Information Circular — 
April to June 2007

Fri 29 June 2007 – From Paul Radbourne

Evening Reg, Imagine my surprise,when on opening my newspaper after a hard day of pursuing Captains of Industry for editorial research, I see a fine figure of a man, wearing a hat which would have done a Mafiosi  proud and smoking an enormous calabash which would have made Holmes envious. [see Picture Gallery]

Yes, I see Reg Walker is a work of art at last (although I do recall, many years ago when I was an 'umble AA in Supply Division walking along the Corridor of Power on the first floor in St Crispin's and overhearing Peter MacDonald tell Terry Morgan (known to us in S7C as Terry Morgan & his Hammond Organ) that "That Reg Walker is a real piece of work! Glad to see you looking so hale and hearty; and smoking in the open as well! Paul 

Hello Paul, How good to hear from you. I am flattered that you remember the size of my pot billiard after all these years. And yes, indeed it was I in the photo — as ever, on hand to get involved in the really important events of the day (there is even more Pipe Club exposure in the Norwich Evening News of 29 June 2007). As I always say to Mrs W, 'you look after the domestic cooking, washing, paying the bills, bringing up the children etc, and I will worry about the worldwide nuclear threat, global warming, Eastern bloc trade dominance, smoking ban and licensing hours policy.' It's hard being a man, as you know.
 
Organ Morgan . . . brings back memories. He was often accompanied by Tom Robinson, playing on the linoleum, and Paul Barnard tap dancing until he fell into the sink. Happy days. All the best. And keep healthy. Reg

Jack's back
 
Another most interesting email, with pictures, from Jack Keating (see HMSOldies ibid ) who has ventured the odd few thousand miles out of his home in Florida to New Jersey and Las Vegas. Anyone who intends to visit these resorts, or just want to keep up with Jack's adventures, should contact The Editor.

24 June 2007 – From Ernie Downs: NABADS

Reg, Reading, or rather re-reading, the item from Jim MacCallum on his time with the NABADS at Manchester reminded me of my time there. Only one production comes to mind, a very creditable production of One for the Pot. Jim played the lead, naturally, his leading leady being Mary(?). The only other member of the cast whose name comes to mind is Gordon Watson, who later emigrated to New Zealand. The audience reaction was not that bad.

The other highlight of the cultural season I remember was the annual pantomime. The operators from the Reprographic Unit comprising the chorus and the female juveniles. It was a large rep. unit so if the operator selected for the chorus could not attend a rehearsal one of the other ops. could stand in for her. I may be remembering these events through rose tinted spectacles, if that can be done. Or it may be the time spent in the Boat and Horses filling in between the end of the working day and the start of the performance.

Another item you might wish to publish: "Seen in the city of Norwich on Monday lunchtime 18 June. A raffish figure complete with broad brimmed hat and blue and white tee-shirt publicising a football tem based in Dublin. Who could this person be who inflicted such an affront to sartorial elegance on the unsuspecting citizenship?"

Is no photograph of this character available? Ernie

Hello Ernie, Thanks for the memory. I certainly remember the play, a Ray Cooney farce I think, which I saw with an inferior touring group in Whitehall — some bloke called Rix was in Jim's part. Whatever happened to him?
 
You have me beat on 'Mary' Perhaps Jim will know. A 1956 SO Review item on a NABADS performance of 'Jenny Kissed Me' featured Sam Garwood (who I knew from OMRS: he was a bit of a Ronald Shiner lookalike, I think). Anyway, Bert Yearn, Doreen Ashworth, Doreen Foster, Freda Ramsden, Sonia Walton, Ann Wild, Edith Wood, Ann Hirst, Harvey Wild (still seen around the Norwich area), Ann Brierley, Jesse Carter, Mavis Schofield and Eric Warburton were mentioned.
 
I also remember the Boat and Horses: a John Willie Lees pub; the nearest to the office as I have no need to tell you. Years later, was it Maria Martin's Barn we went to for those Lancashire-style Yorkshire Puds full of beef and swilling in gravy? Bliss!
 
I like 'raffish.' The person you saw, although regrettably under-dressed, had the excuses that (a) he was entitled to the wearing of the shirt, being an Irish passport holder and had at least bought it in Dublin after a match he had seen and which day bate de bejazzers out o' County Meat (please note: the spelling in the previous sentence is phonetically impeccable, if not correct); (b) he was seeing off a friend back to Dublin and wanted him to remember what the team colours were after a weekend of severe liquid pleasure; (c) he went home and changed into the usual waistcoat and pinafore dress before he was seen by anyone but you, you devil you.
 
All the best. And I bet Jim comes up with 'Mary's' name. Reg

22 June 2007 – TSO Kingsway bookshop is closing
 
Hi Reg, Have you seen this?

‘TSO Kingsway bookshop is closing on 29th June 2007. Following a recent strategic review of customers’ preferred sales channels, TSO will focus retail distribution of TSO publications through its partnership with Blackwell bookshops and other specialist distributors. TSO continues to offer a variety of options for knowledgeable advice and local ordering. Yours sincerely, Mark Bush, TSO Sales Director’

Another end to an era. Regards, Keith Batchelor

Keith, Many thanks. I had heard that it was happening — and that Nine Elms is closing later in the year, distribution moving to Normanton — but you are the first to provide written evidence. I will pass on the news to HMSOldies readers. Background music to be played: 'End of an Era' by Edward Elgar. Ceremonial march down Kingsway, Holborn . . . doffing hats at Ellisdons, Gamages and Harts' Corner . . . drift off into The Castle, Magpie and Stump, Balls Brothers (remembering Frank Davy's words: 'Balls Brothers? Sounds like a Union rejoinder') . . . and on, over the Viaduct . . . All the best, Reg

Something you find on the doormat

The Eastern Daily Press  is quite rightly high on the list of nominated Regional Newspapers, and they are commendably liberal as regards ‘lifted’ articles from their pages, given proper accreditation. May I take this opportunity to thank the Management of Archant (EDP Management Group) for their implied and continued acquiescence as regards our humble Website of Record.

