Information Circular

Items listed in chronological sequence

19 August 2008 - Ken and the Cretan Cowboys
 
It is sixteen months since Ken Wanstall reported on his Cretan Adventures. Now we know why. If you need to be tempted to read the full story in Memories perhaps a copy of our immediate reaction will do the job:
 
I am stunned. A more gripping story I have rarely read. Should be required reading for anyone contemplating the Big Move Eastwards. There is nothing we can usefully add to your poignant prose, other than that we await the next instalment with baited breath, bitten nails and trembling lallies. There are so many questions . . . so much time. All the very best to you, and to the cats/builders/other pets. Reg
 

16 August 2008 - Paul Cornelius 1944-2008

Many ex HMSO staff will have fond memories of dealing with Paul as long ago as the 1960s when he represented McCorquodale’s printers in Norwich during the early days of dispersal to Norwich. He later transferred to BPC and continued his relationship with numerous HMSO staff.

We are sad to report that Paul died on 13 August 2008. He was at home with his wife Steph. Funeral service to be held at St Faith’s crematorium on Tuesday 26 August at 11.45. Immediate family flowers only; any donations to Big C c/o Jerry March Funeral Services.

14 August 2008 - Terry McCrum Retirement: From Workhouse
to Doghouse

JT McCrum joined HMSO in November 1979 (after seven years elsewhere in the Public Service. No, I don’t mean he was a barman in The Kitchen Bar. He wishes).

Terry transferred to Banner/Office2Office in 1996. His retirement bash was held in the newly-appointed pub in St George’s Street previously known as The Red Lion and now renamed The Doghouse, excellently managed in true Corkonian fashion by Aidan Mahon.

The McCrums always appreciate the company of The Beautiful People, as evidenced by the presence of Marilyn Barkell, Karen Hutchinson, Elizabeth McCrum, Helen Clamp, Donna Chapman, Karen Hale, Lynette Brooks, Anne Eason and . . . er . . . Chris Penn, Alan Cole, David Horn, Gareth Eagle, Ian Carter, Steve Sorrell, John Eason, Richard Taylor, David Holt, Steve Ward, Mark Goddard, John Wilson, Kevin Smith, Geoff Roff, Trevor Nettleship, Alan Kelly, Ciaran McCrum and Adrian McCrum.

Hold on . . . that means that there are only two McCrums left employed in Norwich. However will the Stationery and Print trades cope?

Photos can be seen by clicking here.

12 August 2008 - Another Unorganised Reunion

One look at the happy smiling faces in the pictures taken at The Eagle, Newmarket Road, Norwich on 7 June 2007 will make you wish you were there. Well, you can be. Another completely unorganised event will be held at lunchtime on Tuesday 16 September 2008.  All are welcome. Should you require further information, please email the Editor.


8 August 2008 - The Tao of Everest

Annette Conn has asked us to publicise a forthcoming talk on behalf of Norwich Soroptimists (Charity No. 10407440):

The Tao of Everest: An inspirational talk by Ian Woodall at The Assembly House, Norwich on Monday 1 September 2008, 7.30pm.

‘As the first rays of dawn crept across the Tibetan Plateau, Ian Woodall stepped onto the summit of Mount Everest and into history; one of a select few to have climbed the world’s highest mountain by both its south and north sides.’

Ticket price £7.00 available from Annette Conn, 01603 629557 or Janice Morter 01508 578211. All proceeds to EACH (East Anglian Childrens Hospices).’

The Tao of Everest

Overview:
As the first rays of dawn crept across the Tibetan plateau Ian Woodall stepped on to the summit of Mount Everest and into history, one of a select few to have climbed the world’s highest mountain by both its south and north sides.

During his first ascent from the south Ian’s team were trapped at 8000 metres in the worst storm in Everest history which claimed the lives of five fellow climbers. After the trauma and tragedy of the storm Ian and his team nevertheless chose to try again, finally reaching the summit as the only ones left on the mountain.

Two years later, while attempting the north side of Everest, Ian stopped only a few hundred metres below the summit to try and help a dying American climber. The woman’s first words were, ‘Don’t leave me.’ Yet ultimately Ian had to leave her to secure the safety of his own team.

Nine years later, in May 2007, Ian returned to 8500 metres on Everest to bury the woman he had been forced to leave behind. After wrapping her in the American flag he slid her gently down the North Face to join her husband lying somewhere below.

Now, using the power of emotional storytelling, Ian brings the triumphs and tragedies of climbing Mount Everest directly to his audience, showing how the insights gained on the mountain can enhance everyone’s Personal Inspiration and Practical Leadership skills.

Media Information:
The American climber Ian was forced to leave behind, and who he subsequently went back nine years later to bury, was Francys (Frankie) Arsentiev from Norwood, Colorado.

Frankie had just become the first American woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest without using supplementary bottled oxygen, an amazing feat of courage and endurance. Tragically she did not make it back down to receive the accolades her achievement deserved.

Frankie was married to Serguei Arsentiev who, eight years earlier, had become the first Russian to climb Mount Everest without bottled oxygen, an achievement which resulted in him being presented with the National Friendship Medal by President Gorbachev. Frankie and Serguei had met while climbing in the Himalaya and had immediately fallen in love. After sneaking away to get married at the Soviet Consulate in Kathmandu they were affectionately known as the Romeo and Juliet of the Cold War. They later settled in Norwood where Serguei built them a home of their own. It would seem that at some point during their climb back down from the summit of Everest Serguei fell down the north face.

Take Away Value:
One cannot lead others unless one is first inspired to lead oneself. The Tao of Everest  thus uses the power of emotional storytelling to introduce and reinforce the following principals of personal inspiration and practical leadership:

Concentrate on Can-Do’s – in any given situation one should resist the natural inclination to prevaricate and do nothing, and should endeavour to take ownership of the problem by concentrating on what can be done, however limited, and not allow oneself to be overwhelmed by all those things which can’t be done. ‘Sometimes we may not be the best person for the job, but we may be the only person for the job’.

Make Mandela Moments – the principal of reaching out and recognizing the efforts of others irrelevant of whether those efforts are necessarily successful or not.

Invest In Integrity – personal integrity is the basis of all leadership. ‘Integrity is what we do when no-one is watching’.

Ian Woodall Biography – Ian was born in England but then spent twenty-two years in South Africa, before returning to the UK. Between 1996 and 2007 Ian conceived, planned and led five expeditions to Mount Everest, reaching the summit on two occasions.

Before embarking on his Everest expeditions Ian worked as a school teacher, a catering manager, an internal auditor, as well as serving as an officer in the British Army. Ian lives in the Principality of Andorra, deep in the Pyrenees Mountains on the border between France and Spain.

Tues 5 August 2008 – From Michael Harrington

Dear Reg, I thought that I would send you this photo [see Picture Gallery] of the War Office. This is the door that I entered on the 11th August 1958 to start work at HMSO. To think that is fifty years ago. In the photo here from left to right: Terry Sweetman, Michael Prestedge, Jan Dee and myself. Regards, Michael

Hello Michael, What a good picture. Might start a trend: people photographed at the door they went through on their first day at work with HMSO (or a picture of the pile of rubble, takeaway food outlet or branch of Lidl that is now on the site). All the best, Reg

15 July 2008 - Past for Print 

I received a welcome email from the Senior Controller (now that’s a job title) of Planning and Print Management (TSO) recently. He had recently unearthed a binder containing copies of PP News etc. from 1985 to 1994. This took me to the appropriate HMSO Staff List, which gave the names of 54 HTOs, 120 TOs and 173 POs. As far as I could see, TSO has managed to reduce their number of print professionals to around 7.

Some items from PP News may jog the memories of the other 340…………..

June 1985: Edition 1 edited by Alec McLeod, lead with pictures of a dashing young DPP, Mike Lynn, and an even more dashing young PO from PP31a, Peter Horah. ‘Congratulations to Paul Barnard, ADPP5, on his success in the recent Principal Board and to Derek Carter who was successful on a CSC Board for SEO Accountants……Brian Dixon will move from Finance to PP.’

August 1985: ‘Terry Morgan, who conducted the initial research into the new Factor Figure Schedules, writes about the way they will be used.’ Photo of the Early Billing Team, Roy Mynott, Haydn Brown, Diane Jones and Alan Calder.

October 1985: ‘PP Manchester successfully marketed their services to the Northern Examining Association…..picture of the winning team, Pat Kennedy ADPP(M), Jack Buckley MPP1c, Ken Gaskell MPP1 and Stan White MPP1c.’ ‘Macaulay Press is open for business.’ ‘PP takes over its Registry. Pictured: June Minter, Gill Smith, Jane Hunt.’ Other photos shows John Payne, George Travell and Joe Bishop (Computer Assisted Print Ordering – CAPO –  training); Anne Chilvers, Paula Middleton, Judy Sinclair (Personal Assistants) Frank Glynn, Alex McLeod, Alan Walker, Trevor Priddle and Alex Herbert — all doing wonderful things.

December 1985: ‘Congratulations to Jo Abbott, Arthur Ford, Sue Garde, Frances Kinder, Janice Roberts and Marjorie Wilkes who were successful in the recent CA/CO promotion board.’ Also a particularly happy looking CAPO user team: Con Owen, Colin Harris, Peter Lince, Graham Thorne and Phil Blyth.

March 1986: More smiling staff: Jim Gilray, Janet Kelly and Ron Chapman from the payment hastening section; IPS students Phil Blyth, John Fox, Tony Johnson and Keith Miller; Ian Webb in front of a typesetting microprocessor the size of a small car; and last but not least, a picture of a man enjoying what was obviously the happiest day of his life, ‘Ernie Downs, SEO, joined PP on transfer from PS to fill the new ADPP8 post responsible for general Central Service functions.’

