. I went the first time in 1952 and it was like a step back in time. I had just had nine months in Atlantic House and so expected something similar. Everything was segregated at Chadderton. The Industrials had their own canteen, the Clericals theirs, the Section Heads had a dining room where they paid an extra 3d to have their meal served and finally the Director had his own dining room. The toilets were similar except that the Section Heads had to share ours. The canteen was run as a club and the cleaners helped to serve the meals, changing their green aprons to white first! There was a full time gardener who was on the books as a top grade Warehouseman. His main job was to look after the bowling green. There were railway lines running through and this upset the run of the woods.
The Director was a tarter who wanted to control everything. He was called Glasscock but insisted being called Glasgow (we called him Brittledick behind his back!). All the annual assessment forms had to be filled in in pencil in case he disagreed with them. Reputedly there were three avenues to promotion. First a Mason, second a Queens Scout and third a member of NABADS (I joined NABADS but it didn't do me any good, he had gone before I even got in the field!). He was a big man and ruled all meetings. I'm sure his desk was on a raised dais to give better effect. His ending was a little sad. He was promoted to Director of Contracts and anybody from Chadderton who was in London was invited into his office to reminisce on old times and he would finish up in tears. He was a heavy whisky drinker and it was effecting his liver. He was retired I think on sick grounds shortly afterwards. I spent nearly half my service there on my two visits and enjoyed most of it.
I like the new format of the Information Circulars. All the best, Jack Payne
Hello Jack, Great to hear from you, and to read your fine reminiscence of Manchester. The segregated canteen system was still in operation when I visited in the late 1960s (to see Sam Garwood, Jim Billington ― OMRS/OMTS). There will be a few readers who also remember WH Glasscock (who I see was born 9.9.1899 ― he had gone before I joined in 1963). I seem to remember Danny Paul and Joe Delaney having similar memories. Thank you for your kind words re HMSOldies. With very best wishes, Reg
7 April 2012 – From Jim MacCallum
Hi Reg, Thanks for your email, sorry I haven’t been in touch recently. As far as I know all the old Edinburgh lads are still with us but we no longer meet for lunch and are not in touch very often if at all. I do hear from Norrie Veitch and Andy Baptie but not on a regular basis. As for myself I had a fall recently and did some damage to my ribs. I haven’t been able to drive for some weeks but thankfully I am just about ready to take to the road again. I always look at your website and like to hear about some of my old workmates. Keep up the good work. All the best, Jim
Hello Jim, Good to hear from you ― but not about the ribs. You take care up there! I mentioned your note to Alan Cole and Rod Durkin, who send their regards, and we will publish so that others can see. And thank you for your kind words. Best wishes. Reg
4 April 2012 – Bridewell History Wall
Dear Reg, I'm curating a project for the Bridewell Museum that involves sourcing thousands of photos of Norwich and its people since the invention of the camera in the 1840s. We're crowd-sourcing the photos from people using social media: Facebook, Twitter, Flickr etc, and approaching organisations and so on that people suggest. Someone on Facebook just mentioned you.
We're keen to get a real spread of stuff. I was wondering if you had any scans we might be able to use? It's a one-off thing, which will ultimately end with a 10-metre long photo mosaic mural in the newly refurbished Bridewell Museum. Anything you may have will help, we need upwards of 7,000 images in total, ideally 15,000. I'm quite happy, with your permission, to skim them from your website if it makes the process easier ― if that is permissible. We would also probably feature some on Facebook with a full link back to your site and a credit.
On a personal note, my father Charles Stone worked at HMSO from 1968, until he retired in 1977. I have fond memories as a child of watching him descend the spiral staircase when he left off for the night. Sadly he passed away in 1983, so I have no memories to share in return.
Lovely site, nice to see some local history in action, keep up the good work.
Please see our website for further information on the project, guidelines and terms and conditions.
Dear Nick, Thank you for your note. What an interesting project. The fact that ― entirely understandably ― you are centring on Norwich connections means that many of our pictures will be of no use, but please feel free to use those on the site that you find of interest. There are enough pictures of Sovereign House on the web (as you will know, HMSO moved in during 1968 - a year after the 'Advance Party' occupied Norvic House, Chapelfield, and Wensum House, Prince of Wales Road) so I am sure you don't want any of the building.
As regards your father Charles, I certainly remember him in the early 1970s. He worked in Finance, on the third floor of Sovereign, with JTT (Terry) Dickey, an HMSO 'old timer' who joined in 1947. Also in the area were Chris Randall, Frank Cottrell, Arthur Littlejohn, Sue Whitaker, Vince Fitzgibbon, Glynis Dole, Granville Reed ― and Alan Cole, who eventually became Director of Finance and with whom I had lunch today. I mentioned your father, and he immediately responded 'Charles Stone? Of course I remember him. A gentleman!' As nice a spontaneous comment as you could get, I think. All the best with the project, and please do not hesitate to contact me again if we can be of help. Reg
2 April 2012 – Jack Keating's Ecuador
On 10 January I took a ten-day trip to Ecuador. I had never been below the equator before, in fact the farthest south I had been was somewhere in the Caribbean. I went with my cousin Ken and his wife Kathy. They picked me up in their van and we drove the 240 miles south to Miami. We got to the Hilton hotel where Ken was to leave the van as the hotel had an airport shuttle bus. Instead of booking into a hotel they decided to sleep in the van. They stayed in the front seats and I got into the back. The following morning we got the bus to the airport.