So what should fall from their fruitful loins this morning? A supplement entitled Power 100: Revealed: The faces behind the Region’s economy.

You will find this hard to believe, I know, but the only time I meet Movers and Shakers in East Anglia is when I’m in the Gents at The Fat Cat. Numbers 1-14 are quite unknown to me — then there is Delia Smith — and at 18 the fine man who is Director of Adnams Brewery — and more, presumably, examples of wonderfulness until we get to someone of whom I have heard fine words: Number 22: David Callear: the photograph shows the strong  features of a man you can trust, in a proper suit and tie. Just the sort of man who could employ the likes of me as an OC (overpaid consultant — it’s all the rage in the Public Service, I hear). Anyway, I quote:

‘David Callear is chairman of office supplies specialist Office2Office. The Norwich-based company, formerly part of HMSO, made pre-tax profits of £10.3m on turnover of £165.9m in 2006. The business employs almost 900 people nationwide with clients including Barclays, McDonald’s and the Ministry of Defence . . . formed in 2000 with a management buy-in/buy-out of Banner Business Supplies . . . .’

Incredibly successful people I have never heard of fill subsequent positions (always fascinates me that if they are so important to the community, why are they never among it, unless one of the unfortunates gets caught in a First Class Rail Carriage that is delayed for an hour and it’s suddenly the end of the world? Never mind us lot who had to suffer it every day, every week — Bitter? Me?) and then we reach Number 60. No offence to Richard Dell, whose position in the list of East Anglian Heavies is I am sure neither here nor there. I am also available for consultancy in shutting down warehouses, having had experience with Cornwall House, Park Royal and — oh, get on with it). ‘Richard Dell became chief executive of The Stationery Office (TSO) last year and remained at the helm when it was acquired in January by document processing company Williams Lea in a deal thought to be worth about £120m. TSO employs about 200 people in Norwich, and another 400 in London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff. It publishes 15,000 printed and electronic titles a year for a client list which includes government departments, Network Rail, and the British Retail Consortium . . . .’

And those profiles were obviously correct upon publication as at Tuesday 19 June 2007. Funny old world, eh?

13 June 2007 – From Robin Duhig

Dear Friends, As some of you already know my band ‘1549’ has recently released a new CD entitled; ‘Rebellion - The Story of Robert Kett’. So far it has been a fantastic few weeks with great reviews from everyone who has heard it and articles in the Eastern Evening News, Eastern Daily Press,  no less than the FRONT PAGE of the Wymondham and Attleborough Mercury and an interview on BBC Radio Norfolk. Later this week the CD will be available as a download from the Woven Wheat Whispers music site, where we will become "featured artists" of the month. Sales have been fantastic both online and in the shops we have even had to order a second run of 100 copies to keep up with the demand, quite an achievement for what was going to be a local release.

You might like to find out more about the band and CD by visiting our website at http://www.myspace.com/1549rebellion where you can listen to a few tracks, view some pictures and read about the band, Ketts Rebellion, or subscribe to my blog. If you want to you can even buy a copy of the CD. If you have a MySpace site yourself please add yourself as a friend and leave a comment if you wish. This venture has been a big investment for us and we are so pleased that so far it seems to be paying off. Thanks to everyone who has supported us by buying the CD or who may buy it in the future. Join the Rebellion  now! Bright Blessings, Rob

12 June 2007 – From Dick Smith: Tale of Bert Waller

Reg: Sorry not to have replied before. My computer has been suffering from the BTs—a condition similar in many ways to the DTs but not so much fun. I'm very sad to hear of Bert Waller's passing. He was truly unique and the subject of many Wallerisms, not the least of which concerned his very early days in the RAF. There being at the time a shortage of trained 'leaflet chuckers out', he was given the title of LCO(temp) and handed over to a Pilot for briefing. "I know this is your first trip, son, so I'll keep it simple. Sit down at the back and when we get to where we're going, I will say 'leaflets away'. You will then open the door and chuck 'em out. You will then close the door, I will take us home. OK?" A while later he spoke again, "We are crossing the enemy coast. Be ready with your leaflets." Waller looked at the string-tied bale and reached for his knife. "OK, away with y'r leaflets!" Waller had a struggle with the door. He had a greater struggle with the now swirling snowstorm of paper that began to pack into the rear, whence ran all the cables that steered the aircraft. The Pilot was not amused. Somehow they got back home. The aircraft was grounded for weeks. Waller was asked by an apoplectic briefing officer why he had bothered to cut the string. He is reputed to have said that he “thought the bale may have hit someone”!

If anyone is in touch with Lydia please give her my sympathy and affectionate regards.

Hello Dick. Know what you mean regarding computer problems: the more they get better the more they get worse. Lovely story about Bert. Reg

June 2007 - Office to Office Public Sector Contracts Update

The London Stock Exchange website reports that as regards o2o (known to many HMSOldies as Banner Business Supplies) ‘arrangements to supply office products and related items to the NHS has been expanded and the term extended…….to 31 March 2009. The Company also announces that it has withdrawn from the e-auction tender process for the supply of office products to the MOD under a four year term supply framework. This resulted from selling prices which, in the opinion of the Directors, were below the level that o2o could source and supply even low specification of the products and generate acceptable profit margins……the Group is confident that supply to other key public sector customers such as HM Revenue and Customs and HM Prison Service will be unaffected by this decision. In addition, we continue to win new business with the private sector in line with expectations.’