June 1986: The headline ‘Welcome to the Forms Centre’ was a last-minute change from the original ‘Forms Centre: You’re welcome to it.’ Photos of a welcoming George Rokahr and Brian Blackmore. A photo of HMQ’s visit to PP. She is addressing Roy Millington, presumably to ask him why he is the only man in the line–up not wearing a jacket. His response ‘You’re lucky I found my trousers in time’ is probably apocryphal. Manchester photo of ‘The new Security team:’ Dave Barlow, Mike Turton, Joe Whittenbury, Joe Coonan, Charlie Hartley….’ Missing from the group is Tony Malone, who was presumably working under cover.

September 1986: Photo of new Director Eddie McKendrick……and more Security: this time Bob Manders and George Gordon. ‘Julie Pointer, a Clerical Assistant in CEPA, was one of two Girls’ Brigade members, chosen from hundreds in the region, to be included in the official Royal Wedding invitation list.’

December 1986: ‘CAPO takes off. This eagerly–awaited event took place as scheduled on Monday 6 October when CAPO Phase 1a went live.’ ‘Congratulations to John Martin,PP52B, on passing his final ICMA examination; to Chris Penn, PP62E, who was successful in passing the BTEC certificate; to Sherry Mitchell, PP52A, who so soon after her promotion to CO passed the EO examination board with flying colours.’ Those were the days.

May 1987: More photos of Pat Kennedy, with Marjorie Bannister (Manchester Forms Control); Reg Canning and Cecil Hughes; Libby Reynolds; Linda Dodds; Nick Perkins; Jeremy Dearling; Anna Hoey, Louise Peers, Ron Wells, Bryce King and Dave Williams (Central Progressing). Last but not least: ‘In partnership with Eric Davey of CCTA, Mike Taylor, PP’s sporting all–rounder, recently won the British Civil Service Veteran Men’s Doubles Badminton Championship for the second time.’ If they were veterans in 1987, whatever are they now?

August 1987: Bob White, Bob Hall and Gerald Lucioli featured for their work on C&E Tariff work, and Ivor Hosgood for ‘Music at St. George’s.’ Libby Rose, Kim Hyde and Janice Roberts look far too lively for CAPO demand registration, and Philip Jinman and John Barker just lively enough for the Classified Print section.

October 1987: CAPO di tutti Capi, only relieved by a photo of a report of the marriage of Ann Huddart to David Troop. ‘Troops going on manoeuvres’ was Dave’s line, not mine, honest.

December 1987: PP Marketing featured, with Albert During, Cindy Brown, Nick Perkins, Trevor Priddle and Peter Matthews. Reg Canning and Terry Whiston ‘were recently awarded their licentiateships by the Royal Photographic Society.’ Geoff Bedford described his job as Data Administrator.

March 1988: Brian Ekers returned to HMSO as Director of PP after leaving the department in 1974 for various posts in MOD. Photos of Mark Green, Diane Jones, Jenny Griffiths and Ron Chapman (Debt Collection) and Terry Holcroft, Jackie Griffiths, Jack Buckley and Ron Hankinson (CAPO Manchester). Also featured were Libby Rose, PP71a, receiving her Duke of Edinburgh Award; Haydn Brown being elected Fellow of IAM; Brian Lambirth extolling the virtues of the Institute of Advanced Motorists; Mike Robinson’s success at an OU Science Course, and Jennifer Hannaford, Rula Lenska, Alan Morrell and Dennis Waterman at the launch of a leaflet for Norfolk Constabulary.

July 1988: CAPO trudged inexorably to Northern Ireland, as demonstrated by Norman Armstrong and Brian Watt (‘Paula Love and Dolores McCoubrey quickly registered the first demands…George Taggart and Larry Gould report favourably’) and to London. George Billson found time to show people around Hansard Press. A report from Manchester brings to mind Irene Allen, who was EO in Supplies Machinery, working to Charlie Lloyd and Sam White in 1965 when she was replaced by Stan Adams in one of the many exchanges of duty that occurred pre–1968 Dispersal. ‘Between them the Allen family of Manchester served HMSO for 70 years. Lillie Allen joined HMSO just after WW1, at 18, starting at Salford and moving to Peter Street, Manchester. Unfortunately, Lillie had to leave after four years’ service when female workers were dismissed to make way for jobs for men. Lillie is now 90. Frederick Allen sadly passed away recently at 91, after working in the Warehouse for 41 years. Their daughter Irene spent 10 years at Chadderton before moving to London on promotion in 1951. In 1965 she left HMSO and transferred to the Board of Trade.’

November 1988: Bob Wood is shown at the ‘busy CAPO help desk’ and Angus McKinnon and Linsey Wilson working the OKAI printers in Edinburgh. Nick Perkins and Tony Parker are pictured discussing the sales of Community Charge Forms. ‘The International Government Printers’ Conference was held in June in Washington DC. HMSO was represented by Eddie McKendrick DGPP and Jim McDonald HPP.’

January 1989: ‘Dr Paul Freeman will become Controller and Chief Executive of HMSO on 4 January 1989. He was formerly Director of CCTA.’ ‘On 14 December 1988 HMSO was launched as the largest so far of the Government’s Executive Agencies.’ Don’t think you get away CAPO–free: pictures of smiling Capophiles Carol Burgess, Barbara Crowley, Ann Troop, Patrick Humble and Philip Bird. Then there are Vanessa Watson, Nigel Thompson, Phil Donald and Stan Ward.

August 1989: Desk Top Publishing comes to HMSO, with the Contract Preparation Team (Messrs Rose, Pulford, Robinson) featuring and notification of the DTP Training Centre opening at 15 Whitehall. Dave Poole, Ray Dineen, Colin Harris and Peter Lince bask in the sun of CAPO User Acceptance Testing.

December 1989: Total Quality Management elbowed CAPO from the limelight, and Dave Cumming was pictured looking suitably serious about it.

May 1990: Transfer season opened, with pictures of Reg Walker moving, on St George’s Day, from DDS1 to DDPP3 (previously held by Derek Lees) and George James from Hansard Press to General Manager Manchester (previously George Rokhar). ‘The first on–line CAPO order was generated (by John Bloomfield PP33, on 24 August 1987 when the first PP buying section in Norwich went live.’ Does this mean the end of these articles?

September 1990: ‘Our Man in Europe’ Roy Plackett held centre stage. Jim Richardson also featured, heading a project team in Manchester. Nary a mention of CAPO……….

December 1990: Nadine Wood reported on her work on a Summer Camp in USA. Cardiff Print was re–located, picturing Paul Baker, Barry Skinner, Louise Evans and Graham Howard.

August 1991: Marilyn Nisbet was appointed Divisional Personnel Officer. Retirements during the year included Ruby Mason (Paperkeeping), Ken Lemmon (CEPA), Colin Pulford (Contracts), Stan Dongray (Demand Registration), Colin Hare (Business Forms) and Cedric Dann (PPMA). Also Ian Henderson, Roy Osborne, Bernard Downing, Bernard Remmington and Derek Williamson.

December 1991: ‘Appointment of Head of Print Sales…..Bill Price was appointed on a three year contract from the Williams Lea Group…..Reg Walker, who held the post for 588 days (who’s counting?), moved to Head of Central Marketing.’ Albert During was pictured following his success in selling to NHS.

July 1992: ‘The whole of Manchester site will become part of PP. Alex Mackie will become Head of Print Services, and George James will return to Norwich. Eric Hendry becomes Head of Print Buying, Brian Cleland Head of IT, and Steve Barker Head of Printing Papers Initiative.

December 1992: ‘The new Blueprint ordering system will commence live operation in February 1993….a number of significant staff changes have taken place during the year, the most notable being the departure of the much respected Jim McDonald to become Director of the new Human Resources Division.’ Reprographic Profile featured Birmingham, with Malcolm Field as Unit Manager heading a team of fourteen staff. A photograph showed Teresa Hoskin and Kathy Line. CAPO re–emerged as part of an article on TQM, as did a Manchester Warehouse project lead by John Owens and including Andrew Judge, Louise Robinson and Norman Conway. The paper procurement team (Linda Blake, Liz Stokes and Sandra St. Quintin, later joined by Marie Spindler and Thanh Tran in London) also warranted a photo, as did PP Typists Julie Fletcher, Jacky Potter and Helen McGuinness.

April 1993: Reprographic Profile featured Leeds, with Manager Jane Parkin and a staff of nine. Stephen Guest was the Print Sales Representative for the North East. Brian Pymm was congratulated for his work on prestigious Royal Navy print. The shy and self-effacing Bob Dwyer also made it, with the PPJC Accounting Team. However, of all the Print staff to leave in 1993 the person who was missed most was Vi the tea lady, who was presented with a bouquet by Brian Ekers.

August 1993: Brian himself was the next to leave Print, after 66 months as Director. He was succeeded by Eric Hendry. ‘Robin Duhig and Nadine Wood have returned to HMSO after spending two years away on a full–time BTEC in Printing course at Norwich City College.’

September 1993: Eric Hendry wrote his first piece as Director, detailing aims and initiatives for Print.

December 1993: ‘For those of you who have had connection with ITW, and more recently Inspection, will be interested to note that the job of post–delivery inspection is closing at the end of November 1993. Roy Millington and Eric Holt are the last of the line.’ ‘Nick Mayhew recently joined us as a Trainee Print Buyer after successfully completing BTEC at Norwich City College, where he was awarded Student of the Year 1993.’ The NHS team also featured: Richard Pryor, Adrian McCrum, Carol Burgess, Lisa Newby, Laura Myhill, Neil Storey and Cathy Mason. Heidi Fippinger joined Gary Bishop in the Moenchengladbach office.

March 1994: The long- awaited Mission Statement was revealed: ‘To delight customers by creating good impressions.’

May 1994: Gerry Aldus was persuaded to describe the work of the Facilities Management Unit.