It was a direct flight from Miami to Guayaquil and took us a little over four hours. We had booked into a hotel in the town of Salinas for eight days. Salinas is the most westerly point of Ecuador. The hotel was about a mile from the main part of town and the beaches which meant walking. After two days it was decided to move out and get a hotel in the heart of Salinas and closer to the beach. Not that we spent any time on the beach! We had one day in our second hotel but it was so noisy that I was screaming at idiots who were banging doors and arguing with one another on the other side of my bedroom wall. There was a disco across the road banging away with their usual loud bass beat which you can not only hear but also feel. Motorcycles revving their engines for no other reason than to annoy me! Trucks and cars were hurtling past almost non-stop. Police sirens going on and off for most of the night. Right across the street was the local fire station; they decided early that morning to get their trucks out, wash them and service their equipment. And other revellers who were obviously enjoying themselves getting drunk, talking loudly and generally aggravating the life out of me . . . and they never invited me! And all this despite being on the ninth floor! So after just one night we moved out.
We booked into our third hotel in three days but after only one night my cousin complained to the management about this one. He said people were outside his room door until the early hours of the morning talking and smoking. They got moved to another room. A couple of times we got the local bus to two towns north of Salinas. The closest one, La Libertad, just had a big shopping mall; although there was a large street market or I should say markets as it was spread over a few streets. The streets themselves were just dirt roads full of potholes and dogs. There seemed to be dogs almost everywhere.
The other town we visited, Montañita, was about an hour and a half away. The bus journey was a thing to behold; going through slum towns with dirt roads; dogs sleeping in the middle of the road; a taxi parked sideways in the centre of the road; a drunkard standing in front of the bus until he got moved on by a local policeman. Montañita itself was like a hippie town, full of roadside stalls selling anything and everything. The stalls were mostly manned by Ecuadoreans with others run by European hippies selling beads they had made. There were lots of backpackers speaking English, German and other European languages. We had a walk around and got a bite to eat and a beer. It had a lovely long sandy beach but even here you were bothered by people selling their wares.
We had booked just one night in the city of Guayaquil which had the international airport. But my cousins decided they had had enough of Salinas and we got the bus to Guayaquil and booked into a hotel for our last three nights. The hotel was quite nice, cleaned every day and cost just $15.80 (￡9.88) per night! It is a largest and most populous city in Ecuador with nearly four million people and there was a lot more to see and do here.
While walking around the city one day we came across an open park on a junction of four roads. When we went in we found hundreds of iguanas lying on the grass and climbing up into the trees. I honestly didn’t know that iguanas climbed trees. They were varying sizes with the biggest measuring close to four feet but they are quite tame. What I did find strange was that the iguanas were not caged they had the run of the park but didn’t seem to want to leave it. The park also contained lots of turtles in the small lake and different coloured squirrels.
My cousins and I were accosted by a local television crew in one of the many parks in Guayaquil. I told the producer in my poor Spanish that I did not speak Spanish but that did not seem to bother her. The main man with the microphone started asking me questions in Spanish to which I replied, “Yo no hablo Español.” I told him in Spanish that I was English and pointed at my cousins and told him that they were Canadian and North American. Again my lack of Spanish and his lack of English did not seem to worry him. He asked some of the crowd of locals if anyone spoke English and found a young girl who spoke a little. She tried to act as an intermediary but I am sure a lot of it got lost in translation.
Las Peñas is a neighbourhood in the northeast corner of the city centre; is the artistic centre of the city. Many of the area's 400-year-old houses have been converted into art galleries and several notable artists have studios in the area. At the top of Las Peñas is a lighthouse, a small church and the remains of a Spanish fort. I don’t know how high it is but there are 444 steps going to the top and they are all numbered.
Las Peñas, along with the rest of the city, has been redeveloped by the present mayor. He started a campaign of construction projects for the city in the late 1990s to attract tourism, that included the "urban regeneration", which reconstructed the city in all levels including sidewalks, parks, sewer system, it took the power and telephone lines underground, it saw a lot of reconstruction of the city's chaotic transit system with the construction of multiple infrastructures (streets, speedways, overhead passages, tunnels, etc.). He also cracked down on crime, so much so, that you can see security guards in shop doorways, outside banks, restaurants, etc.
We left Guayaquil on the afternoon of Friday 20 January and flew to Quito, the capital. We only had two hours there and it was real cold due to its elevation of over 9,000 feet. It was also raining with low, dismal clouds. So to sum it up I moved into four hotels in the space of just nine nights!!
Some years ago Ecuador decided to give up its currency and use the American dollar which made things easy for me. The weather was hot both during the day (around 90 degrees) and at night (around the low seventies) so at least there were some small consolations. I had trouble finding any local bars but found three American and English-speaking ones (well they were not really bars they were restaurants with a bar and rooms to rent) and they tell me the same; there are not any Ecuadorean local bars. I wanted to find some local bars where the locals drank to absorb some of the local culture and try to improve my Spanish. Best wishes from Jack.
Hello Jack, Good to hear from you. Great pictures — but if you have a new job promoting Ecuadorian tourism, I have to break it to you that you have not persuaded me away from our planned exotic location this year. Torquay, since you ask. We will see if there are any takers — all commission will come your way. All the best, Reg.
About Face: March 2012
Those of you who choose to face the other way may have a passing interest in the contributions to the HMSOldies Facebook page made by the 87 (and rising) ex HMSO members of the site.
Richard Nelson's photo of familiar faces attending a Lakeside Jazz concert gave way to an interchange regarding the publication 'HMSO : First 200 years' and who managed to walk off with what in the way of stationery souvenirs when they were bundled out of office. Brian Watt made contact from Belfast — and Paul Simmonds from Norwich — Drew Taylor offered a copy of the front page of the Eastern Evening News dated 20 December 1996 with the headline 'Workers Flock to Quit Jobs.' By-line was 'Simon Wright.' Name rings a bell — as does Ian McCall with his (Famous Grouse-induced?) memory of a Supplies Catalogue, allegedly in use in HMSO Edinburgh as late as 1972, which contained among its listings quill pens (two levels of quality, depending on grade).