Picture Gallery—1958 football team photo

31 May 31 2007 – From Alan Bintley:

Hello Reg, I don't believe this! Mike Breslin, who was a good friend in the fifties, absconded to the Civil Service Commission in Basingstoke, at the end of that decade. Recently my niece moved to that same town, and on our last two visits I have spent time hoping to locate him, without success. I assume that like Pat the rogue motorist he has moved on and is trying to avoid me. Will you please therefore let me have his e-mail address and we can sort out the intervening 50 years. Mike was, and no doubt still is, a great lad. He had a strong competitive streak so it won't do him any harm to be "cut to the quick" occasionally. Thanks and best wishes.

3 June 2007 - From Mike Breslin:

Hello Reg. I spoke with My Friend in the North today (Alan B.) He alerted me to your latest email. We remembered the goalkeeper from the face in the photo but the name Fred Avery did not ring a bell with either of us. We don't think he played with us all that long. That leaves just two to identify. What I do remember about the tall fair-haired lad standing between Fred and me is that he was an exceptionally nice guy. Wish I could get his name. The last one on the extreme right, next to Eddie, still defeats me. Anyway, many thanks for putting me in touch with Alan again. Mike

Thanks Mike. There is certainly somebody out there who knows their names, but as time passes they are fewer and fewer. We will update the site, and see if anyone responds. Meanwhile I will sound out the Norwich Band of Geriatrics—sorry, Retired Colleagues—to see if there is a glimmer. All the best (and, by the way, I was with Jim McDonald yesterday—he worked with Alan Bintley—and he was intrigued to see hear of the 'Friends Reunited' connection). Reg

1 June 2007 – From Jayne and Graham Wilkinson

So ‘hurrah!’ and thank you to everyone who took the trouble to sponsor and support us. And if you haven't contributed yet, but feel the urge, we would obviously encourage you to visit our very quick and easy to use sponsorship page at: http://www.justgiving.com/BilneyBikers.It's a really good cause and needs all the help it can get. If you were kind enough to hand over cash to us, this is listed under the 'Lovely People' contribution on the website; cheque contributions have been mailed off to the Stroke Association today and are recorded as 'offline' contributions. Thanks once again for everyone's support (cash, words of encouragement and general abuse!). Love, Jayne & Graham
* (And a small clarification, just in case you suspect that your money has been put towards the 'Bilney Cat Food Fund' – though this is, in itself, also a v worthy cause!)

Jayne, Well done. You are both very brave, mounting the Brooks Appliance in such conditions. Speaking of conditions, the photo – lovely as it is – is not quite what we agreed. Have you sold out to 'Hello' Magazine? (Personally, all my photos appear as supplements in 'Goodbye'.) Anticipating the Lycra, Reg

31 May 2007 - 1958 football team photo

I put in a Google search to see if there might be some mention of that great guy Eddie Truscott and up came two references to your site. And there lo and behold was a picture of the London football team taken around 1958 with me standing next to the great man — on the left as you look at the picture.

I arrived in London as a teenager in 1955 and took up with the football team more or less straightaway (with the redoubtable Eddie as club secretary, team captain, kit provider, transport manager, etc, etc). He loved sports and although already at the veteran stage when I joined, it was clear that he must have been a formidable competitor in his younger days.
 
His patience will have been sorely tried by the raw performances of our little team in those early years but he persevered, always good-humoured and never less than supportive and encouraging. He will have taken particular pleasure in the relative success the club went on to achieve in the 1960's, by which time he was no longer playing but was very much still the enthusiastic organiser. He inspired loyalty and even after I transferred out of HMSO in 1960 I carried on playing for the team until 1965 when a serious injury sustained in the cause brought my footballing days to an abrupt close.

I must say that I am "cut to the quick" that Alan Bintley in submitting the 1958 picture has failed to identify me. Mind you, I am in something of the same difficulty when it comes to others in the photo. I am pretty sure that the player on the extreme left in the back row is Ron Grimwood, with "Jock" Crawford alongside him. In the front row Alan has already identified himself and Max Hosford as the "bookends". In between them the player next to Max is surely Joe Wright and I think the other lad's name was Eric but his surname escapes me. That leaves just three in the back row, including our goalkeeper, still unaccounted for. Yours, Mike Breslin

Hello Mike, What an excellent note! Very good to hear from you, and to put more names to faces on the photo. Our paths would not have crossed in HMSO, as I joined in 1963 and moved to Norwich, at the same time as Eddie, in 1968. He maintained his sporting interests for many years, playing table tennis, cricket etc. His widow, Kath, still lives in the Norwich area. All the best, and many thanks for making contact. Reg

Mike Breslin  adds:  I must say that I am "cut to the quick" that Alan Bintley in submitting the 1958 picture has failed to identify me. Mind you, I am in something of the same difficulty when it comes to others in the photo. I am pretty sure that the player on the extreme left in the back row is Ron Grimwood, with "Jock" Crawford alongside him. In the front row Alan has already identified himself and Max Hosford as the "bookends". In between them the player next to Max is surely Joe Wright and I think the other lad's name was Eric but his surname escapes me. That leaves just three in the back row, including our goalkeeper, still unaccounted for.

29 May 2007- HMSO Tartans

Sir, In these enlightened times, I’m sure that Robbie of Kirriemuir's proposed tartan manufactory would qualify for a Lottery Grant — provided that he utilised the mothballed HMSO Human Resources Divisional Treadmill as a power source, thereby providing useful employment for the increasing number of indigent HMSO pensioners infesting the highways and byways of our Fair City of Norwich and also ensuring that the manufactory's Carbon Footprint remained within acceptable limits.