June 1994: ‘The long-awaited replacement of CAPO is unlikely to be available much before the end of 1995, says Eric Hendry.’ ‘Reg Walker returned to Print on 1 June and will head the enlarged Sales and Marketing section. He succeeds Bill Price, who is retiring at the end of July.’

October 1994: This last edition of Print News was a bumper eight-pager. Free Standing Businesses were all the rage. Various successes in winning customer contracts were trumpeted, and Bill Taylor was pictured in the midst of five tonnes of scrap film from the redundant Block Store. ‘A member of Finance Division met a Print customer last month. She spoke highly of the managed reprographic service provided by HMSO at RAS and also spoke well of the accountant involved with the contract. She couldn’t remember his name but said he resembled ‘a Teddy Boy.’ Identity of the hound dog to Sue Gibson please.’ Wonder what John Cripps is up to these days – he’s sure to know.

Now you have read the summary, bet you can’t wait for the pictures. You’ll have to, as they are at the printer’s…………………

13 July 2008 - from David Berwick: New Organ Work Première

Dear Reg, I know it's short notice but things have moved very swiftly on this topic in recent days, and I didn't want to assume too much too soon! However, this new composition will get its Première at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, on Monday 28th July. The concert, in which my work features, starts at 13.10 and finishes at 14.00. Derek James is running a feature on the circumstances this next week-I believe. I was inspired to write this music following my successful training as a Cathedral Guide, (the one with the 'pointy' spire) over the past twelve months. The foundation of the cathedral and monastery is a fascinating story and my attempt is to portray three epic moments during the 49-year building phase. Be grateful if you could plug it.

Hello David, Good to hear from you, and best wishes for the concert. Very impressive. I have passed to HMSOldies Production and Design to see if they have enough staff not on leave to rush this through. Given that each 'Division' has staff of, to the nearest single digit, one, this may cause a little difficulty. But I am sure that they will do all they can. Meanwhile I will copy your note by email to interested parties. Best wishes. Reg

2 July 2008 - Reprographic Ladies, Manchester

Having always met up on a Friday lunchtime whilst at work, we continued the tradition, but sadly — because of other commitments — we now only manage to meet every 4-6 weeks. Unfortunately our group has depleted from eight to six regulars, but we always have a good lunch with plenty of news and laughter. We vary our venues, mainly using pubs because they provide the best value for money. A photo was taken at our latest luncheon on 14 May at Bury College in the Students’ Catering restaurant showing Sandra Lomas (nee Buckley), Typing Supervisor, Marion Fazakerley, Workroom Supervisor, myself, Office Manager, Frances Holland, Workroom Supervisor, Marjorie Christopher, Workroom Manager and Shirley Stopford, Office Assistant Manager. Are there any other groups (apart from the Norwich Friday Club) who meet regularly? Ross Richardson

Bill Scott – 1941-2008

From Peter Macdonald:  I regret to inform you that Bill, who was Director of Engineering and Estates, passed away on Sat 21 June following a fairly routine operation. It appears that he had to be taken off Warfarin for the op and it is likely that a blood clot formed which led to a fatal stroke. Bill — who was 66 — was quite a character and did some excellent work in keeping new-builds like Edinburgh on budget. He also kept KLM waiting at Edinburgh Airport while he had a final Scotch at the bar. I did my best to dissuade him. On a more sombre note the service will take place at Earlham Crematorium at 1415 on Friday, 4 July.

26 June 2008 – From Bill Hughes

Reg, Came across the site completely by accident - couldn't believe it when I found a picture of Roger Chalk who was my EO when I was in Finance Registry in 1988-9. Excellent stuff. As you can see from the data below, I've made a slight career change! All good wishes, Bill

William Hughes BA MA PhD PGCE FHEA
Professor of Gothic Studies, Bath Spa University, Park, Bath BA2 9BN UK

New in Print:

Dracula,  by Bram Stoker, edited by William Hughes & Diane Mason http://ecs.bathspa.ac.uk/press/artswork.php?id=29

Avril Horner and Sue Zlosnik, eds, Le Gothic: Influences and Appropriations in Europe and America http://www.palgrave.com/PRODUCTS/title.aspx?PID=278590

Forthcoming:

William Hughes, Bram Stoker, Dracula: A Readers' Guide to Essential Criticism http://www.palgrave.com/products/title.aspx?PID=275167

William Hughes and Andrew Smith, eds, Queering the Gothic http://www.manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/catalogue/book.asp?id=2245

Useful Links:

International Gothic Association: http://www.iga.stir.ac.uk/

Gothic Studies: http://gothic.english.dal.ca/IGAGS.html

Hello Bill, Excellent. I must confess that I can't place you, but certainly remember when Roger was EO in Finance Registry. He was one of the first people I met in HMSO, when I started in Cornwall House in 1963. Was Grant Moore around then? Geoff Lockwood, Ian Billings, Linda Lenton were certainly on the fourth floor of St Crispins (which is a 'multi-occupied' building now). Roger and his wife Sheila are still around Norwich and I will certainly mention your message should I come across them. Good to see that the experience with HMSO spurred you into a more respectable occupation! I will have a look at your websites. All the best. Reg
 

You may find the attached photos interesting. The first shows the HEC4 being delivered to Atlantic House and the other Bill Kingston, Vic Morley and me at Hertford Street. I should have mentioned that I remember Marjorie Button (she was the person really in charge at P5B), Daisy and George Furn mentioned in your memory of Bill Kingston. Trevor King

Hello Trevor, Excellent pictures, which we will certainly use. Margery Button's ears must be burning (I hope she won't mind my saying that she will be 86 this year, wherever she is). I still see George Furn around Norwich occasionally and will certainly mention your name to him. He doesn't make use of email, no doubt having had enough of 'real' computers in the 1950s. Lovely photo of the three of you. Proper suits and ties. Those were the days. I remember doing a series of interviews for programmers years ago and asking one candidate how he prepared for the Board. He said 'I put on a decent t-shirt and a clean pair of jeans.' I like to think he passed and is now Head of EDS. All the best. Reg

8 May 2008 – From Terry Sweetman

I recently stumbled across your website whilst filling in some down-time at work. I scrolled through it not expecting to see any familiar names and was amazed to see the names of many fellow apprentices from the early '60s. Initially I was a bit peeved to find that my name wasn't mentioned alongside many of my contemporaries, but when I saw a photograph taken in the War Office Composing Room in 1959 I was absolutely delighted. Although it was a year before I started my apprenticeship I recognised nearly everyone in the photo, and you can imagine my delight when I discovered a photograph of myself and two other comp. apprentices along with two journeymen taken at SSPP in the early sixties.

I started my apprenticeship as a compositor on 8 August 1960 in the basement of the War Office, Whitehall, subsequently moving to Pocock Street along with the older apprentices, Jan Dee, Mick Harrington, Allen Harris and Mick Prestedge. Another apprentice that I saw mentioned in your website, was Philip Marriage who I worked alongside during the final year of my apprenticeship in the 'S' Department at SSSP.

On becoming a journeyman in 1965 I went to L. T. A. Robinsons at the Oval as a monotype keyboards operator, where we specialised in setting mail-order catalogues. After 5 or 6 years there I joined Burrup Mathieson the company printers and after a similar amount of time I joined Waterloo Webb, my first taste of photo-setting. They printed top-shelf magazines amongst other things, which was quite a change from setting balance-sheets and take-over proposals. Once again after 5 or 6 years I moved on to Pinnacle Phototype in Clerkenwell, where surprisingly enough, I stayed for 5 or 6 years.

The next move turned out to be the last one, for | joined Battley Brothers in Clapham in 1983 and I am still there, although the company is now known as Cantate and has moved to different premises in Battersea. We specialise in Printing for the Arts and print programmes for the BBC Proms, English National Opera, National Theatre, Royal Opera House and nearly all of the major Orchestras.

Now in my final year before retirement, I look back and think how lucky I am to have worked in an era where the technology changed from the traditional printing methods of the 19th and 20th centuries to the hi-tech process that it is now. I feel that I have seen the best of both worlds! Terry Sweetman

Hello Terry, Excellent! It is always good to hear from people out of the blue, and I am sure that many HMSOldies readers will enjoy reading your news. I was an occasional visitor to SSPP in the days of Dave Forbes, Eric Hendry, Andy Fisher & co but will copy your note to Philip Marriage and Michael Terry Harrington so that they can make contact. Michael is in touch with Jan Dee, I believe. I see that you were in Clapham — a place fairly well known to me as I lived in Tooting for 21 years. Arding and Hobbs at The Junction and a host of Youngs Pubs stick in the mind, but no need to mention how the old place must have changed, with the 'gentrification' of the Clapham Common area. No more Chipperfields Circus there, I bet. My mother lived in Steelworks Road, Battersea and many of her family (the Wakeleys) lived there and around Earlsfield, and many were in the print trade. All the best to you, and I am sure that others will be in touch. Reg
 

Monday 5 May 2008 – George & Jeanne Le Surf

Hi Reg, You will wish to know (and thousands of others too no doubt) that George Le Surf and his wife Jeanne celebrated their Diamond Wedding today Monday 5 May. The celebrations were held at their daughter's house in Diss and featured their only grandchild Thomas together with eighteen family and friends as guests. Stella and I were the only ones from the office and food, champagne and other wine flowed freely. The Queen's congratulations were on view as was a picture of HMS Warspite which featured prominently in George's naval career ending as a Chief Petty Officer. George told me that their marriage in 1948 attracted similar gorgeous weather. I shall hope to report another such do in three years time when Stella and I shall be celebrating 60 years wed too. Regards, Dave Crump 

Hello Dave, Very good to hear that George and Jeanne have made it to Diamond status (but unsettling to realise that I had just got to my second birthday when they were getting married). I occasionally see them both continuing their pastime of rambling along the verdant pastures of Dereham Road, dodging the bucolic cyclists and rustic cars parked on the pavement. We also look forward to reporting on your own celebrations in three years time. All the best to you and to Stella. Reg


Fri 14 March 2008 – Lynda Marshall: A Very HMSO Retirement
 
There won't be many more retirements from HMSO, and Lynda certainly made the most of hers in a packed Wig and Pen  pub, Norwich. She managed 20 years and two months with HMSO, and is leaving before the small Norwich office disbands as part of the amalgamation with the National Archives branch of the Cabinet Office. Pictures [1 & 2] show that she is not too upset at the prospect . . .