More recently, Duncan Dawdry (still in St Crispins) recently encountered Julie Jermy — then there is Ian (Smith) Loughran, Brian Puplett, Kim Ives, Judy Tassell, Alan Pawsey, Vanessa (Watson) Collins, Paul Radbourne, Kevin White, Andy White, John White, Deborah (Taylor) Green, Robin Kelly and his sightings through a white van windscreen — Terry Walls and his reminiscences regarding Lincoln's Inn Fields Netball — Alan Crabtree on Sovereign Club darts — and Alan Cole rising slowly from a giant Banner Glue Stick. What's not to like?
26 March 2012 – George Rokahr, a name known around the World
Hi all, We are now in Auckland, New Zealand, at home of son Ross. These photos show the garden in need of some attention so, this being early autumn, clearing of unwanted vegetation has started. Thus the Hired Help is carrying away parts of a palm tree, effectively a giant weed.
At the local pub on Saturday evening, guy in middle is Ross, guy on right of pic is Adam Shaw, brother of Ross's partner, Hannah. And now a surprise. Adam Shaw knows George Rokahr! He (Adam) comes from Rochdale where he came to know George through their mutual interest in pipe bands. While I was earlier showing Ross a picture of his brother Ian's ceilidh band it so happened that the same page contained reference to Norwich Pipe Band. Imagine my astonishment when Adam said he knew a member of that Band called George Rokahr. I didn't expect to go to the other side of the globe to hear that!
NZ is rightly famed or its beautiful coasts. We spent last weekend with some friends at what Kiwis call a "bach". This is pronounced batch and I believe stems from times gone by when single men often lived in wooden shacks whilst working in remote parts of the country. The term applies today to usually small wooden dwellings used as holiday homes. Fairly basic but in beautiful and quite remote surroundings. Our bach was about 100 miles north of Auckland in the sub-tropical Northland region of NZ. Dave Martin
26 March 2012 – It's St David's Day and the Welshman from IP has gone for a leek . . .
Roy Plackett and friends are nothing but considerate regarding those from third-world countries who have the honour of being granted residency in England. That has nothing to do with their treatment of the Welsh, however, as is evidenced by their reverential celebration of St David's Day 2012 — in the Trafford Arms, Norwich, as it happens.
The eagle-eyed among you may be able to spot familiar faces under the witches' hats ― Allan Reid, Peter Bradbury, Cecil Hedley Hughes, Tom Smith, Roy Marchant, Eric Davey, Roy Plackett, Glyn Jones (how did he get in there?) ― with Ted Vallance and Jack Sayers playing the part of token non-Civil Servants. Comment from Jones: 'Well I'm Sospan Fached, indeed to goodness isn't it?'
24 March 2012 – Churchwarden Pipes Up
Brian Cleland left the task of creating systems for Print Division long ago; nowadays he is creating funds for a worthy cause. The Norwich Evening News dated 24 March 2012 pictures him celebrating his contribution to the successful programme of improvements at St Mary's Church, Low Road Hellesdon, Norwich.
13 March 2012 – Blake's Heaven
Linda Blake was known in the Paper Trade as a ferocious negotiator ('I'm not going to bend down and pick up nothing, Mike: get your prices right!') so it will come as no surprise that her steely determination on the indoor bowls circuit has meant that she has bent down, so to speak, and come up as three-time winner of the NCBA/NCWBA Mixed Pairs, as this NEN article dated 13 March 2012 shows. Well done!
8 March 2012 – Dave Martin calling from Oz
Hi All, We're roasting in Cairns where temperatures are in the 30s Celsius. We should be further south by several hundred Ks (as they say here) but trains from/to Cairns were cancelled last Saturday [due to flooding] when we expected to travel on Sunday morning. We found out only by luck as we were leaving the hotel here. Another would-be rail rider saw us and gave us the news! Some serious telephoning eventually saw us re-booked by Queensland Rail for this coming Sunday, Mackay accommodation cancelled (and refunded almost immediately to my credit card) and our stay at the hotel in Cairns extended without any problem.
More enjoyable has been swimming with the fishes on the Barrier Reef, travelling on the heritage railway train to Kuranda though some incredible landscapes, seeing the rain forest from both ground level and sky level on the Sky Train. The photos show the diesel loco used on the train to Kuranda, the view from the train looking towards Cairns, the train climbing towards Barron Falls station and finally the return journey from Kuranda to Cairns the other way ― by cable-car.
My internet time is fast expiring so that's it for now. Off for a cool beer and warm dip in the pool before an afternoon trip around the wider Cairns area. Dave
Hello Dave, Well, I must have conjured you up ― yesterday I sent a note to Doug Boyd saying that we should meet you upon return for a bout of boasting ― and there you are! Good to see that Australia is still copying the Mother Country for some things ― rail disruption ― if not others ― the weather. It was pissistently pouring down all day Monday but cheering up now. Nothing of interest happening other than what you will read in the news ― Richard Nelson has just returned from a fishing trip to NZ so I hope he left it tidy for you. Take care when visiting the outdoor dunny, don't say that Fosters tastes like something a cat left, don't talk about cricket and you should survive until NZ. Meanwhile, if you see my Belfast cousin Billy down there (it's a small place ― he is in Geraldtown, Western Australia) tell him to buy you a Guinness. All the best. Reg
8 March 2012 - From Richard Nelson
Hello Reg, I am still running the Dereham Jazz Society, presenting live jazz every Wednesday at Lakeside Country Club in Lyng. Last night (7 March) we had the brilliant and world-renowned Dutch jazz violinist, Tim Kliphuis. The concert was uplifting and supported by a near-capacity audience. As well as myself, among the cheering throng were three other HMSOldies, Jonathan Holtom, Joe Burns and Nodge Carnegie. We posed for a picture with the maestro. You can find out more about Lakeside Jazz here: www.lakeside-jazz-club.co.uk or more about Tim Kliphuis here: www.timkliphuis.nl
I think you will agree that the photographer has been kind to all of us with a little bit of soft focus to hide the wrinkles. My healthy tan is the result of spending January in the New Zealand summer following my other passion of fly fishing for trout. I love retirement. Best wishes, Richard
Hello Richard, Sounds like a great night — and good to see a picture of you all having obviously enjoyed yourselves. We will publish the picture to show how jazz and clean living can keep you young and happy! All the best. Reg
Nelson Hooks a Brown Trout Down Under
Richard Nelson is a lucky fellow. Not only did he work with the world's top Graphic Designers (who writes this stuff?) but he has some good friends who were happy to provide his bed and rations around New Zealand on a recent fishing trip (not the sort that the Met. Police undertake but the sort that provides a panfried treat with a bag of chips). Hope he left the place tidy for Dave Martin's visit . . .