His proposed use of hole-punched cardboard patterns is to be commended, but in order to avoid a repetition of the US Government's somewhat unfortunate experiences with punched/non punched/partially punched cards in the Floridian elections, and to ensure a modicum of Quality Control, may I humbly suggest that he considers the employment of a number of the now redundant HMSO Stock Issue Toilet Roll Hand Perforator Operatives, whose nocturnal scavenging activities in and around several Council Landfill sites are currently causing the Norfolk Constabulary some concern. [A Police Spokesperson has expressed fears that unsubstantiated reports of spitting, name calling and stamping of feet, by rival gangs of Hand Perforators and Failed Management Group Members over scavenging rights, may escalate into so called "turf wars" and attract the attention of the US 1st Marine Corps and the local Free Press].

Has he identified a suitable location for his manufactory? Anglia Square would provide an ideal location with its comprehensive selection of high quality exclusive designer clothing outlets and an ever changing vibrant cosmopolitan clientele — no doubt there are still a handfull of "missing" Accommodation Staff, lurking Gollum like, in the bowels of Sovereign House, as ever eager and willing to catch a glimpse of the Sun and provide all necessary advice and guidance on site selection, fixtures, fittings, staff manacles, hairshirts, tally sticks, leg irons etc etc. Hobbit.

Hello Hobbit, Your message has been well received, and is even now on its way to the 6th floor for Main File action, plus temporary covers for subsidiary matters. All Regional Offices (except of course Edinburgh — what would they know about tartan?) will be consulted, and ignored as per Standing Instructions. We will do whatever the Deputy Controller decides . . . I have sent to Kirriemuir u.s.c. Reg

Advance Friend and Be Recognised

The informal gathering at The Trafford Arms,  Norwich, held on Friday 25 May 2007 to mark the 40th anniversary of the arrival in Norwich of CEPA and ITW in May 1967 was heavy on printers but light on ITWers (who were doubtless still checking Wembley for missing delivery notes). There were also some groupies who had attached themselves purely for the pleasure of the Pub’s fine ales and beers.

Among those spotted were, in no particular order (in honour of the way in which they usually dealt with their invoices) Messrs Plackett RF, Hughes CH, Marchant RE, Smith TG, Reid DA, Jones GTR, Bradbury P, Davie E, Tate WP, Hobbs L, Nash RG. Tales were told, most of them still under a D-Notice. On the way back, a visit was paid to Norvic House in an attempt to make contact with Pat Walsh, who is believed to be undertaking missionary work there amid the new occupants, Norwich Union. But he was out, possibly celebrating the 40th anniversary of Celtic football team defeating Inter Milan in Lisbon to become the first British club to win the European Cup.

Margaret Moss – Funeral Arrangements

The following information has been received from Marguerite Finn:

The funeral of Margaret Moss will be at 3pm on Friday 8th June at Earlham Crematorium, 193 Earlham Road, Norwich, NR2 3RG

Family flowers only but her children have asked for donations to be made to Priscilla Bacon Lodge Support Group (Charity No 278667), Unthank Road, NR2 2PJ. More information is available at www.norwichtuc.org.uk/margaret.htm or contact plux@dsl.pipex.com


27 May 2007 - Margaret Moss

The following note has been received from Marguerite Finn

'I am sorry to have to inform you that Margaret Moss died this morning (26 May 2007). She had been admitted to hospital on Thursday night, had a very peaceful night and died with her friends and family around her.

Margaret fought an extraordinarily brave and courageous battle against cancer and continued working for peace right up to her death. One month exactly before she died, she took part in a vigil on City Hall steps to remember the victims of Chernobyl.  She will be greatly missed.'

Margaret worked in HMSO Sovereign House Superannuation Section in the early 1970s, alongside Annette Conn, Doreen Luer, Tom Parslow and David Howes. She was active within the TUS, and moved from HMSO to County Hall.

27 May 2007 – Jim MacCallum: Fond Memories of Manchester

Dear Reg, I read with interest the contribution from Les Birch — especially the bit about the NABADS. I went to Manchester in 1958 and was there until 1974 — with a few years in between when I was in Newcastle. I too was an acting member, and remember Paddy Cochrane very well. NABADS was indeed a very successful A.D.S. In my day Roy Stonehouse (eventually Director of Belfast) used to paint the scenery — Jean King (Rep. Chief Supervisor) and Rita Ryan (Supervisor and then HEO in CRS) did much of the back stage work. We had some hilarious nights at rehearsals and I have many fond memories of my stint in Manchester. Regards to any of your readers who may remember me.

Regards also to Les Birch — not only from me but the other members of the Edinburgh old boys who are still meeting every month for lunch — that is when we all remember which Friday we should crawl up to Prestonfield golf club! Jim MacCallum

Hello Jim, Very good to hear from you after many years (although we have your picture on HMSOldies, in sociable company). I certainly remember you in Manchester — and Rita in CRS — when I used to work in Supplies Norwich and handle orders for Rep Units etc.  Please pass on my good wishes to the Edinburgh contingent, especially Norrie, who was always good to me on visits to Edinburgh (that is, he took me to the pub) and to Dave Currie, whose company on a mind-numbing six week course on Cost and Management Accounting in London made it all the more bearable. He might remember the Wine Tasting Evening at the Civil Service Club. There were about eight of us there to taste, and the presenter unveiled 36 bottles and left us to it. The next day's course was particularly forgettable. John Eason still sees Harvey Wild occasionally: must remember to ask him for his reminiscences again. All the best from a wet Sunday in Norwich, but what else would you expect on a holiday weekend? Reg

Stuart Alexander Cowie 1923-2007

The sad news that Stuart Cowie died on 18 May 2007, in Bournemouth, has been received from his old colleague Peter Macdonald. He leaves two daughters and five grandchildren.

Stuart joined HMSO in 1948 and was an EO in Accounts; HEO in Supplies and ITW; SEO Director of Edinburgh and Bristol, and Principal in Norwich. He retired from HMSO Norwich in 1983.