Mon 10 March 2008 - Old HMSO Site

Hi Reg, In August last year Roy Plackett published photographs of the replacement building for IDB House (HMSO) in Chichester Street. The building is completed now (cost £400,000) and occupied by The House of Fraser and satellites. I thought you might be interested in the finished article [see Photo Gallery], especially inside where the staid open plan offices, and paper chasers, have been replaced by chic consumerism. Their doors opened in early March and on the first day attracted 100,000 patrons — mostly voyeurs — fawned over by 3000 staff. It covers a massive 800,000 square feet with an imposing glass dome and central lift column, providing panoramic views as far away as the Mourne Mountains.
 
Belfast has come a long way with ‘bomber days’ now replaced by ‘booming days’ even attracting cruise ships on a regular basis. By the way our visit there later in the week entailed a sojourn in The Kitchen Bar and thoughts of you, Roy and their one time lodger Joe Bishop. Norman Armstrong

Hello Norman, My word, the old place has certainly changed. I must pay another visit — especially to the Kitchen, to re-acquaint with the ghost of my Uncle Frank. Thank you for the pictures, which I have copied to Roy Plackett, and that other denizen of IDB House, Terry McCrum. It's blowing a gale here at the moment, so I hope your new glass dome is man enough to stand it. I can't say that House of Fraser is one of my usual haunts. Do they sell Yellow Man? All the best, Reg

Doctor Joseph Moses Juran 1904-2008

The Guardian  dated 3 March 2008 has carried an obituary for a Romanian immigrant to the USA who affected the working lives of many in the UK, not least within HMSO. 'Joseph Juran, who has died aged 103, will be remembered as the first management guru whose name is best associated with 'Quality.' His distinctive contribution lay in expanding the statistical conception of quality so that it became an essential resource for management. He adapted the 19th Century statistical tool known as the Lorenzo Curve . . . integrating it with the statistics-based Pareto '80/20' Law . . . he is survived by Sadie, his wife of 81 years, three sons and a daughter.'

Tues 4 March 2007 - Did you know?

Good morning! You are so busy with HMSOldies that you may not have noticed if you haven't received your DSS pension update letter yet? As mine always came in mid-Feb, I assumed that this year's had got lost in the post. However, when I rang to enquire I was told the astounding news that this time they are being dispatched in alphabetical blocks, and that S-Z surnames will not be sent out until after April 24th!  The new rates will have begun by then of course - isn't it poor? All the best, Alison Womak.

Hello Alison. Thank you for your message. We people towards the second half of the alphabet always get the short end of the stick. Discrimination against the S-Zs! We will publish your note for the information of others. As you say, poor show. Reg

John Flynn’s February Quiz 2008

John Flynn (Supplies and Audit) has obviously been having some cheese on his pre-bedtime kippers. As a result of the ensuing bad dreams, he has come up with the following HMSO-based quiz. Well, they say that we should keep our brains active, and those of us who can already count up to nine and don't need Sodukos to prove otherwise may wish to cudgel the memory on the following teasers.

We don't take texts and have no premium phone lines, so please send in your answers (and any additional questions) by email. The prize will be that warm glow you get from being right for a change. This is especially pleasing for married readers. More so those with children.

FEBRUARY QUIZ 2008

Many HMSOldies can't remember what they were doing last week but some things we would like to forget seem to stick in the mind. For example:

Describe the following Management Techniques without the use of obscenities:
MBO
TQM
ACL

Which is the odd one out and why?
Management Accounting
Creative Accounting.
Turf Accounting
Accountable Management

What is the difference between:
Fruitless Expenditure
Constructive Loss

What went on at:
Orsman Road
Gee Street
Manor Farm
Park Royal
Alperton
Bracknell
Sighthill
Wine Street
Palace of Industry
Colindale
The 1975 Establishments Christmas Party in Sovereign House

What were the following jobs? Name your favourite incumbent.
PEFO
EAC
CEPA
HIA

What were these? Were they a success, and why not?
CAPO
SPICE
Stock AX
LSQ
MSH

Name these Departments:
DEA
CEGB
NCB
DNS
COI
MPBW

Finally, what does the Civil Service DISH mean? (Will not apply to HMSOldies)

Thurs 14 February 2008 - From Norman Armstrong: Print Type Cases

Hi Reg, I have been perusing the recent contributions in HMSOldies and many familiar names keep cropping up. My introduction to HMSO in 1969 was under the supervision of Johnny Thorpe and meeting John Brooker, Maureen Monks, Frank Shepherd, Ken Pink, Bob Smith, Les Tidmarsh, Pat Kennedy, Ian Imrie and Ken Taylor for the first time. I can still clearly visualize that small corner of Sovereign House. Initially my Irish/Tyrone accent attracted the predictable witty asides, which were of course taken in the right spirit. Before my family came across, from Northern Ireland to Norwich, I lodged with Jock and Pat Barr who quickly made me feel a home. From this beginning the friendship and kindness I enjoyed were indicative of the sociable ethos in HMSO.
 
I have included a photo of two miniature wooden type cases (56mm x 42mm) made by Andy Hunter. He very kindly gave them to me when I worked in the East Wing of Sovereign House as a fledgling Printing Officer. They are beautifully crafted and have pride of place on my bookshelf.
 
I noticed that Peter Bradbury won the Bill Barker golf trophy. Bill — a larger than life character — succeeded Frank Shepherd as my Technical Officer, as did Peter, later on the South Wing. I was speaking to Brian Brown recently and he seems to be enjoying life. Like myself he has caught the golf bug and we are arranging an outing soon. The gauntlet has been thrown down Peter! On Irish fairways.
 
Hello Norman, Great to hear from you. You also bring back some memories. I had not realised you lodged at the Barrs. Jock worked with me in Supplies Machinery, on S7b/RS1B. He was a short man with a powerful voice . . . pipesmoker, sailor and professional Glaswegian (he was on the last tram from Auchenshuggle. Must have been a big tram for the number that say they were on it . . .). They, with son Dennis, moved from Beaconsfield Road in Norwich to Mattishall. He wrote to me just before his untimely death, bitter that he would not live to see Margaret Thatcher thrown out of office. I remember Pat working the Banda Duplicator for P&B orders. One day they were walking along the corridor of Sovereign House when a moth flew past them. Quick as a flash Jock said 'Pat, is that you opening your purse?' Straight back, Pat says 'No, big man, is that you opening your flies?' Great couple.
 
I have passed your note to Roy to pass on your challenge to Peter Bradbury (who spends too much time enjoying himself to be bothered with the Internet). Also to Terry McCrum. Must make it to Belfast again one day and see how they have 'improved' Chichester Street . . . Best wishes. Reg

Sun, 10 February 2008 – From Cheryl Holmes

I have just found your site and felt that I should contact you. I originally worked at the HMSO near the Thorpe Station and we were then all moved to the brand new building at St Crispins, Norwich. Oh didn't we think it was a wonderful place all brand new and so up to date. I believe that one of the persons on your ex workers list was in fact my boss, namely Dave Martin. We were all connected with the punch cards, verifiers and computers. Of course the old computer room is now part of the QD store and alas the building itself in a terrible state. As news has just been released of the demolition planned of the HMSO site and surrounding areas It has brought back so many memories. So soon it will look like a more modern picture of this. Cheryl Holmes (nee Skyring)

Hello Cheryl, Very good to hear from you. I certainly remember the premises at Wensum House, above the Green Shield shop and Lamberts' Tobacconist. Pat Walsh was lucky enough to be the Senior British Officer for a time, and I certainly remember Dave Martin being there. I have copied your note to Dave (any embarrassing reminiscences about him would be more than welcome). In June 2006 we held a small reunion at The Eagle Public House and were pleased to see two of your former colleagues there — Pearl Mortlock and Jean Samways (see Picture Gallery). We also have some reminiscences from Howard Wheeldon and Gordon Robbie.
 
As you say, they are due to redevelop the Sovereign site soon. I am looking for volunteers to lay down in front of the bulldozers to make sure we keep this great memorial to the glazier's art. Somehow I don't think we will get any takers. The very nostalgic picture you mentioned, reminds me that when I was in Management Services a Messenger, by name Sam Smithson, who had been a Norwich dustman, said to me 'this used to be my bedroom.' Seems he had worked out that the Botolph Street terraced house he was born in had been just where I was sitting. Best wishes to you and I hope to see you at the Summer Reunion. And thank you for taking the trouble to write. Reg

Peter McAuley Remembers . . . December 1996

Reg, Having just seen the front page of the Norwich Evening News  of 10th December 1996, kindly supplied by Andy Taylor, I had an urge to put digit to keyboard. The article brought memories flooding back, indeed ten days after the article on 20th December I was one of the reasonably content employees flocking out of the door, in my case in Belfast.

I had as many others made enquiries as to the deal as I was aware there was an imminent Northern Ireland Civil Service recruitment campaign and I intended to be applying. When the figures came through I like many others applied and waited. Indeed as Mick Hardy says in the article, like most other sites there were more people considering leaving than staying (a sad refection on how people saw the future of HMSO).

It was with a mixture of trepidation, sadness and relief I eventually got my release. I say sadness because of the many friends and colleagues I would be leaving behind. Also at the time I was heavily involved with the Departmental Trade Union Side from my work with the CPSA. Indeed I had the pleasure of working closely with Mick Hardy (quoted in the article) and other union colleagues such as Peter Staples, Vera Baldwin, Colin Hall, Vince Fitzgibbon and Bob Avery, to name but a few. We were heavily involved with the campaign against the privatisation and ultimately when this failed the negotiations with the new buyers. Additionally we were going round the various regional offices to brief staff on the implications of the privatisation. So although I was happy to be going I felt saddened that I was not going to be there to the bitter end.