6 March 2012 – A Piece of HMSO History, provided by Keith Batchelor
A welcome arrival on the HMSOldies doormat was a copy of the Journal of the Society of Archivists, Volume 32 Number 2 October 2011. It was kindly provided by Keith Batchelor (currently Records Management Consultant working from Ware).
The article in question is entitled 'Records Making, Office Machines, and Workers in Historical Contexts: Five Photographs of Offices in the British Civil Service c1919 and 1947.' Authors are Barbara L Craig and Heather MacNeil, and the article is summarised as follows:
'This article uses five images selected from the Stationery Office and the Treasury to anchor a discussion of copying technologies in office processes in the British Civil Service between circa 1919 and 1947. The first section situates the photographs within a specific history of the use of copying technologies within administrative offices based on reading the images in concert with the surviving textual records of these departments. The second section views the photographs as visual symbols of the feminization of clerical work during this time period, a view informed by reading the images in conjunction with the literature exploring the 'white blouse' revolution and the proletarianization of typing work.'
It may be fanciful to hope that anyone who worked for, or is related to anyone who worked for, HMSO at Underwood Street (near Old Street, North London) might read this. In fact, HMSOldies has already posted a photograph of the Gammeter Section c1920 in the relevant section.
Anyone wishing to know more about this article is invited to contact the Editor.
5 March 2012 – CSSC Trip to Syon Park, Saturday 21 April
Dear Reg, The CSSC do very good trips. (I don't participate in the sports!) I wonder if you could advertise the one below as they are a bit short on numbers
Syon Park – Saturday 21 April: We are proposing a day trip to Syon Park on Saturday 21 April 2012. Syon House is the last surviving ducal residence complete with its country estate in Greater London. There would be a guided tour of the house to view the magnificent State and Private Apartments with time to enjoy the spectacular Great Conservatory and 40 acres of gardens. More details can be found at: http://www.syonpark.co.uk/ Cost to members will be ￡5.00 and ￡18.50 for non-members.
Can anyone who is interested in spending the day at Syon Park, please contact Kevin White ASAP Tel: 01603 432510, email: kevin.white95@yahoo.co.uk.
Thanks, all the best, Annette Conn
We'll see what a little publicity can do . . . Reg
1 March 2012 – MDC Nine Elms Lane
Hello Reg, Some of the ex-inmates might get a little damp-eyed seeing this:
Hello Chris, Thank you for stirring the memories. We will add to HMSOldies for the pleasure of the many inmates that passed through the well-designed doors. All the best. Reg
HMSO Old Bookface — or is it HMSOldies Facebook?
17 February 2012 wasn't much of a day but it will be remembered for eternity as the day when HMSOldies lurched semi-reluctantly into the murky world of social intercourse. Yes, that was the day on which the HMSOldies group page was created on Facebook.
If none of that means anything to you, fair enough. The main HMSOldies site will be in no way affected, and you will not be troubled by intrusive pokes, prods, likes, status updates and suchlike. However, it may be of some little surprise that the site has attracted 78 members (some significance as to the rotations per minute of their record turntables?) including contributions from, in no order at all, Judy Tassell, Alan Pawsey, Kim Ives, Eric Bone, Neil Fellowes Geigertek (the man who takes photos of Anglia Square buildings), Pete Turner (who has suggested a photographic competition), Ian Mccall — in one photo with John Bloomfield's knees and in another looking like Glaswegian butter wouldn't melt — then Gerry Lucioli, Brian Daniels, Vanessa Collins (leading a strand on the mating calls of the lesser-spotted Trolleypushers). Sally Frost was asking about Peter and Bridget Widgett. Drew Taylor, Duncan Dawdry, Deborah Green on the quality of canteen food, Alan Crabtree, Cath Mason, Richard Nelson, Laura Curwen . . . and photos of Andy Hunter's miniature printing galleys, ICL computers, an emergency candle, the HMSO telephone switchboard, an RAF party and a full-size SO Code 69-13.
How could you resist? Answers on a tweet (no, please, don't get me started on them . . .).
20 February 2012 – Les Birch
Dear Reg, I was obliged to visit my grandson's new flat in Manchester over the weekend (he moved there recently with BBC TV Sport) and was asked what I would wish to do on Sunday morning before being driven back to Caerphilly in the afternoon. So I thought it would be a good idea to see what was left of the old HMSO Northern Area Branch site in Gorse Street, Chadderton. After following the usual landmarks (The Gardener's Arms, The Whitegate, now a Beefeater and Premium Inn, and the old Boat and Horses) we turned off Broadway into Gorse Street, still surrounded by the Ace, Gorse and Rugby Mills, the latter sadly in a bad state of repair.