James Arthur Cobb 1920-2007

We are sad to report the death in hospital of Jim Cobb, who worked with HMSO in London from 1957 and transferred to Norwich, living in Old Catton and eventually moving to CCTA. The Eastern Daily Press  reports that the funeral will be held at St Faith’s Crematorium on Wednesday 23 May at 10.15.

Jim worked in A4D, Cornwall House in the early 1960s, as recalled by colleague Bill Wickham. We remember the section well. Alec Gravatt was EO, with Harry Whittingham, Len Gray, Les Fancett, Ted Combie, Roger Chalk, Sheila Bunn, Sheila Caston, Derek Farnum . . .

16 May 2007 - From George Bilson

Hallo again Reg, Whilst down memory lane, I wonder how many people can recall Peter Vivien? A real character! On one occasion Peter decided he would try to bring some extra curricular activities into the office and so planted a marrow seed in a pot on the Atlantic House window-sill. Fine — it grew and flourished until the day he returned from lunch break with a damaged ping pong ball from the basement 'sports area'. In his absence during the afternoon I carefully coloured the ball with a green pencil and tucked it into the leaves of the marrow plant. His delight on discovering the small fruit later on that day was something to be seen and enjoyed (except by Peter). Best wishes, George.

Hello George, Nice story: thanks for that. I certainly remember Peter, latterly for his IPCS work. I still see his widow Ruth around Norwich. In fact, there is a picture of her in the set of last year's 'Eagle' lunch. All the best, Reg

15 May 2007 - Some memories of Dan Paul

Dear Reg, Reading about Dan Paul's death brought back some memories. In the 80's I had the pleasure of working with Dan and Len Ellis (amongst others) in Supply Office Machinery. (Technically, they were working for me, but not so as you'd notice.) About my second day in charge of the pair of them, they came into my office, grinned, saluted, and announced together "You stick with us, and we'll drop you right in it!" Dan was a dab hand at sketches — one of his "masterpieces" was a portrait of Len Ellis and himself shaking hands and smiling while each concealed a dagger behind their backs. It was entitled "The Ellis-Paul Affair". Dan told some great stories, many of which were a management education in themselves. Those of us who knew him welI probably became word-perfect in them; I particularly remember a belter about someone promoted in situ after collaborating with the downfall of his predecessor roundly bollocking his new troops for extended lunch hours. The punch line was something like "We may have made a monkey out of him, but you're not making a monkey out of me!".
 
I reckon his early experiences on North Russian Convoys gave him a sense of balance, an ability to survive, and a capacity to enjoy each day. After that, the vagaries of HMSO were a bit of a doddle really. I remember him with a lot of affection. RIP, old comrade. Yours, Eric Bone

Hello Eric, Spot on! You have the man bang to rights. And you will be pleased to know that you have not lost your ability to create mayhem. The mention of Dan's skill as a cartoonist encouraged me to throw the papers and books around until I found a splendid example [see Pictures] of his art: a 1984 tribute to the (then) 58 year old John J McGarry, a man who deserves a complete volume of his own. As you say, Dan was one of those people that made it all a pleasure. Len Ellis survives, and I will see him tomorrow (and pass on your reminiscences) in his capacity as Chairman of the Pipe Club of Norfolk. All the best. Reg

14 May 2007 - Recent article on HMSOldies

Dear Reg, Heartened to see that the Kraken has awoken after long slumbers. I note the task that has been set for me vis-a-vis the design of tartans for an enterprising new kilt range. I shall apply my mind to it forthwith. In that connection, I have just thought of a great wheeze. Obviously we would like to keep production costs for the new tartans as low as possible so that they would be purchaseable by impoverished Civil Service pensioners, and we might be able to save money on the labour costs of weaving the new cloths. What if we could do away with having a weaver attending each loom and instead have the process of producing yards of a regularly patterned cloth controlled by, say, a roll of cardboard with holes punched in it which could be sensed by the machine to control the movements of its parts. We'd be quids in! Given the nature of its purpose, we could name it appropriately. What about "jockard"? Should we patent it? And then sell the manufacturing rights to the Americans or the Japanese? Reactions and advice — and an initial, non-returnable sum for investment — would be appreciated. Yours, as always, in Respect and Admiration
 
The Robbie of Kirriemuir (a.k.a. Bore Broofing)

Hello Gordon of that Ilk, Well spotted as to the re-awakening of the Kraken. Your suggestion as to the Jockard Loom was so good that I immediately took advice from M'learned friends in Carey Street (where else?). Unfortunately, they were heavily absorbed in Chancery with their clients, Messrs Jacquard, who — and what coincidence is this? — had  patented a similar, but far less useful, loom. They hope to agree Letters Patent any day now (if Mister Babbage will relent), and we will then be clear to proceed . . . Meanwhile, keep your bobbin wound tight. And all good wishes. Reg

14 May 2007 • News from Toronto

Glad to hear of the reawakening of HMSOldies. Spent December in Hospital having vertebrae replaced, the joys of getting old. We are spending a month in Canada with Margery’s brother and family in Toronto, the picture shows them both in an Irish pub. Hope to go to Australia next year to celebrate my 80th birthday with my daughter and family. It is now 12 years since we left Norwich best wishes to all who remember us. John Elderton & Margery Kraszewski.

