15 August 2007 From Ian Billings: Pensions, and how to get them
Dear Reg, URGENT MESSAGE FOR FORMER HMSO EMPLOYEES WHO RETIRED BEFORE AGE 50, AND DID NOT TRANSFER THEIR HMSO PENSION TO ANOTHER EMPLOYER especially those expecting to receive their pension soon!
When we left HMSO the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme was administered by the Paymaster's Office at Crawley. Our termination letter from HR told us that we "should make application for payment one month before your 60th birthday".
I don't recall receiving anything from the Cabinet Office (which took responsibility for HMSO and former HMSO staff) to say that pensions administration was being transferred to Capita or the Pay Pension & Personnel Agency, but it has. Unfortunately only some of the information has been passed to Capita: for other imminent pensioners they have no information at all.
If Capita do have your details they will be able to action your pension, and they will probably ask you to contact them again 3 months before your 60th birthday.
If they do not have your details you must contact PPPA as soon as possible as they first have to retrieve your records from Cabinet Office, and then set about calculating the pension and lump sum payable. If writing to them it would be helpful to include a copy of the 'Superannuation Award Statement' produced by HR just before you left HMSO. Retrieval and calculation of pension entitlement may take several months, so it is important to take action early.
Please ensure that colleagues who do not regularly visit HMSOldies especially those who do not have internet access are made aware of this situation print out this page and give it to them! Redundancy money may be running out, and we don't want anybody to be left destitute by Civil Service inefficiency do we?
What to do
You should contact Capita immediately to find out if they have any record of you. Contact details are:
If Capita have no record, contact PPPA. Note this is Team 2C Capita may say Team 1A but 2C deals with Cabinet Office employees.
Telephone: 0800 345 772
Email: pensions@pppa.mod.uk
Write to: Team 2C, Pay, Pension & Personnel Agency, PO Box 38, Cheadle Hulme, SK8 7NU
Good luck, and do let Reg know how you get on!
Ian Billings
Ian, Many thanks for penetrating this minefield and without a word of your commission! I'm sure that grateful recipients will see you right. Reg
8 August 2007 - TSO Nine Elms to close by end of 2007
We hear that the work currently being undertaken at TSO Nine Elms is to transfer to DHL Excel, Normanton, West Yorkshire, by the end of the year.
Roy Dubois (HMSO Belfast) An Appreciation
Roy Dubois died on 17th July after a long illness. His funeral took place on 20th July from Carnmoney Presbyterian Church. Numerous colleagues old and new attended the service. Michael, Sharon and Shirley whom he worked with in the Bookshop were there. As were many ex colleagues including John Straghan, Jim Martin, Walter Roberts, Jonathan Belshaw, Elizabeth Hood, Hugh McDermott and myself. The size of the turnout reflected the popularity of Roy with those who had worked with him throughout the years.
I first met Roy when I joined HMSO in October 1979; he was ensconced in the Reprographic Section with Michael Blair, Margaret Linden and Sheila Heron. I got to know Roy through my trade union activities with CPSA. He, Maura Fitzpatrick and I became the backbone of the Belfast Branch. This in turn led to many sorties to the Annual Conferences held in places such as Bournemouth, Blackpool and Brighton. The week usually entailed heavy socialising, late nights/early mornings and the odd visit to the dogs if in Blackpool or the horses if in Brighton.
One notable one in the early eighties found me and Roy in Brighton for a week. On the Wednesday afternoon we decided to forego the pleasures of Conference and went to the races. After copious amounts of socialising, we returned to the hotel in fine form. I had won a few quid and Roy had lost a few quid. Maura and some colleagues were waiting in the bar to hear how we had got on. Roy bought the first round and the next and then the next. Maura asked him why he was buying and I wasnt, after all I had won all the cash. Roy replied that he was celebrating because he had not lost as much as he thought he would. That was the type of guy he was.
Towards the end of my HMSO career from around 1992 until I left in December 1996, I worked alongside Roy, John Straghan and Walter Roberts in Publications. Roy was Editor of the Belfast Gazette (a role he fulfilled up until his untimely death) and I was in charge of the Statutory Publications. In our roles we covered each others posts during times of absence. Roy got the thin end of the wedge as in my trade union role; I was frequently off on my travels throughout the UK during the run up to privatisation. Roy being the consummate professional carried on doing all that needed to be done, never complaining once about my times away from the office.