At the end of the street was a high security site, with strict warnings against trespass etc, and this was it. I took out my camera to record what I saw and the gatekeeper put his head out of his hut to enquire my business. I identified myself as an old HMSO employee who had first walked on that site on 8 June 1939, and he said that he had joined HMSO himself as a gatekeeper 30 years ago in April 1982, just 4 months after my retirement. He said that I would know some names he mentioned, amongst them George Rokahr who was apparently Manchester's last Director and who had lived in the old Office Keeper's bungalow on the site for the last couple of years of HMSO's existence, travelling home to Norwich at weekends, and Alex Mackie who had been in charge of the Press.
Of the original buildings on the site nothing remains except one of the cast-iron gate posts at the entrance. The security press itself had been moved from its original position on Broadway to one inside the new high security fence and is now currently being operated by our old friends 3M — which was a surprise to me but you probably know all about it.
The Ace Mill has finally lost its chimney — in the old days the Ministry of Works would send a little man periodically to sit on one of our walls with a pair of binoculars trained on a crack in the chimney to see whether it was growing wider - we never learned the results.
I left Manchester in June 1948 on promotion to EO to open our first Regional Branch in Nottingham and returned for a brief spell in 1971 to stand in for Charlie Bradshaw after he nearly killed himself in an horrific car crash returning from his daughter's wedding in Holland. So it was a little emotional to see what has happened to the old place but I was very fortunate to speak to the only gatekeeper who had been an HMSO employee. But we are becoming increasingly in short supply.
I do not know much of this you wish to use, if any, but some old Mancunians may be interested — makes a change from all this chat about Norwich!
Best wishes as always, Les
Hello Les, Excellent — just the information I have wanted to hear for some time. Thank you. I often wonder how things are up there, but don't find an excuse to wander down Chadderton Road these days. Last time I was there I seem to remember drinking a pint of Holt's in the Monkey Wrench. Or is my memory playing tricks again? All the best, Reg
Les Birch adds: These are some of the photos I took. Top left is the gatekeeper who joined HMSO in April 1982 and is the sole surviving ex HMSO employee on the gatekeeping staff — quite a mine of information. Top right is the view from the gate across the vacant space left by the demolition of the original office block. We never had such a clear view of the Rugby Mill which as you can see has been subjected to a degree of vandalism. Bottom left is the Ace Mill minus its chimney which stood immediately to the right of the building. Bottom right is the Gorse Mill showing the famous cast-iron gatepost, all that is left of the original HMSO buildings and thus I would think of the original First World War aircraft factory which HMSO took over at the end of that war.
19 February 2012 – Only Way Is Norway
Hi Reg, et al. Our journey ever northwards up Norway's coast has been a study in monochrome, a mostly white palette with flashes of green and every shade of grey. We flew into Trondheim through snow flurries and next day boarded the train for the ten-hour journey to Brodo, through endless valleys of spruce forests, crossing the Arctic Circle. We shared our carriage with a friendly white husky called "Herschel" whose owner, Jolanda Linschooten we discovered describes herself as a 'Professional Adventurer'. She left the train late in the day, just before Brodo, to begin a trek with just "Herschel" as her companion for the next 33 days, dragging a sledge across the snowy wilderness to Swedish Lapland for an article for National Geographic magazine. Quite a woman!
After a snowy day in Brodo we flew on to Svolvaer in the Lofoten Isles, the short twenty-minute flight taking twice as long as we circled the airport waiting for the snow to ease and the runway cleared but it was still blowing a blizzard as we struggled to the terminal. Next day the snow eased a little and we explored the town and in the evening the wind dropped and clouds parted and we could see stars for the first time on this trip.
It was well below freezing but the air was still and clear so about 9.30pm I decided to walk out on my own to take some photos near the harbour of the traditional huge fish racks strung with thousands of drying cod and after I'd finished I turned around and noticed a feint streak, like a huge comet trail, running down the sky to the horizon. It was quite unlike anything I'd seen before and I watched expectantly, then slowly the streak broadened and suddenly the sky burst into a green dancing cloud growing in intensity - this was what we'd come all this way to witness, the aurora borealis! Philip Marriage
Hello Philip. Lovely stuff..........I thought your picture was of an artist's mock-up at first...........very impressive. And you have given me an idea for my job description these days.........whatever the opposite of Professional Adventurer might be. Amateur Sloth? Reg
Philip Marriage adds: Jolanda Linschooten ran into trouble on her adventure. After she left us she made progress but twelve days into her journey the weather became 'hellish' with zero-visibility and 'Herschel' went AWOL for a while. Finally on 29 Feb she made it to an emergency mountain cabin for shelter only to find she couldn't prise open the door so next day was forced to use her satellite phone and call-out the Mountain Rescue Team. In her blog she added that an hour before she was picked-up the door thawed.
19 February 2012 – Charity Quiz from Linda Blake
As promised a copy of fundraising quiz for which you may be able to generate some interest and increased sales and ultimately more income for the charity. For the last few years I've been doing one of these quizzes, each year with a different theme, each year for a different charity.
Last year, 2011, I chose the Breast Cancer Resource Fund at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to benefit from the proceeds as I had been looked after very well by the Breast Cancer nurses there whilst undergoing surgery myself. With the help of friends we were able to distribute and sell many quiz sheets and altogether after the allocation of prize monies I was able to hand over £1192 to their fund.
This year I thought I would also raise monies for a cancer related charity and I've selected MacMillan Nurses. I'm hoping that I can do as well again. Fingers crossed. I would appreciate it if interested readers could return completed entries by post to me, including a £1 coin (or more if feeling generous!) by the due date shown.
Thank you.