John/Margery, Good to hear from you — and that you are making 'old bones.' Time passes but, as they say, what else has it got to do? You mention an 80th birthday. Next March, I see, when I am 62. I can't believe either of us is more than 40. But looking at the picture of Margery, I don't think she is more than 40 . . . All the best. Reg

May 2007 - Jack Keating's Letter from America
 
Jack has gone green! No, not physically but environmentally. I have bought myself a hybrid car which runs on both a petrol engine and an electric engine. It’s a Toyota Prius (seePicture Gallery ) and so far I am very pleased with it. It uses a petrol/electric hybrid power train, incorporating large batteries that are charged by the petrol engine directly or by regenerative braking. Either the engine or the battery (or both) can power the vehicle, depending on conditions. This gives it the acceleration and power of a standard car having a much larger petrol-burning engine. The engine can shut down once it has warmed up and the catalytic converter in the exhaust system has reached operating temperature. It can then operate solely on electric power under low energy loads. This is sometimes referred to as "stealth mode" due to the lack of engine noise. This further reduces gasoline consumption and engine wear. When driving conditions demand additional power, the engine starts up automatically. Have a look at this US Department of Energy web site:

     http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/tech/TechSnapPrius1_5_01b.pdf
 
I’ve driven it for less than a thousand miles and my petrol consumption is averaging 57 miles per American gallon (that’s 71 miles per imperial gallon). I drove to South Carolina and back and was doing between 65 and 70 miles an hour all the way so, as I said above, I’m quite pleased.
 
About four weeks ago our neighbours, who have a condominium over on the Gulf of Mexico, asked Val and me if we’d like to stay with them for a weekend. On the Saturday 14 April, which incidentally was my birthday, we all went off to the track to have a day’s horse racing. We booked a table in the restaurant which overlooks the track and settled down to a nice day. The weather was just beautiful with the temperature getting up to 89 degrees Fahrenheit and the sun shining out of a clear blue sky. How the horses raced in this weather beats me. There were 13 races that day so we all put a bet on the first race and our neighbours picked the first, second and third and won about $160. This really was beginner’s luck because they had never been to a horse race track before! Val and I had variable luck, losing on the first few races and then managing to pick up a few winners on the latter races. We ended up losing a bit but all in all it was a nice day.

We took off at the beginning of the month for a visit to a place called Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. Friends of ours who live near Hilton Head came to stay with us for a night. Then on our last day we went to stay with them for one night. I was looking out of their patio window towards a small lake at the bottom of their back garden when I noticed something moving in the water. It turned out to be an alligator, albeit a small one. I went down to the water and it swam very slowly towards me and stopped with just its head sticking out of the water. I took a photograph of it (seePicture Gallery ). My friend Jerry said that one of his friends had been walking home one day and saw an alligator at the front door of his neighbour’s house. He took the photo (seePicture Gallery ) which I have attached. Can you imagine opening the front door and finding this thing on your door-step?
 
As it’s been so dry lately a number of fires have started in some of the states. We here in Florida have a few fires burning which have given some concern to residents who live near by. There is one in Georgia which is so big that the smoke has been spreading down across Florida, shown in a photo (seePicture Gallery ) which was taken from a satellite. This will give you some idea of the extent of this particular fire.
 
That’s it again for a while. Do take good care of yourselves. Best wishes, Jack

The Eagle Lands Again: 1230 Thursday 7 June 2007
 
If you scroll back a year or so in Pictures   you will see that there was an informal event held at The Eagle Public House, Newmarket Road, Norwich last June. We have been asked to arrange a return event. In an unaccustomed burst of activity, this has been done. We are good at organising unorganised events. Any enquiries to The Editor please — otherwise, we hope to see you there.


Peter Fairall 1948-2007

We were shocked to hear of the sudden death of Peter Fairall on 10 May 2007. He had been working on his house in Scarperia, and fell off a ladder, sustaining fatal head injuries.

Peter joined HMSO, Harrow Press, in 1964 and subsequently moved to Norwich Print. He retired from Astron Print in August 2006 to move to Italy with his wife Jackie.

We understand that the funeral will take place in Italy. He leaves a son, Luke, in Norwich.

11 May 2007 • From Pat Kennedy
 
So sorry to learn of the passing of Bert Waller who served as a printing officer when I joined his section as technical officer on my promotion from Manchester to Atlantic House in 1965. He was a great practical joker with a tremendous sense of humour who raised the spirits of all the staff in room C90 in the pre-dispersal days. I recall one occasion when he spent weeks at home painting the inside of a milk bottle and weighted to faithfully represent a bottle of full cream milk, complete with a foil top. He exchanged the fake bottle for Jack Dawson's genuine article perched on the window ledge. When lunch time arrived, with all the staff in the room watching in anticipation for Jack's reaction — he peeled off the foil top, took one look inside the bottle and said 'It's gone off' and put it down. Bert's weeks of careful planning and preparation had gone down like a damp squib, but much to the amusement of all his colleagues, including Jack Dawson.
 
Glad to see that your website is back in action - I was beginning to have withdrawal symptoms during its absence! Best wishes Pat Kennedy

Thanks Pat, Just back from the funeral of Dan Paul with the shocking news about Peter Fairall on my mind. Hoping for some good news soon. Reg

New Chief Executive for office2office

Press reports today (11 May 2007) state that the search for a new CEO for o2o (Banner Business Supplies) is over and that Simon Moate will take on the post later this year. He is currently an executive director of Johnson Service Group where as chief executive of the facilities management division he has led a number of acquisitions. Before this he worked with Well Well Well Ltd, Aramark plc, Provend Group and Coca Cola.

Reg, A very good day to you from a rather overcast and dull afternoon in Florida. It may be overcast but the temperature is still a respectable 77 degrees Fahrenheit (or to you Englishmen 25 degrees Celsius) at 1.15 in the afternoon. This is to tell you that I married a lovely American lady last December and with the help of the United States Customs and Immigration Service we are now living in Florida. I’ve bought a three-bedroom house with two bathrooms, lounge, dining room, kitchen, laundry room, large screened patio room and a two-car garage. Valerie and I were married on 2 December in the grounds of the Marriott Hotel in Daytona Beach. About thirty guests helped us celebrate our wedding and among those present were my son (who was my best man) and a friend who flew in from England. I have attached a picture of us on our wedding day. (see Picture Gallery)
 
I’m not sure if this is the sort of thing you’d be interested in. If you are would you like me to tell you more about our wedding? More about Valerie, ie her “sordid” past as a “moll” from a Mafia family! I write a newsletter about once a month which I send, with pictures if I can find interesting ones, to friends back in England. Would you like to be copied in on them?
 