Confirmation of my departure came on 19th December when I came back to the office to see a note for me to ring Steve Barker (ex Director of HMSO Belfast, then working in Norwich under the new regime). I asked a colleague what he wanted, he replied he did not know but he sounded quite agitated when I wasn't there. I gave him a call and he confirmed that my application for release had been agreed, indeed my leaving date was the next day the 20th (a DCM as he put it, Don't Come in Monday). Obviously my years of union work had been advantageous after all. I then had the slightly awkward task of informing my boss I was leaving the next day and I was not being replaced, needless to say he was not best chuffed (not with me but with our new masters).

So with no small amount of nostalgia the party began on the 20th December. My Belfast publishing colleagues were to the fore, John Straghan (my boss), Walter Roberts, Willie Smith and Roy Dubois (sadly who passed away last year). There were cards, emails and phone call from the many friends I had made over the previous 17 years. Indeed I still have the cards and emails and will always treasure them as I fondly remember colleagues from Norwich and the other regions I met during my time with HMSO and the times if not very sober that I spent in their wonderful cities (some more articles for the future).

The party spilled from IDB House (Chichester House for those old enough to remember) into the Kitchen Bar (where many visiting HMSOldies had been hosted over the years). Jovial mien host Pat Catney happily relieved me of some of my lump sum (on account) until the wee small hours of the next morning.

Happily I had a couple more encounters with my Trade Union colleagues, when I came over to Norwich to speak at the CPSA AGM and when they came over to brief the remaining staff in Belfast. A few nostalgic memories were shared in the Park Avenue Hotel in Belfast over several pints of the black stuff.

As the man says time moves on and I look back with nothing but fondness on my times in HMSO and the people I have met. I have now been with the Northern Ireland Civil Service ten years and hope to finish my career here. I don't think my liver could take another redundancy package.

My memories are fuelled in no small part by the HMSOldies website, none more so than when a name pops up and you suddenly go "gosh I remember him/her, I met them once . . ."

Also there are the occasional meetings with ex colleagues Walker, McCrum and Cole (amongst others) whether they take place in London, Belfast or Dublin.  These are always occasions of extreme revelry.

Best wishes

Peter McAuley
HMSO Belfast (22 October 1979 - 20 December 1996)

Thurs 7 Feb 2008 - From Richard Nelson: Dereham Jazz Club

Hello Reg, One of the things I do to stay occupied is to help run the Dereham Jazz Society which promotes live jazz music every Wednesday at Lakeside Country Club, Lyng. Several ex HMSO people have turned up over the years (we have been running for ten years now), but on Wednesday 6 February there were three former GD members catching the wonderful session by trumpeter Digby Fairweather.

A commemorative photo (see Picture Gallery) was quickly commissioned showing Joe Burns, myself, Digby Fairweather (not ex HMSO!) and Nodge Carnegie. We had a great time. As well as the photo, I have attached our current Dereham Jazz Society gig list for Lakeside. The club also has a web site at www.lakeside-jazz-club.co.uk

Hello Richard, You are doing an excellent job — I heard a 'plug' for your meetings on a recent Paul Barnes programme, which I usually pick up on the BBC 'Listen Again' site. By the way, you have reminded me to tune into Humph's programme, broadcast last Monday. All good stuff. And good to see a picture of you with Digby Fairweather, who I saw at The Playhouse, backing George Melly at George's last Norwich concert. Our last Pipe Club of Norfolk competition was honoured by some anecdotes by that excellent pipesmoker — and jazzman — Jack Parnell, who as you know still plays in Norfolk. Good to know that you Graphic Designers are spending your time sensibly! All the best — and keep it up. Reg

Friday, 1 Feb 2008 - CANDOS bowl: George Billson explains all

Hallo Reg et al, I was Show Secretary of HMSO Horticultural Society, when Bert Williams, our erstwhile Chairman and at the time also Chairman of the Union Group, convinced the then Controller that an award presented by the Controller And Official Side (hence CANDOS) would be appreciated. Whereupon the Controller gouged funds from the senior bods for the bowl.  My memory seems to suggest circa 1960, but as ever that could be wrong.

I well remember dear old George Stewart, Arthur Fitz' and many of the others winning the bowl with their excellent entries.  I also remember getting pie-eyed on a winning bottle of Johnny Johnson’s Mead which a couple of us polished off whilst clearing the canteen after a show. We had two two-day shows a year in those days, and when Rowland Owen was Deputy Controller he used to get a van from Cornwall House to carry his four or five buckets of goodies from Waterloo station. Best wishes, George Billson
 

Phillipa Burrow 1956-2008

We are sad to report that, following treatment for bone cancer at Priscilla Bacon Lodge, Phillippa died at home on 25 January 2008.

Phillippa joined HMSO Publications from Norwich Union in the mid 1990s and worked with Transport, Education, Environment and CCTA contracts. Upon leaving TSO, she worked with Reed Elsevier and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, followed by a successful career in teaching.

The funeral service will be held at Saints Mary and Walstan Church, Bawburgh, on Friday 8 February at 3 pm.

Wednesday, 30 January 2008 - From Les Birch

Dear Reg, Interested to see the recent reference to Barbara Weaver - yes, she did retire at age 50 which fulfilled a long-standing intention of hers. She always said that once she had acquired enough pensionable years to enable her to live fairly comfortably she would be off — and away she went. RB2 was of course the Regional Branch at Leeds opened just two weeks after I opened the first of our RBs (RB3) at Nottingham in early September 1948. Others followed in due course — RB1 at Newcastle, RB6 at Reading, RB10 at Cambridge, RB9 at Birmingham — the other areas were covered by existing HMSO offices, Manchester, Edinburgh, Cardiff (which needed the addition of a repro unit — those days called a duplicating unit — to its existing bookshop), Bristol and Belfast.

We were in the cold war days then and the idea was that as far as possible each Region in the UK would try to be self-sufficient when the big bomb went off in London — what a hope! Frank Papworth moved from RB3 where he had been my CO to Cardiff when he passed the limited EO exam. Ken Meredith had a spell in Newcastle, Mary Mulgrew opened Cambridge and Bob Govett went to Reading. Exciting pioneering days when the only word that mattered was 'service' and when we still did not have a single qualified accountant in the whole department.

We were fortunate enough to have another 20 or so wonderfully happy years left before the idea of playing big business with a public service became the philosophy of the day, leading to the inevitable demise of a once glorious department, with the same philosophy being the root cause of problems with the NHS, Post Office and countless other aspects of public life. I suppose that we can always hope that somewhere there is a little paragraph extolling the virtues of a central purchasing organisation for print, office supplies etc. I cannot see any spontaneous native movement in this direction nor is it likely with all the snouts there are in the trough.

I am sure that you are delighted, Reg, to see that the old cynic retains his old world ideas. I can never forget the furious rows that dear old Frank Davey and I, amongst I fear few others, had with Kenneth Baker and co down at the old CS Staff College at Sundridge Park over these new ideas, fuelled normally by the previous evening's comparative malt whisky tastings — the official issue Custom case held 6 bottles side by side with just enough room left for toiletries etc and it was always my duty (pleasurable of course) to supply 6 different malts for this purpose.

Enough of my ramblings — do keep up the good work with the site. Yours, Les

Hello Les. Thank you for your idiosyncratically colourful note, with which I wholeheartedly agree, of course. As regards ‘progress’ since HMSO was demolished, you may recall an article published by The Guardian in December 2006 regarding wholesale rip-offs experienced by Government Departments in the purchase of stationery and print. I reproduced it in HMSOldies Information Circulars (see ‘Bring Back HMSO’ dated December 2006). Needless to say, the article did not produce a single comment (apart from a letter to the paper from Gordon Robbie, which they spiked). Understandable, I suppose, given the relative low level of waste in an age when Shell can declare profits of £1.5m per day. All the best, and hope to see you later in 2008. Reg

Friday, 25 January 2008 – From Dan Taylor: Verulam

Gooday Reg, If Pat Kennedy's research on your birthplace was of no interest to your family it certainly was to myself as I too was delivered at that warehouse. It was always a mystery as to why my mother went there as she was then a resident of Walworth — well now I know and suppose as it was around Christmas time there was probably no room at the 'In'!¹ Reckon we missed out on being Lambeth Lads but still it could have been worse — fancy being born at New Cross and turning into a Millwall lout.

Do I recollect 'h.m.' having a stationery office on the south western side of Waterloo Station? A perusal of your site seems to infer that you are located around Norwich which causes me to recollect my pleasurable trips to Carrow Road decades ago as a visiting hooligan from "The Valley". Doubt if I'll get up to your end of the globe again so you had better get Pat another pint from me — do you take PayPal? Youse all seem to be enjoying yourselves and your retirement so carry on and keep up your good work.

Many thanks for the info — my best regards to you all for a healthy and contented 2008.

Up the Republic Team, Dan Taylor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woolloomooloo,_New_South_Wales
 
PS Maybe we should create a Wiki entry for the 'Diocesan House Maternity Hospital' so as Michael Morpurgo and the other one thousand nine hundred and ninety seven notable persons might also benefit from Pat’s sterling endeavour! An addition to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Albans might suffice?

PPS Perhaps you can print and frame this picture in lieu of a blue plaque! I think I'll hang mine in the gallery on my outhouse walls.

[1] The General Lying-In Hospital, York Rd, Waterloo, LAMBETH, SE1.