Linda Blake (HMSO 1971-1996)
19 February 2012 – Arthur Aldersley: Funeral Arrangements
We have received a further note from Arthur's son John, as follows:
'I know a number of his former colleagues retired to Norwich where coincidentally his funeral is to be held, as he died in Norfolk – although he lived until very lately in Sussex. I shall be flying in from Australia and giving an eulogy. If Len Ellis or any other colleagues are around they will be most welcome.
The funeral will be at 1.15pm on Friday 2nd March at St. Faith's Crematorium, 75 Manor Road, Horsham St. Faith, Norwich NR10 3LF Tel: 01603 897727.
For those who wish to send flowers, these should be sent to the undertakers: Cromer & District Independent Funeral Services, 32 West Street, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9DS Tel: 01263 514814. Alternatively, there will be a collection at the crematorium for Alzheimers Research or you can donate on-line at http://arthur.aldersley.muchloved.com/ This is also a memorial website where you are very welcome to add tributes, memories and photos as well as making a donation if you wish.
Following the service we have booked a room at The New Inn, Norwich Road, Roughton, Norwich, Norfolk. NR11 8SJ for the Wake, where we will be providing a light buffet.'
12 February 2012 – The Big Lottery Fund and its Heroes Return 2 programme
Dear editor, I am writing to you on behalf of World War II veterans who, due to a lack of advertising, may not have been aware that in 2011 financial grants, Heroes Return 2, were available from the Big Lottery Fund to enable veterans and or their widows to pay a visit of remembrance to the theatre of war that they were involved in. Veterans, male or female, widows, and widowers of veterans, can all apply. The offer also extends to Merchant Seamen, as well as WAAF’s and ATS who worked closely with active personnel. It appears that the number of veterans claiming these grants were far less than anticipated resulting in these grants being extended to 31 December 2012. It would be extremely helpful if you can find space to make these details known so that veterans, who will now be aged 80 and over, may still take advantage of these grants and plan a visit.
The grants range from £150 to cover travel and accommodation for veteran, spouse and carer, within the UK, £1,300 to Northern Europe and £5.500 to the Far East. As I have received a grant for a visit I made last December, I would be more than willing to advise any of your readers on how and where to claim.
Dear Reg et-al, I was at the Central Government War Headquarters last week (and have been on and off for years) where I am currently researching HMSO Stocks held there from the 1960s to c.2004, these are much depleted now but there are hundreds of items still there with various stock codes, Code No.2-225 and so on. Do you think that there is a Catalogue of these Stock Codes from the 1980s that I might get a copy of (or even consult)?
Hello again Mark. Good to see that you are still on the trail of stock history. Fascinating website. I tried to ferret out an old Stock Code list (SARL rings a bell: Stock Average Rate List). As I was not in the area concerned when I left in 1996 I did not have a copy in my small bag of (legal) souvenirs. So we will see if anyone can help out. Meanwhile, if you have any specific 'numbers' that interest you we might be able to tax the memories of our Clerk of Stationery correspondents . . . Best wishes. Reg
31 January 2012 – From Sue Holden
Reg, The website is looking really good: congratulations on its new, clear format! Having notified you of my recent entry into grand-motherdom, here's a photo of me and new great-granddaughter, Lily-May, born 8 November 2011 to back it up. Feel free to publish if you wish: I note that my profile could do with a boost!
Oh, and you might want to add that I, in this new age of non- retirement, have recently completed my postgraduate studies and am now a qualified and accredited psychotherapist specialising in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. I am in practice in the Primary Health Sector, with the Ulster Cancer Foundation and with a few private clients. So, I am not available for baby sitting duties! Sue
Hello Sue, Lovely ― and very appropriate. We had been looking for something cheerful, to alleviate the obits and the gloom offered up by the national media, so what could be better than the birth of a potential new reader? Lily-May will be wanting to know what her great-grandmother did all day at work before you know it. Thank you ― and congratulations to the proud parents ― not to mention great-great-grandfather Jim Holden. Well done on the impressive qualifications. As I understand it, CBT is a goal-oriented therapy (a useful form of TQM?) but as it deals in dysfunctional emotions I will, for a change, be careful what I say . . . Best wishes. Reg
28 January 2012 – Supplies Paper Buyers Annual Lunch 2012
This is a snap taken at the annual luncheon. Ian was unwell so did not attend. Not much to report. Tried to put the world to rights but nobody took any notice of our deliberations last year or any other years. For some reason all the movers and shakers were listening to speeches in a place called Davos? Sounds like something out of a Doctor Who script with the same obsession with fantasy. Publish and be dammed but not to burn in the fires of Hell I hope. Brian Cockram
PS I have run this through Photoshop software and given everybody a smile.
Thanks Brian. Good to see that you are all ageing gracefully and that Maurice has combed his silver locks at the back. Not sure about Durkin's scarf indoors, though. Surely he is too old to be hiding love-bites? All the best, and start saving for next year's reunion. Reg
27 January 2012 – Slight Concubine Peril (10;10)
The linguistically aware among you may guess that The Editor was given an Anagram Finder for Christmas, which was as well as it gave him something to do while others were at the Electronic Publishing post-Christmas dinner at Don Pepe in Norwich.
Brooding Bore is a most inappropriate reworking for the patronymic of the jolly man in the pink shirt. Slinky Jean Wino may be slanderous. Adman Rivet, Agile Hair Primp, Jello Vanish, Shrill Mandala and Seaway Plan are good enough for Beachcomber's 'Register of Huntingdonshire Cabmen.'.
Which leaves me to leave you as . . . A Grilled Wanker.