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for keeping me in touch with your email of March this year. Best wishes, Jack

Hello Jack, First of all, many congratulations on your marriage. You have certainly fallen on your feet — a credit to your Liverpudlian roots! We will be pleased to hear from you at any time (although, as some of our readers are of a nervous disposition, if the stories get a bit too close to the scripts of The Sopranos, we may edit a little . . .). Just to keep you happy, you should know that it is raining as I write, despite the fact that we have just had the warmest April since Tranmere Rovers won the League. All the best to you and to Valerie. Reg

9 May 2007 - Thames Bridges Bike Ride (aka: shameless request for your cash . . .)

Dear Chums, In an effort to get a wee bit fitter (not that difficult in my case!) and raise some money for a worthy 'cheeerity', Graham and I are taking part in the Thames Bridges Bike Ride on Sunday — it's a 14 bridge, 32 mile pedal from City Hall to Hampton Court, in aid of the Stroke Association.

If you would like to sponsor us — and just a couple of s'quid would be most welcome — then just follow the link:

http://www.justgiving.com/BilneyBikers

In return, I promise not to send you a photo of me in my lycra — what more could you ask . . . Many thanks for your support.
Jaynie [Wilkinson]

Hello Jayne, Done. Good luck on the boneshaker. I certainly hope we can publish the Lycra-clad pictures. Of both of you, naturally. Must be even-handed about these things, dammit. All the best, Reg

Daniel Robert Paul 1924–2007

Danny Paul joined Establishments Division, HMSO, as a Clerical Officer in March 1948 and retired from Supplies Division, Norwich, as HEO in 1984. He is remembered by his many friends (in Wembley, CEPA and Supplies Sovereign House in particular) for his good humour and wealth of stories. We were alerted by an old work colleague, Phil Storey, to the sad news of his death as reported in the Norwich Evening News  dated Friday 4 May 2007: 

'Paul, Daniel Robert, passed away peacefully on Friday 20 April 2007 at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Husband of Ruth (deceased), father of Ian, Fiona, Gerald, Chris and Ali.  

Funeral service and cremation at Earlham Crematorium Friday 11 May at 2.15 pm. Family flowers only. Donations to Leukaemia Research Fund or Action for the Blind c/o Co-operative Funeral Service, St. Stephen's Square, Norwich NR1 3QJ.'

Gordon Harrison 1921–2007

We are sad to record the following information, received from Helen George (who currently works in OGC, Norwich) on 4 May 2007:

‘I have heard the very sad news that Gordon Harrison (ex HMSO and CCA) passed away last week. He collapsed and died following the diagnosis of a brain tumour. Kevin White has the details of his funeral in Shrewsbury on Thursday 10th May at 4pm. Kevin and I have been in touch with Gordon and Marge in recent years. Kevin has been over to Shrewsbury to see him a couple of times in the last year. I used to chat to Gordon and Marge every few months. I spoke to him when he was just about to go into hospital to have cataracts removed. I was lucky to work with Gordon and Bill Norton amongst others, in the early days of CCA in Tombland and latterly at Gildengate House. Gordon had moved to CCA from HMSO. I remember many a lunch time walk around Anglia Square or a Friday lunch spent in the back bar of the Maids Head with Jim Curtis, our SEO at the time. Many, many good memories. I would be grateful if you would put a note about Gordon on the HMSOldies site.’

Hello Helen. Good to hear from you, albeit under sad circumstances. I was with Rod Durkin, among others, today who remembered Gordon with affection. HMSOldies is currently suffering a dose of technical influenza so I am not sure when we will publish your note. Reg.

Forty Years On: The Retreat of the Advance Party

Roy Plackett was one of the members of the Pioneer Corps who ventured to the land where the hand of Londoner had never set foot.......yes, May 1967 saw the arrival of the HMSO Advance Party in Norwich. Norvic House, to be specific (see a copy of his 'joining papers' from Miss Kath Crisp and a photo of the building in the Picture Gallery ). The true pioneer may have been Pat Walsh, who hacked a trail down to Wensum House in Prince of Wales Road only to be surrounded, poor devil, by the pick of Norfolk Beauties begging for jobs in Data Processing, but the Heavy Infantry (sit down, Coleman) arrived in 1967. Were you one of them? If so, there will be an informal reunion at The Trafford Arms, 61 Grove Road, Norwich, 1230 hours on Friday 25 May. No food will be organised, but there is a good bar menu from which you are invited to order in advance by telephoning (01603) 628466. Website www.traffordarms.co.uk  Bring your leave slip and your wallet. Especially your wallet, as this is an event under the auspices of the Friday Club (see various Pictures ) all of whom are practised in leaving their money in their other trousers (or kilts, as appropriate).