When I left HMSO in 1996, Roy carried on working for TSO as Editor of the Belfast Gazette. He was based in the Bookshop in Arthur Street. Our paths crossed on a few occasions and we met for the odd drink. One notable occasion was in the Kitchen Bar on Roys fiftieth birthday, when Roy, John Staghan, Dan Lavery and I reminisced about the good old days of HMSO and the characters we had met over the years.
I last met Roy about a year ago while out shopping. He told me he was off sick and had cancer. In his word it was no big deal. He was still his cheery positive self, but that was the way Roy was, he just got on with things in his no nonsense manner.
A toast to Roy Dubois a True Gent.
Peter McAuley (HMSO Belfast 1979-1996)
The following tribute to Roy was also circulated to TSO staff in Belfast:
Sadly last night one of the true veterans of HMSO/TSO died after battling against cancer. Roy Dubois was truly 'part of the furniture' and was for over 30 yrs, 'man and boy', a dedicated company stalwart. Originally with HMSO in the Chichester Street offices in Belfast, Roy survived the troubles, bombs and regular disruption without ever getting over excited and he carried the same manner through all the company change and into his final role as Editor of the Belfast Gazette. Remaining dignified and being consistent was Roy's thing, a true creature of habit. Getting excited was not Roy's way but getting it done was something that ran like a Swiss watch. He had a unique style and routine in all things and in a very quiet way was a good friend to his colleagues, customers and suppliers, who all came to understand and enjoy his simple but effective ways. Roy will be greatly missed by all who knew him and we wish his family strength at this very difficult time.
31 July 2007 From Alan Lynch
Hello Reg, Nice to think someone else may enjoy those old photos. Thank you for the list of overseers. Yes I remember most of them. Nearly all were very good to, at least, to this apprentice.
The salaries seemed very low but it is necessary to cost in the pension. They have just calculated here that for private industry to match the civil service pension a deduction of 28% would need be deducted from the salary. (But here in Ireland the pension is related to the pay increases not cost of living and so they are more generous). As a printing lecturer my own civil pension continued on and at one point I had the true value of my salary equated to private industry. When I was earning £18,000 it was £27,000 which is not far different. This makes the overseers salaries seem that much better. No good for getting a mortgage though!
In the Composing department the overseers were called "clickers" and were in charge of a "ship" (from companionship). A story illustrates their efficiency. There was a hardworking gentlemen known to everyone as Captain Bill. He was always around and always busy. One of his sidelines was to charge 6d to repair shoes. For this he would use old rubber printing plates. Evidence of the success of his business became apparent when it snowed. Walking into the local town of Wealdsone footprint after footprint of rubber plates could be seen some clearly headed RESTRICTED. One day Captain Bill was seen sitting on the floor with a huge pile of wooden quoins at one side and another on his other side. "What are you doing?" he was asked. "Sandpapering them so the Comps don't get blisters". He was asked who told him to do this and it was finally discovered that for some years the General Ship had thought he was in the Store and the Store believed him to be in the General Ship. In the meantime he had been clocking-in and making himself busy yet completely his own man.
The many stories from the HMSO have certainly been good preparation for a retirement in Ireland. Regards, Alan Lynch
Hello Alan, What a lovely story re Captain Bill. I am just back from a long lunch with half a dozen ex HMSO people, and we indulged ourselves hugely on various reminiscences. Mainly from HQ Supplies and Publications, where we all worked, but odd forays into the outskirts, Print Works and Regions. All the best to you, Reg
23 July 2007 - Jonathan Brook's Career Change
There may not seem at first to be a connection between selling print and holy orders, but many of the same skills are necessary in dealing with people from all walks of life, as Jonathan Brook has doubtless discovered. Jonathan joined HMSO Cardiff in 1992 as Print Salesman. Following privatisation, he set up a business with Chris Cole and Bob Mills, but eventually returned to the (now 3M) Press in Chadderton. However, his interests lay elsewhere, and he had successfully gained the post of Curate at the rural church in Ripley, as the article attached, provided by Roy Mynott, shows.