Hello Dan, Well I'm damned! It never fails to amaze me that wonderful surprises such as yours float through the (considerable) ether and find their way to the back streets of Norwich. Here I sit, at home on an unseasonably mild but dull January day at 1710 hours on a Friday afternoon, about to get ready for an evening of haggis and all that goes with Burns night, and there you are reminding me of 22 March 1946 — a far less seasonable day, especially for my mother who had been taxied over cobblestones from Tooting to what was, to her, the depths of the countryside.
 
A near-miss Walworth man is it? I was there a couple of weeks ago, for a night in the Union Jack Club at Waterloo and a walk round the pubs, many of which have been somewhat gentrified to keep up with the staggering prices for what were once basic houses. And you are right — HMSO Cornwall House, where I started in 1963, was next door to the laying-in hospital. Opposite the Reveille offices. All now gone, of course. By the way, one of my friends is an ageing Millwall Lout and will be delighted to have a reference from Woolloomooloo. Like you, I am unlikely to get down your way, but another friend is an occasional visitor to Sydney. I'll suggest that he picks a random pub in King's Cross and asks 'Has Dan Taylor been in yet?' You never know.
 
Carrow Road is still the Canaries' cage and they are keeping their head above relegation from the Championship. The news service has just reported that Charlton has completed the signing of Andy Gray. No more worries, then.
 
Many thanks for the plaque. That'll impress the children and grandchildren. I have copied to Pat to consider, as the man on the ground, your suggestions re Wikepedia. You, me and Michael Morpurgo. How could they refuse?
 
This may be the start of something big . . . we will certainly make a mention on HMSOldies to encourage others. If we turn ourselves into a religion or charity there could be tax advantages . . .  mustn't get carried away. Rabbie Burns is calling.
 
All the best to you for 2008 and many thanks for cheering me up on an otherwise uninspiring January day. Reg

Sunday, 20 January 2008 – From Barry Palmer

Hey there Reg, just been catching up on all the news from over 'ome, sorry I missed the get-together but due to unforeseen circumstances I still work for a living three days a week but from September to December I have to go back to full time and with Xmas preparations (our turn for the family last year) failed to keep up-to-date with HMSOldies. I read the article on the print museum opened by Jarrolds. Having worked in Norwich (Page Bros. on the Ring Road) for a couple of years and working with men whose one ambition was to get a job at Jarrolds this rang a few bells. I had a museum of my own for a few years having started my own company in Canada and my equipment consisted of a vertical Miehle letterpress, a Multilith offset press, a flat hand operated cutter and a small power cutter along with sundry photo equipment, an AB Dick folder that almost took off my thumb and all, apart from the Miehle, was stored in my basement. My first typesetting machine was a P/C 386 with a (then) massive 40K hard drive. Now I am back to three days a week so I am catching up with everything. Hope all had a good Xmas a very happy New Year. Barry

Hello Barry, Good to hear from a working man, and thanks for your kind wishes from Canada. As you probably know, Page Brothers is still going in Mile Cross, and currently employs around 150 people. Good to know that some established firms are still going . . . there are fewer every week. Any pictures of your 'museum pieces' would, I am sure, be of interest to readers. Reg

Monday, 14 January 2008 – From Ron Sims: Candos Bowl

Dear Reg, Thanks for your recent message addressed to Roy concerning the former HMSO Horticultural Society. I well remember around about 1971 gaining two first and two highly commended awards — one hand-drawn by Graphic Design — for my cactus entries. The relevant documents are still around here somewhere. I would add that any comments concerning myself, be they complimentary or otherwise, made at the present time would certainly go towards boosting a somewhat flagging spirit! Kindest regards to all.
Yours ever, Ron

Hello Ron, Good to hear from you. I wouldn't dare to say anything uncomplimentary, even if I could think of something. Keep at it! We will add to HMSOldies. You might get a fan letter from George Rokhar . . .). All the best to Iris, and Hilary when you see her. Reg


HMSO Historic Horticultural Honour Hunts Home

I have in front of me The Candos Challenge Bowl.  Impressed? I thought so. Not often a prestigious award appears in this house. Awarded for the highest yearly aggregate of points by HMSO Horticultural Society.  And me with fingers more tobacco-stained than green.

So how did I come to have this impressive item? Well, when HMSO was disbanded, all the cups and mementoes in the Trophy Cabinet at St Crispins were offered to good homes for the price of a donation to charity. That shrewd operator Roy Plackett was on the hunt for a suitable trophy for the Annual Vegetable Contest organised by his Hethersett-based coterie, and this was the very item. It passed through the muddied hands of those producing the longest leek, most curvaceous carrot, magnificent melon and belly-bursting bean for many years, and is now on the market again. Roy is offering the bowl, entirely free of charge  (‘Plackett’ and ‘free’ are almost never seen in the same sentence) to any ex-HMSO person who cares to apply to HMSOldies. If there needs to be a play-off, the judge’s decision will be final. We are not a political party, so no bribes are sought, and no honours will be bestowed.

A picture of the Candos Rose Bowl appeared on the front cover of the October 1971 SO Review, when it was presented to WAL ‘Bill’ Norton, then of Computer Services Division, by CW Blundell. Bill also received the Royal Horticultural Society Bronze Medal for the best exhibit, a dish of five Majestic potatoes (which were quickly snaffled up by the Canteen Manager, but that’s another story). George Hillier accepted the Golding Shield on behalf of Printing and Binding Division, which again achieved the highest average number of points. You can tell who used to get home early enough to tend their gardens in the 1970s. Keith Evans from P&B won the RHS Bronze Medal for the best flower exhibit with a specimen bloom of the rose ‘Super Star.’ Ian Imrie, also of P&B, received the Norfolk and Suffolk Dahlia Society’s Certificate of Merit for three blooms of the semi-cactus dahlia ‘Othello.’

A special certificate of merit was presented to Ron Sims who staged a display exhibit of cacti not included in the schedule (not like Ron to get round the rules). As the SO Review article said, ‘the exhibit, which attracted a great deal of attention, included two trays of seedling cacti and must have encouraged many of the office window sill gardeners to try something more adventurous than the ubiquitous Busy Lizzy.’

Ernie Beckett was the Show Secretary. Judges were Mr Rivett, Head Gardener of St Andrew’s Hospital and  Miss Whitmore, Senior Home Service Advisor of the Eastern Gas Board. Mrs Banyard of the Norfolk and Norwich Wine Circle judged the Wine Entries. There was a long queue of people willing to take her place should she have found it all too much for her. Other pictures in the SO Review depicted Clarice Hays and Margaret Burgess viewing the exhibits.

The Candos Bowl is engraved with the name G. Stewart, 1963- presumably George Stewart, of P&B. Around the base are shields depicting RE Hill 1958; AL Fitzgibbon 1959, 1960, 1961; R Hendrick 1962; G Stewart 1963; AL Fitzgibbon 1964, 1965, 1966; WAL Norton 1971; KW Evans 1972, 1973; Mrs M Robinson 1974; Mrs M Colbourn 1975; Mrs G Dole 1976; GW Went 1977; PW Blyth 1978; Mrs G Dole 1979; GW Went 1980; PW Blyth 1980, 1981, 1982; KW Evans 1983; G.Went 1986; Mrs Mary Robinson 1987; Ken Kemp 1988,1989; Miss C Pullen 1990; N Brooks 1991,1992; A Spooner 1993.

So who wants this valuable trophy before I use it as a receptacle for my pipes and tobacco?

Thursday, 10 January 2008 – From Bob Barnard

Dear Reg, I think you are aware that I regularly see George Furn as he is a member of my Bridge Club. He mentioned to me that he had received an annual letter from Barbara Weaver. I remember her as a rather formidable lady who was E2 in the old days, the HEO in charge of the Section producing Wages, Salaries and Superannuation. George said she was also one of his staff inspectors but I don't remember that. Anyway she seem to be well living in Exmouth.

She writes 'old age has caught up with me . . . two years ago I was in my 60s but now I am definitely 85!' and then adds 'but 35 years retired' I don't quite follow the arithmetic. Either she retired aged 50 or she is 95. Perhaps your staff list can throw some light on this? She adds: 'I do a few jobs for the church, quite a lot of embroidery and I'm a regular customer of the local charity shops for books.'

Annette Conn told Valerie that she heard from Bill Ford who is now 83 and living in Scotland. Because of his spinal problems he is not able to walk far and doesn't drive or fish now, but he does get in to Kelso and shops for himself. He sounded quite positive and asked to be remembered to anybody who knew him from HMSO.

I went to Bill Kingston's funeral on 9 January and I think that there were only three ex HMSO people there, George Furn, Don Ray (who is a regular worshipper at St Andrews Eaton) and me. Bill would have been 83 in March. Bob

Hello Bob, Many thanks for the update. I know from several conversations that these personal recollections, and photos, are the items most enjoyed by HMSOldies. I, too, remember Miss Weaver as described. The 1952 Establishment List shows 'Barbara Mary Weaver' as EO in RB2, promoted from CO in 1948 (having joined HMSO in 1939 at the age of 17). That makes her 86 on 26 October 2008. Other names in the same list, by the way are Birch, Crisp, Lee, Roberts, Curtis, Ashford, Govett, Wild, Papworth, Johnson, Arkinstall, Doherty, May, Wright . . . why is it that my memory of them all is in black and white? In a few years time, it will be in sepia. All the best, Reg

Wednesday, 9 January 2008 - David Beckham has a Famous Grandfather

You may recall that back in September last year we included a piece regarding David Beckham’s grandfather Joe West, believed to be at one time SOGAT Imperial Father of the Chapel at Cornwall House. A Sports Reporter from the Daily Telegraph  said today that 'David Beckham was honoured by the Footballer Writers Association at a dinner at Lancaster Gate on Sunday 6 January and dedicated the award to his grandfather, who worked in the Print trade . . . ' So Joe West is still with us.