Bystanders Link

Several HMSO employees were members of the Bystanders Society and visited the premises on Thorpe Road until they closed in the 1990s. A website recalling past events, and current activities organised by the 'Bystanders in Exile' can be found at www.byssoc.co.uk

22 April 2007 – From Les Birch

Dear Reg, I see a fair amount on the site about the Shep.Walk Dramatic Society but no mention of the one we had in Manchester immediately post-war called the NABADS (Northern Area Branch Amateur Dramatic Society). The first production we did was in November 1947, J.B. Priestley's When we are married,  about the 3 northern couples aiming to celebrate their joint silver weddings only to discover that, because of an error by the original registrar, they had never been in fact legally married. The 3 husbands were played by Bob Norris, Harvey Wild and I think either Jim Holden or Eric Warburton. Harvey's wife, Margaret, played one of the wives and I played the part of the drunken photographer—completely out of character. The producer was Paddy Cochrane, a flamboyant character who entered the office as a TCIII on the outbreak of war—dyed blonde, plucked eyebrows, short skirt etc. etc—and she created quite a sensation bursting into an environment quite unprepared for this sort of thing. I believe that there were other productions but as I moved on to Nottingham in June 1948 my board–treading days came to a swift end. I think Harvey Wild's memories about the NABADS are probably better than mine—as indeed his memories of most things usually are. Keep up the good work. Best wishes as always, Les

Hello Les. Thank you for your note, which I have copied to Bob Barnard. I am sure that he will let us know if he hears from Eric Beaumont. Your mention of NABADs sent me to copies of   SO Review. Unfortunately my collection starts in the 1950s so I don't have details of the play in which you featured. It must have been a supreme piece of acting, your being a drunken photographer. How on earth does one act like a photographer? I have compiled a few extracts regarding NABADs for inclusion on HMSOldies, once we have overcome our current technical difficulties. A computer system with technical difficulties? Unheard of in HMSO....... Best wishes. Reg

 i) 16 and (ii) 21 April 2007 – From Barry Palmer in Canada

(i) Hey there you guys, I thought you might like to see that I do occasionally wake up and do some work (see Picture Gallery photo). Barry

Thanks Barry. Very impressive! But if we are to publish, we need to know exactly what your hands are doing under the desk................ Reg

(ii) It’s quite simple really Reg, the white covering my hands is the divider between two cubicles and my hands are on a keyboard in front of a flat screen monitor and I would have been making alterations to a long boring legal book. Sorry. Barry

19 April 2007 – From Ro Lynch: Baby Watson

Hi Reg. Just a line to boast that I became a grandmother today. I just can't bring myself to say those (in)famous words "we are a grandmother"! Sam gave birth to Ned Joseph this afternoon; he weighed in at 8lb 7oz and both are well. Ian had the nerve to say that the little mite had big feet—this from the man who wears size 14 shoes! I'm flying down to Exeter tomorrow and can't wait to see them all. Hope all is well with you. Regards, Ro Lynch

Hello Rosemary. Good to hear from you, and with such good news! Please pass on my best wishes to Samantha and Ian. We will have to meet for lunch to celebrate properly. Meanwhile, we will publicise Ned's arrival in HMSOldies. I await his first contribution......All the best. Reg

Dave Berwick, who worked for many years in HMSO Print and Publications, has launched into a literary career with publication of a book of interest to all who want to know more of Norwich history (see Picture Gallery). The publisher writes:

"This invaluable little book, the result of 25 years of dedicated study and rescue work, records the surviving parish boundary markers to be seen in Norwich, either in situ or in the Bridewell Museum. Tracing them and photographing them has been the work of the author David Berwick. The practice of 'Beating the Bounds' was kept up through the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, a joyful procession with free food and drink thrown in. It is still occasionally revived today, boys usually being present to receive the imprint of parish memory. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries metal markers were attached to buildings to mark the boundaries of the many city parishes. Some are still in place, but in the 1940s and 50s such plates were threatened by bomb damage and development. The need to record these plates, and where possible rescue and restore them, was recognised by the author and this book is the result."

Published by the Larks Press, Ordnance Farmhouse, Guist Bottom, Dereham, Norfolk NR20 5PF Tel 01328 829207 £7.50 by post or £6.50 from Messrs Jarrolds Local Books Department.

12 April 2007 – More Norvic House Memories: The Adult Version
 
The following reminiscence has been received in a plain brown email. The writer's name has been concealed to protect the pension.
 
Does anyone else admit to remembering (or, even better, making use of) the Extra Large Outsize Packing Case located in one of the stair wells between the accommodation occupied by HMSO inmates, and that occupied by Olivetti staff? Rumour has it that one or more of the more enterprising and more attractive female members of the Olivetti staff, would, for a small consideration, provide "R and R" services during the lunch hour.
 
On the same salacious level, I remember dutifully turning up for a meeting with senior PP staff to discuss some trivial IT problem, only to find a deserted meeting room. Fearing that yet again I had chosen the wrong building/room/ Division/day/week/month etc, my enquiries resulted in my being directed to the office of a senior PP officer who, together with his entourage of "senior executives", was sharing a pair of very warm, misty and sweaty binoculars to view an unsuspecting lady of uncertain years, partaking of a leisurely shower in one of the flats adjacent to Norvic House — a weekly occurrence apparently!
 
A similar daily gathering also took place to watch a fellow member of staff (Emily Beech who shall remain nameless) undertake her usual 37 point turn to park her car in the somewhat constricted Norvic House car park. I cannot say whether or not bets were placed and money or tobacco/Olivetti/or canteen tokens exchanged hands.
 
What is certain that at 10.30 one fine Spring morning I received a 'phone call at home from one of my highly intelligent and very highly strung IT colleagues asking why no one else had apparently turned up for work in Norvic House — 'twas the Queen's Birthday of course, and I believe that he came from the Sheringham area and used Public Transport (probably a weekly omnibus in the late sixties?)
 

Albert Walter Henry Waller 1919–2007

We are sad to record that Bert Waller died on 12 April 2007. He had moved, with his wife Lydia, from Norwich to North London to be close to their daughter. His funeral will be held at Enfield Crematorium at 4pm on Monday 23 April.

Bert joined HMSO London in 1959. He dispersed to Print Norwich, where he retired in 1983 as HTO and stayed on for a while as a Printing Officer. He will be fondly remembered for his RAF stories, his water-based exploits off the coast of Essex and Suffolk, and his work with the Sovereign Club.

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