Walk with the Warp and Just Follow the Sheep
Jeanne Southgate has asked us to publicise the following event. If anyone is interested in acting as room Steward, please let me know and I will pass on names to Jeanne.
Norfolk weavers, spinners, dyers, lace-makers and embroiderers will be exhibiting their crafts together with costumed dancers and atmospheric mystery plays. A £5 map, children free, can be purchased on the day at St. Peter Hungate, at the top of Elm Hill, Norwich. The events take place Saturday 25 August 10.30-4.30; Sunday 26 August 1-4.30; Monday 27 August 10.30-4.30.
You can find more details by Googling Costume and Textile Association for Norfolk Museums.
19 July 2007 From Jim MacCallum
Hi Reg, Apologies for the delay in responding to both your messages. Suffice to say that I am in the middle of re-decorating my whole house after having my central heating installation completely renewed and the trouble I had with Scottish Gas would fill a book! I was glad to read that Ernie Downs is still with us. I remember him both in Manchester and Newcastle. However I think his memory is as good or bad as the rest of us. I certainly did not take a part in "One for the Pot" (I checked all the rave reviews of my performances printed in the Oldham Chronicle just to make sure!). If Ernie wants a list of the plays I took part in I will let him have them. The only 'Mary' that I remember in Nabads was (or is) Mary Connor a clerical officer in Supplies. Nice to hear about Ernie.
As to (Les Birch's) photo of 'The Three Musketeers' I must say that although I knew all three (Harris, Wild and Birch), I would not have recognised any of them. It is hardly surprising considering that when the photograph was taken I was still at grammar school! Regards to all three from the Scottish Mafia I bet Oldham and Manchester must have slept much more soundly in their beds knowing that they were in such safe hands! Orra best, Jim
Hello Jim, My word, you are a brave man taking on the might of not only Scottish Gas but the whole redecorating business. I trust you have a Risk Assessment made out, with all the proper Safety Appliances and Notices and heaven forbid anyone wants to smoke within ten yards (sorry, metres) of your tin of paint. I'm sure that you will not mind, but I have copied your note to Ernie Downs. Most of us in the Wetlands of Norfolk need all the friends we can get and I am sure that he will be pleased to be appreciated, if not admonished. I will also pass on the word to Les Birch, the Sergeant Bilko of the picture which included 'Corporals' Harris and Wild. All best wishes, and don't stumble into any stray paint pots. Reg
18 July 2007 From Les Birch
Dear Reg, Thought you might like to add a vintage photo to your archive. It must have been taken late 1940 or early 1941 and shows left to right Tom Harris, Les Birch and Harvey Wild, the latter at the time going through his Napoleonic stage. We were all in the NAB Home Guard battalion under the command of Lieut. Pete Mayall of blessed memory, who caught us all one cold winter night taking shelter in the boiler house when we should have been patrolling outside watching for German paratroopers all anxious to take over HMSO Northern Area Branch. At the time I think we had one wooden baton between the three of us, the rifles only coming later. Rumour has it that it was the publication of this photo that decided Hitler to take the soft option of attacking Russia and to abandon forever the idea of invading UK. We all joined up eventually in September 1941 and the rest, as they say, is history. Best wishes as always, Les
Hello Les, What an excellent picture. I saw Harvey Wild on a mission in the shopping area of Norwich yesterday, but did not interfere with his thoughts. I will carry a copy with me so that next time I can confront him with the evidence. I understand from his near neighbour, John Eason, that he Harvey does not have access to email, so it will be all the more surprising. Ditto with Tom, who I occasionally see in local stores with Mrs Harris. The picture will certainly take pride of place on HMSOldies, and if you have any more, please keep them coming. I am in contact with Messrs Cole, Penn, Macdonald and other local worthies who will be pleased to see you looking so Military. Coincidentally, I have just come across a biography of Arthur Lowe, of Dad's Army and other fame. It is 1938 and he was living in Lonsdale Road, Levenshulme and has just joined the Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry. Shades of things to come. All the best, Reg
8 July 2007 From Alan Lynch
Dear Reg, Please find my pictures, as promised. I've scanned them as best I can [see Picture Gallery set 1 and set 2 ]. I hope that the quality isn't too bad. I've offered some captions but I'm sure there are many ex SO staff who could add so much more. I worked at HMSO Harrow from 1957 to 1966 the first of those years as an apprentice. A short but very memorable time. Alan
Hello again Alan, Lovely, evocative photos. I started in Cornwall House in 1963 and did not visit Harrow until the late 1960s, so missed many of your contemporaries. However, a copy of the 1961 Staff List gives some names with whom you may be familiar: Grade IV Overseers at Harrow (who incidentally were on £827-£978 p.a.) include Harold Henry Simper born 1891 McDonald, Bishop, Guildford, Ford, Brooks, Newell, Davies, Jordan, Prangley, Ken Jagelman (who I remember), Hooper, Barnes, John William Walter Kentsbeer, Mansell, Brown, Taylor, Porter, Morgan, Weller, Young, Davies, Lush, Howe, Woof.