Wednesday, 9 January 2008  - From Ken Megson

Dear Reg, Yesterday, I enjoyed lunch with B. Lambirth, which he didn't pay for! An ex-colleague (Ray Cooke) who now lives in America, has asked  me if I know of the whereabouts of Bill Yendall. I seem to recognise the name, but cannot recall having met Bill. Brian could not help but said he knew a man who has all the contacts and he kindly gave me your email. I hope you will not mind this intrusion, but be fair, you're not likely to hear from the dead every day are you? All the best for 2008. Best regards, Ken Megson.

Hello Ken, It was with some considerable relief that I received your message. All I can say is that I blame Brian Lambirth (not for the first time) and, in true character, he seems to have got out of paying the bill for what I am sure he will say was a 'misunderstanding' regarding your continued existence! All I can say is that those people that I asked, discreetly, whether they too had heard the sad news were very sorry to hear of the possibility. They will be very pleased to hear that 'rumours of your demise were entirely exaggerated . . . '

As regards Bill Yendall, we will see if any of our readers knows anything. Bill was born in 1934 and joined HMSO in 1965. He worked in P&B in 1968, and quite possibly retired, at 60, in 1994.

Thank you for your good wishes for 2008, which are heartily reciprocated. Reg

Monday, 7 January 2008 - SO Reviews

Hi Reg, While clearing out the loft we found 22 old SO Reviews, the earliest being January 1967, the latest is Spring 1981 and has photos of the Picket Lines outside Sovereign House and Gildengate House. Other items of interest are adverts for Gamages Store, several articles about Norwich and dispersal, and various retirements — Digger Dungate, Vi Wilson, Len Day, Harold South, Sir Percy Faulkner etc . . . Does anyone want them, otherwise they will go in the recycling bin.
Regards Maureen & Bill Wickham
 
Thanks for the offer, Maureen and Bill. I have copies from the dates you mention on my groaning shelves (as my groaning wife will testify) but it may be that other readers are interested. Anyone wishing to take advantage of this generous offer should contact the Editor who will pass on details.

7 January 2008 – One Light from Colibri

Dear Reg, I hope you and your family are well, and a happy New Year to you all. I exchange Christmas cards with a number of old HMSO colleagues and sadly I got one from Grace Gair informing me that her husband Ron had died in November. I expect you will remember that Grace was Superintendent of Typists at Cornwall House at one time before she retired, and Ron was my boss for a couple of years as manager of Macaulay Press. Macaulay Press being named after dear old George Macaulay of course. A real gentlemen and respected by us all. Before he helped to set up Macaulay Press Ron was the Works Manager of the Foreign Office Press, and was highly thought of at the Foreign Office. Indeed I think from memory that he was awarded the MBE for his services.

I spent a couple of happy years working at Macaulay as Ron's Deputy Works Manager, and he was a real pleasure to work with. We were handling work up to Secret, and Ron and I did a couple of Budgets together. This was one of the Press's most interesting jobs, and we were informed that the Controller listed this as 'HMSO's most important job of the year'. At the time Nigel Lawson was Chancellor — a real gentlemen to work for. Ron must have been Manager at the FOP for a number of years, and in all his time in charge there was never a leak on the budget, and it was always delivered on time.

Haven't things changed a lot since then? Over the 11 years since I retired from HMSO I have been working as a part time print rep for Colibri Press, like yourself when you worked for Bob Rice at Formara. I originally started out working 3 days a week, then cut down to 2, and for the last year I have worked one day only. At Christmas I finally retired. My customer base went down slowly, so I called it a day. You did suggest to me when you packed up that I could take over your accounts. I tried but your customers refused to deal with me, saying that I couldn't drink a pint fast enough for them, and that I wanted payment for the work produced for them. Sadly I had to concede defeat. Seriously though for a minute, I really did enjoy my time at Colibri Press. It was a real pleasure working for them. It is incredible to think that at one time they were HMSO's largest printing contractor, producing over £5m worth of work a year. They really were the good old days

I wonder if HMSO was still around now what it would be like. So many of our old contractors have gone out of business, many of them going bust in very difficult times for printing companies. It would appear that the facilities management companies are taking over the industry. They don't require any printing equipment, and are even taking over the printing for some of the government departments. One being DEFRA, with DFES and DTI also considering it. What a sorry state of affairs for the printing industry.

Anyway it isn't our problem now that we have both retired. But if you hear of a part time rep wanted for 1 day a week, offering £20,000 plus a good expense account and all the usual perks, I could be tempted to come out of retirement perhaps!!

Please give my best wishes to all ex colleagues for 2008.

Regards, John Barker

Thanks John — good to catch up with you. I seem to remember first meeting you when you worked in Tech with another Gentleman Printer, Arthur Barham. Happy days, as you say. I will see what I can do to secure you that one-day-a-week job, but I think you are underselling yourself at £20,000 p.a. That's only £400 per working day: less than a fifth than the income of the average Consultant to Government departments 'advising' them on print . . . All the best. Reg.

Good News

Reading the newspapers after Christmas is never a good idea. Death, destruction, misery and the Spice Girls reunion, and how many old films you didn’t enjoy the first time can they find for the 183 television channels most of us would willingly swap for the old BBC1 and BBC2, let alone the Home Service.

But some things cheer one up. Ruth Vivian, for instance, seen on a cold 2 January in St Giles, Norwich. She is feeling better at the moment, following illness, and sends her regards to all who know her. We have also heard from Margaret Crawley, Rosemary Lynch, Vi Wilson, John Flynn, Pat Adams, Clover Moore, Ron Sims, Mary Robinson, Barry Palmer, Ian Smith, Jim McCallum, Marian Fox, Gordon Robbie, John Eveson, Phil Leach, Tony Durier . . .

On the streets of Norwich over the past couple of weeks we have also spotted Bill Burberry, Jim McGregor, Steve Ward, Phil Brooks, Danny Greenwood, Olive Monton, Larry Lewendon, Alison Womack, Jim Wretham, Alan Cole, Gerry Aldus, Doug Chinnery, Michael Salt, Rod Durkin, John Betts, Pat Walsh, Gary Turner, Bernard O’Brien, Keith Staff, Alison Upton, Paul Barnard, Bill and Liz Houldsworth, John and Anne Eason, Dave Martin, Roger Nash, Ian McCall, Terry, Elizabeth, Ciaran, Donna and Adrian McCrum, Chris Penn, Brian Ekers, KJ Coleman, Roy Plackett, David Berwick, Isobel Williamson, Len Ellis, Don Warman, Robin Kelly, Dee Smallridge, Steve Johnson, Peter Macdonald, Nodge Carnegie, Peter Staples, Sue Whitaker, Mike Mahoney, Steve Shingles, Ken Rhodes, Marius Dunn, Jo Williams, David Howes. Where were they all going? Perhaps there was a Quality Council meeting somewhere. We expect HMSOldies contributions from all of them, and from all of you who managed to avoid recognition.

A Happy New Year to you and yours from all at HMSOldies.

 * * * * *

WG Kingston 1925-2007

Don Ray has passed on the sad news that Bill died on 31 December 2007. ‘He had been ailing for some time, but it was still unexpected and he was at the Christmas midnight service at St Andrew’s, Eaton.’ The funeral will be at St Andrews Church, Eaton, Norwich at 12-15 on Wednesday 9 January 2008. It is to be followed by a private cremation (family only).

Bill joined HMSO in September 1947, and was promoted to EO in Publications in 1950. He moved to Norwich with HMSO and worked in CCB, transferring to CCTA. He once made the Eastern Evening News  when the engine of a lorry travelling on the flyover suddenly exploded, shooting bolts and shrapnel through his window and missing him by a whisker. His gentle sense of humour will be well remembered by his old colleagues.

23 December 2007 – Shame on you

Reg, I logged on to HMSOldies on 23 December and found a tagline of Haliaeetus leucocephalus.  As a Dr of Zoology from 2002 I must protest! Whilst a zoology degree has helped me classify the various apes I worked with in Supply Division, I must point out that Haliaeetus leucocephalus  is in fact the Bald Eagle, an AMERICAN species, not at all suited to the proud BRITISH heritage of HMSO. If you want to use a British eagle then use Aquila chrysaetos,  the Golden Eagle, or Haliaeetus albicilla,  the White Tailed Eagle. Both noble British species! Lets have none of these colonial eagles. (You know, I've had the degree five years and that's the most use I ever got from it.) Regards, Paul [Dr Paul Radbourne]

Hello Paul, Good to hear from you. We should know better than to attempt erudition, and stick to the old belief that erudite is a sort of glue. On the other hand, it's good to be able to let you get some use out of your degree. Personally we were educated on the mean streets of Ashby de la Zouche, where men were men and aquila chrysaetos were nervous … Will do better next time. Reg

22 & 23 December 2007 – From Tony Durier

Dear Reg, I browsed the site for the first time the other day and took note of the article by Layne Patterson requesting any information on his grandfather Dennis Patterson.
 
I started work at Harrow Press in the main machine room (B Block) as a letterpress machine apprentice on 28 July 1958. In those days the Press was a hive of industry employing over 1000 people and I enjoyed my time there immensely. I recall there were a number of "Patterson's" employed at Harrow in various departments. Dennis Patterson was a quietly spoken man and a very skilled machine minder who in the late 50's and early 60's spent most of his time in 'B Block' on quad demy L&M Miehle perfector presses.
 
I have attached three photos of the 'B Block' machine room, the first shows a quad demy Miehle with Alan Hayes at the delivery end of the press, he left HMSO in the mid sixties, the person in the background in the white shirt is Clary Walker who I believe stayed at Harrow until it closed in 1981. The second picture shows one of a battery of five high speed quad crown Miehle presses known as the 'jets' that were installed in 1949. The third picture shows a quad demy L&M Miehle perfector press with stream feeder and extended pile delivery, Dennis would have worked on this particular press on many occasions.
 