27 January 2011 – Senior Staff Meeting
John and Ann Eason live near Harvey Wild (ex HMSO Manchester London and Norwich and CCTA), and John often meets Arthur Brunwin (currently living in Portsmouth; ex HMSO ITW Cornwall House) at Lords'. On 27 January all four met in London for a reunion lunch at an Italian restaurant in Soho, and a good time was had by all. Arthur entered established service in 1937; Harvey in 1939. The combined ages of the four diners is 318 ― proof positive that a virtuous office life brings its own reward.
26 January 2012 – Julia Holland notches up awards hat-trick
I’m pretty sure that this is the Julia Holland that worked in Business Supplies. Her photo’s (see image above. Ed. ) on her web-site mentioned in the article. Stan Church
Hello Stan, Well spotted. Yes, that's Julia. Good to see that she has found success following her time in HMSO and o2o. Must be a more satisfying life than allocating customer demands and arranging disposals in S9a!
(To visit Julia's website see Other links section. Ed. )
24 January 2012 – From Brian Cockram
Hi. Thought you might like a snap of Geoff Sinden at his surprise (at least to him) 70th birthday bash at The Cottage, Thorpe earlier this month. His daughter Claire had organised the party and had travelled from Jersey for the event. A splendid cake adorned with two tiny representations of Geoff and Mrs S bowling was cut and consumed. Geoff took to the dance floor throwing himself into rock songs from his distant youth. Not a sight for the faint hearted. Mind you my efforts at swirling the hips were positively disgusting. Brian
Hello Brian, Thank you . . . looks like a good evening. And isn't that sweat (sorry, perspiration) on the brow of ageing Geoffrey? More than he ever managed when he was sleeping over his tray of delivery notes in ITW1b in 1965. I think we should entitle this 'The Egg-man Cometh of Age.' Just about everyone who knows him will know why. And the thought of your swirling hips will take some time to leave my mind . . . All the best. Reg
12 January 2012 - Big Bags and Babies in Bangkok
Greetings from Bangkok, I made it but felt like it wasn't going to happen at times.
On the coach on my way to the airport I checked to see what my luggage allowance was and noticed the “Security Requirements” section stating that at check-in I needed to show the card that I'd paid for the flight with ― well I had decided I didn’t need this card so I called my brother to try and work out how to organise getting him, or my mum, to photocopy the card and fax it to the airport, if indeed they'd accept that. I stressed until I got to Heathrow and had a choice; to get in line and try and check-in without the card by keeping the staff distracted by chatting, or to fess up and ask before I got in the queue which was long and would lose me valuable time if indeed I needed to get a copy faxed.
I fessed up to a man helping organise the queue and I should have realised in the casual manner that is Indian (I flew with an Indian airline) I was told "So long as you've paid for your flight it'll be OK". Unconvinced I got the man to take me to a separate desk where I was told my flight was confirmed and it was “No problem” that I didn't have the card. So check-in was a doddle and my three bags weren't weighed together so I got away with the weight as all my heavy stuff was in my hand luggage.
So on to Passport Control. I waited behind a woman literally three times my weight, carrying a baby of about 6 months, four stuffed carrier bags, a Barbie rucksack, a bling handbag and with a girl of about 5 in tow. Whilst getting out all the travel documents she somehow slipped and fell off her 4 inch platform sandals sprawling like a jellyfish whilst holding the baby aloft. Everyone stood clear and the woman somehow got to her feet alone ― no wonder she was perspiring. I looked at the security staff as they stood impotently aside and offered to take the woman's bags: “I wouldn't do that if I were you, you're not allowed to carry items for other people” was the reply. But seeing that woman wasn't going to make it too easily alone I asked the woman if I could take her bags and she said “Yes, thank you” with such relief that I had to.
So on we went through to baggage security as I tried to appease the little miss who was pouting at me for insisting I hold the Barbie rucksack even though she was carrying a doll half her size. The woman was so stressed she seemed unable to talk so I started to work on the challenge that was little madam, or 'mama' as the mama called her. She scowled and crossed her arms like the baddest rappers and refused to answer any of my many questions: So what's dolly's name? I like your hair, did mummy do that? Is pink you favourite colour? Is dolly a boy or a girl? Have you been on an aeroplane before? What do you think of quantum theory? (I just typed that to test if you're still paying attention.)
As we got to the x-rays, I instantly stated loudly “THESE BAGS BELONG TO THIS WOMAN” so they'd go easier on me when they arrested us for drug/arms smuggling. Anyway through the other side of the machine I glided through as usual but they had taken the Barbie bag to one side. I was gifted the baby as big mama sweatedly stood waiting for the inspection. The baby girl was very cute, clothed as she was in a head to toe fluffy pink all-in-one; perfect for fooling the x-ray and no doubtedly double-lined with Class A's. Baby smiled and I cooed and little mama, on getting jealous that my attention was now on the baby, decided to engage me in playing at throwing/sowing magic/unmagic beans of which there was no shortage.
Bags cleared (although there should have been a legal limit on the amount of bling) big mama explained that “Actually these are not my babies”, gulp, “they are my grandchildren”, I wondered how she'd managed that. I asked what gate she needed to get to? 'Fourteen' big mama replied and showed me her boarding card showing that the boarding time had already commenced. I said “I'll carry the baby” thinking it would be the easier option for me as I had an 8.7 kilo holdall. So without trying to panic we all took off toward Gate 14, big mama with all five bags, little mama casually following along with dolly of unknown sex, dressed as it was in dungarees, me with a 8.7 kilo bag ripping into my bare shoulder and very slippery babe that wouldn't sit on my hip needing to keep stopping and rehoiking lest I dragged her along like dolly.