Chief Engineer, Harrow, was Edwin Herbert Keith Palmer, BEM, AMIEE; born 1904 and on a magnificent £1747 p.a. at the top of his scale. I can imagine that he was a man to be reckoned with. GW Bultitude his deputy was on rather less, as were Ingram, Lewis, Latham, Corby, Steer . . . Puddicombe, Cooley, Thomas Stanley Kitchen-Kenyon, Hulme, Isham, Pembery, Hawkins, Olliffe, Read, Morris, Jenkins, Greeno, Morrison, Kilbey, Chambers, Kearsey . . . and they were just Harrow Overseers. The whole of 'Printing Works Authorised Established Posts' in 1961 totalled 276 out of around 3000 Established HMSO staff (Industrial staff more than equalled this number in 1961).
I like the Ted Withey story. At least we were happy, living in Tooting, with a slum, ensuite outside lavatory and an occasional tin bath in front of the fire. Bliss. My 'rich' uncle Harry Wakeley lived in Rayners Lane in the 1950s and worked for the Radio Times. They had inside facilities: but then, he was F.O.C. Reg
9 July 2007 From Robin Duhig
Hi Everyone, We have a double reason to celebrate this month. Firstly, we are appearing on the Sue Marchant Show on BBC Eastern Counties Radio on Wednesday 11th July. We are due to be on air after 8pm when we will be interviewed and Sue will play some music from Rebellion. You can tune in either on good old-fashioned Steam Radio, on radios Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambs, Northants or click the links to listen via the web. Secondly, we are also featured on this month's Folkcast. Folkcast is Britain's leading Folk pod cast and thought by many to do a better job than Radio 2. Why not take a peek and download this months show at www.folkcast.co.uk or subscribe via iTunes or your own pod catcher. Take care everyone and please tune into the above shows. Rob Duhig 1549
9 July 2007 - From Stuart McLaren
Dear Reg, The dear, almost departed HMSO is still with us according to Round Britain Quiz (Radio 4, Monday 9 July 2007), where it formed part of the answer to a question too boring to repeat here but involving stationery and the measurement of electrical resistance and hardness (Ohms and Mohs). If anyone wishes to hear the question again it is repeated on Radio 4 this Saturday 14 July at 11 pm. Best wishes, Stuart McLaren
Excellent! I am, of course, as a paid-up member of HSOMs (Home Service Old Misfits) as are many HMSOldies, several yet to come out of the closet (where their crystal sets are permanently tuned to 2LO or Daventry). Anyway, I was away from the radio last Monday- exceptionally- and will catch up on 14 July. Keep up with the monitoring: GCHQ needs any assistance you can give. Reg
Sunday 1 July 2007 From Alan Lynch
Hello there, Interested to see your web site. I did my apprenticeship at Harrow and as a consequence have a booklet with some interesting pictures and text commemorating the press. I will gladly scan these in for you, if you think they are of interest. Regards, Alan Lynch
Hello Alan, Thank you for making contact. When were you at Harrow? We will put your note onto HMSOldies and see if anyone who knew you responds. Any pictures you have would certainly be of interest, should you care to scan them. All the best. Reg
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