After a 15 minute suggested walk to Gate 14 that we'd done in 10, sweating and dishevelled, we approached incredulous staff at Gate 14 asking “Do you know we are about to close. How did you get through with all these bags? Are you travelling together?”. I told a woman to “Carry my bag” and on actually reaching Gate 14, I told the woman to “Take the baby” to which she replied “I am not allowed to carry babies”. Baby had finally lost the plot and decided to make her own panic, of being thrust upon a skinny white woman with glasses whilst big mama had had her back to her for the past 20 minutes.
I handed baby to big mama who was handing bags over for checking in the hold before she promptly disappeared through the tunnel, at least little mama acknowledged me as she shouted and waved “Goodbye, goodbye” before too disappearing from view.
Well I tell you, taking random buses and feeling lost in Bangkok has nothing of the same adrenaline rush.
That's all for now folks. Jo Williams
Hello Jo, Good to hear from you, and that you are still flying the flag of British Decency overseas. I seem to recall that the last time I saw you was outside Oxfam in Magdalen Street, from where I have just returned with a Daily Telegraph Book of Obituaries and a cordless mouse for a laptop. That's about as exciting as it gets. Oh yes, it's raining. All the best. Reg
9 January 2012 – Bob Barnard writes
Happy New Year to you. I thought you would be interested to know that last Thursday, 5 January, Sid Brooks was 90. Valerie and I met him and his wife for lunch at the Civil Service Club and we were joined by Sid’s son, Peter, Kay Griffiths and husband, David, as well as Sue Phillips (nee Hazell). I doubt you would know Sue as she resigned from HMSO on marriage in 1963. Sid was in good form having travelled up from Seaford that morning and he was going back there after lunch.
In the course of conversation, Kay mentioned that she and David attended Margaret Arkinstall’s cremation at Kingston Crematorium. Kay said there were two elderly ladies waiting outside the Crematorium who she did not recognise but who turned out to be Jean Wrench and Marian Williams. Both were not in the best physical shape and Marian was walking with the aid of a sticks. Kay knew Jean from earlier days but just did not recognise her at all. Kind regards, Bob
Thanks Bob: good to hear that Sid is in good form — and a reminder of Jean Wrench, who I seem to remember transferred to DTI in a pre-dispersal exchange with Stan Adams in 1967.
Sid Brooks adds: Dear Reg, We had a smashing HMSOldies gathering and lunch at the CSC. I managed four 'do's altogether and acquired three cakes, with four generations at the family get-together on Sunday. Joyce has given me a flight in a Cessna from Shoreham to Eastbourne which will include my old flat on the cliffs, our present house and the Anne of Cleves House where we married 11 years ago. As ever. Sid
Bob Barnard adds: At last I have down-loaded the photos taken at Sid Brooks 90th birthday lunch. The top one shows Sid with the cake Valerie and I took up to the Civil Service Club. It was a bit much to have 90 candles on the cake, so we settled for 9, representing each decade of Sid's life. The other one is of the group and reading from left to right they are: Joyce (Sid's wife); David (Kay's husband), Valerie, Sid, Sue Phillips (nee Hazell), me and Kay. Hope they will be of interest.
9 January 2012 – From Billy Stevenson
Dear Reg, When replacing my Chelsea Football Club Calendar I gave a last glance at the month of December and Lo and Behold! the month ended with the 30th. The player depicted was John Terry. Could this have been a subtle move by Roman Abramovich to reduce the players' wage bill for 2011? A three hundred and sixty fifth part of millions would be a considerable sum. It would help to offset his legal expenses. Or could it mean that John Terry's days at the club are numbered? One thing for sure is Roman didn't invite me to his party, but rumour has it Reg, that your yacht was tied up alongside 'The Eclipse'. Surely we must be told.
Redundant Cabin Boy, Billy.
Hello Billy. You have me bang to rights: that was indeed my Coracle bobbing along by the Trainer (used to be Plimsoll) Line of said yacht ― and as for being well-heeled, there's ten bob notes in my Lump Sum I haven't even broken into yet . . . All the best for 2012. Reg
4 January 2012 – From John Nash
Hi Reg, Many thanks for your New Year Greetings which of course we reciprocate. May we also join in with others to add our congratulations on the splendid Christmas card ― a really excellent and novel production. It seems a sensible decision now to list the Obits separately. Scanning the listings in their new format I was sad to read about so many old colleagues ― Gordon Cooper, Adrienne May to name but two; and also dear old Tony Bennett. Tony was held in great regard by the Steam Railway fraternity here since his library of excellent train pictures have been constantly used in Island railway books. Meanwhile all the best for 2012 from the Magic Isle. John Nash
Hello John. Good to hear from you, and glad you liked the card. Nice of you to remember dear old Tony Bennett — rummaging amongst our archive we found this photo of him taken in 2003 . All the very best. Reg
2 January 2012 – From Barry Palmer
Happy (maybe it should be hoppy) New Year to you all. Still planning a trip back this year but at the moment it seems all relatives are going to be out of the country (strange, must be something I ate) but we are thinking of going to mainland Europe first and finish in England. Will inform you when and where when we know. Barry and Bonnie
Thanks Barry. It would be good to see you when you come over from Canada. Incidentally, we have just received New Years' greetings from Mary Robinson ― sweltering in forty degrees heat in Australia ― and from Peter Turner ― hardly sweltering in Manchester, plus Messrs Eveson and Parfitt in London and, closer to home, Judy Pritchard in Norwich. All the best. Reg
1 January 2012 – From your Editor
The vastly overstretched Production Team was unable to attach itself to the coat-tails of the London Underground drivers' protest against Boxing Day working so spent the time in the worthy Pursuit of Excellence (remember those days? I hope not) with the result that all HMSOldies Obituaries have been designated their own section, thus freeing up space for the activities of the living.
Have a look. So far 2011 has been completed ― other years will follow according to the PERT Network in Robert's head . . .
Best wishes for 2012. And any news you may have would be most welcome.