I spent several years in the Security Department machine room during the sixties on the quad royal Two Colour Miehle press. During this period Dennis was transfered to the Security Department and was 'first minder' on the 'New Timpson' high value postal order rotary press. This was an offset letterpress machine with Witton-James automatic reel change, it was also equiped with CMC7 magnetic numbering units. The press was state of the art and ahead of its time not having the benefit of computerised control at that period in time and consequently was beset with many teething problems. The 'second minder' on this press was Trevor Hill who left HMSO for a career in the manufacture or repair of brass musical instruments I believe. Many ex St Crispins Print staff will remember Trevor as he returned to HMSO and worked as a messenger in the 80's and 90's.
 
Kind regards, Tony Durier.
 
Dear Tony, What an excellent message! I shall copy it to Layne straight away. I am sure that many other ex-Harrow people will have their memories suitably jogged. Meanwhile I am scratching my head trying to remember Trevor Hill, as I knew most of the Messengers in Norwich. Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year. I am sure that your note will make Layne's day. Reg

Dear Reg, Thank you for your message, Trevor Hill worked with Dawn Bunting (who I see from time to time) based in the south wing of St Crispins, I can't remember if it was the third or fourth floor. You might like to publish a note that Vi Goodwin passed away on 15 November 2007 at the age of 93. She was a machine assistant at Harrow Press in the Security Dept. I first met her in 1959 and she remained a lifelong friend, I was very fond of her and she would be known to many ex Harrow staff. Have a happy Christmas and New Year. Tony.
  
Dear Tony, Thank you for the reminder re Trevor Hill. Of course: in the Print area. Sad to hear about Vi Goodwin. Looking forward to your further items — and all the best for Christmas and 2008. Reg

Ron Gair 1930-2007

On 22 December 2007 we received the sad news from Dave Forbes that Ron Gair had died, as a result of complications following a successful operation. Ron spent most of his time in HMSO Printing Works Management. He had retired with wife Grace to Edenbridge, Kent.

Ron Bent

Dave Forbes has passed on the good news that he has been invited to Ron’s 80th birthday party in January 2008. Watch out for global warming over Lymington when he lights the candles.

19 December 2007 - A Sizes: Derek Reeves remembers

Thank you for the HMSOldies and your work in maintaining it. I have followed the discussion on the introduction of the A sizes, and Hansard and its original size, and if my memory over the years has served me well, I might be able to help add to the discussion.

I had the good fortune back in 1957 to sit the HMSO industrial entrance exam, and then be offered a job with HMSO at Drury Lane. Along with a previous correspondent to HMSOldies Rod Janes, and others who had been successful, we had to report to Mr C Walker’s office (Works Manager) at 8 o’clock on Monday 12/08/57. Rod had been offered the job I would have liked as apprentice engineer, and I was to be an apprentice warehouseman, where I then went on to complete 40 plus enjoyable years on the shop floor in many London Presses, finishing up with the TSO at Mandela Way via SSPP.

As mine was only a five-year apprenticeship I did my first three months in the Overseers’ Office (Mr Thomas & Mr Swaffield). When I was sixteen my first job on the shop floor was counting and bundling the folded sections (32pp) of the Lords Weekly. These were then sent to Harrow Press on a Friday morning for binding. The sections were folded on Camco SC2 book folders and the sizes of the flat sheets were 26½ by 40inches I later learned that it was known as Large Double Royal but more commonly as 81-47, the then HMSO paper code, also printed on this size or a division of it, were Standing Committees, plus the Houses of Lords and Commons Volumes, although the House of Commons daily and weekly were printed on the Timpson rotary presses, the Volumes were edited and printed on flat sheets, folded, gathered and sent out to a binder for case binding.

Most other Parliamentary Reports, SI’s, Bills plus White and Green papers were printed on Double Royal 25 by 40inches or divisions of the size, or better known as 81-57. HMSO Works paper code. Bills were printed on azure coloured paper. The trimmed octavo size of the debates was 6.3/8 by 9.3/4inches and the Reports etc was 6 by 9.5/8 inches. The reason, I was told at the time, for the slightly larger size for Debates and Standing Committees was that they were printed as two columns to a page; the size was to allow for the gutter down the centre of the page.
 
A Sizes:  I started at the London School of Printing (Stamford Street) in 1958 where my old School books show that in the first year everything I was taught was in relationship to Imperial sizes and their divisions, on starting the new term in 1959 it was all change and was now about the new A sizes and the golden square and its relevance to the length and breadth of the sheets, this would confirm an earlier correspondents view that A sizes were first starting to be introduced. I hope this has been of use, and until A sizes came in most Parliamentary jobs had their own individual sizes.

I wish everybody a Happy Christmas and New Year. Derek Reeves

Hello Derek, Very good to hear from you. Letters like yours immediately take me back a few decades. I joined HMSO Cornwall House in 1963. In the mid 1970s I had a job, with Den Moss of Establishments, which resulted in the computerisation of Industrial Payroll. Dave Forbes, Eric Hendry, Andy Fisher and Cyril Pendergast were the people I dealt with at SSPP — with Sonny (can't remember his name) the ever-cheerful EO in the pay section. And was it Mrs Van Cuylenburg?. Anyway, I digress (as usual). Thank you for your good wishes, and on behalf of HMSOldies, a Merry Christmas and Happy 2008 to you. Reg

19 December 2007 – Would You Buy A Used Car From This Printer?
 
Brian Lambirth 'deals' with Ken Megson

In the early 1980’s I was working in the evenings as a part-time mechanic for a chap who knew the Fleet Sales manager at Kennings. This chap called in one evening and said that he received about 40 minivans. The following morning Ken Megson said to me he was thinking of buying a minivan! Of course I knew of just the place and during the lunch hour Ken bought one of the vans for which sale I later got a commission! Ken who was a keen horse rider adapted the van to sleep in and drove it to Horse and Eventing Trials all over the country.

In 1989 he came in one morning and told me he was going to sell the van “at the Auction”. I told him he wouldn’t get much money for it there but I would buy it sight unseen for £100. He must have thought that if it is worth £100 to Lambirth it must be worth more. The following morning I bought it for £250. I gave it to my daughter, Sarah, who took it to University in Edinburgh, then on to Strathclyde and finally Elgin near Lossiemouth in Scotland. She put over 50,000 miles on the clock.

Ken would often ask how the van was going and it was the link between us. On 3rd May 1996 Barbara used our Airmiles for a free one-way flight to Aberdeen and having bought Sarah a new car brought the van back to Norfolk. The van is still in daily use and has covered over a 140,00 miles. So this is my connection with Ken Megson.

Hello Brian, Excellent news on all fronts. Please pass on my best wishes to the assembled company at your forthcoming lunch — which of course you will pay for out of the interest on the commission you earned on the van . . . All the best, Reg

Second Tuesday in December Society-2007

It was a cold bright day in December and Borough Church Clock was striking thirteen. Well, it was around one o’clock when most people arrived at The Ship.  Congratulations to the bar staff, by the way, who seemed even more excited by the arrival of men in suits and ladies in Prada than the huge dog that took an unnatural affinity to Bob Rice’s left leg. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

The names that follow are in order of memory, and the ‘designations’ are those by which I remember them most clearly. That is not to say that they did not progress in the worlds of Public Service and Commerce to much greater depths — sorry, heights — but I’m the one writing this and we thrive on vitriolic emails.

We had apologies for absence from Les Crawford, Ron George and Brian Puplett, the only members of OMTS Management for whom we have addresses. Bryan Allman (Canon) was in Northampton; Denis Moloney (ADS6 and Neopost) in the West Indies. So was Peter Empleton (DES). Something about a canoe . . . ; George James (IR), Mike Betts (S13), Mike Burroughs (Marketing), Alan Cole (Golden Star), Peter Macdonald (cigarette shop), Terry McCrum (Belfast) were all in Norwich. Peter Colman and Gill (DTI), Walter Wood (Olivetti), Les Birch (Director Bristol) and Bernard Johnson (Itek) were all miles away. Allan Quinnell (AM) was possibly still flogging collators in Essex. No word from Jan Hewitt (Canon), Messrs Notman-Watt and Wilson (double-barrelled and single-barrelled Canons respectively). RG ‘Basil’ Radford (CRS2), Ron Carman and John Gilbey (MOD) did not make it, and neither did John Barker (PP London, now with Colibri because he wanted a lighter job), Tony Gummett (DDS3) or Fred Kennedy (DHSS).

So who was there? First to arrive was the ever-keen Pat Kennedy (TUSGS), who immediately worried the bar staff as he ordered a soft drink. To their relief, John Eason (EAC) remedied this. Anne Eason (S4D) joined us later. Then Mike Holmes (DTI), Rod Durkin (ADS1), Sue Whitaker (ADS2), Reg Walker (ITW1c), Arthur Brunwin (DDITW) all the way from Portsmouth, Bob Nuttall (Addressograph-Multigraph) all the way from Notty Ash. Alan Clift-Jones, Michael Pierce-Jones, Don Bankier and Ray Smith (MOD). Roger Pudner (Jethro does a good impersonation of him), Dave Stoten, then later Ron Martin and Geoff Gadd with their wives, representing Land Registry When It Was Fun. Eddie ‘Hans Haas’ Jukes and John Strand (PSA), Dave de Bruin (F&CO), Mike Rust (Dixon and Roe), The Ekers Trio (only one was Director of Print Procurement) and friend Mick; Bob Rice (3M/Formara/The Rotunda) and John Magowan (IBM). Nobody from Rank Xerox. Still counting the meter-click?

There were photos. And I had to leave early to meet a bloke from Balham. The Evening Standard  I bought on the way back to Norwich carried a story of a drunk staggering out of a London pub and biting the ear of a homeless man. Surely none of the above? The usual five pounds for information.

10 December 2007 – Norfolk Youth Music Trust

Ivor Hosgood, the Chairman/Secretary of the trust, has written to invite music lovers to attend the 70th birthday celebrations of his fellow trustee, Miss Margaret Norden, in the United Reform Church, Princes Street, Norwich on Sunday 6 January at 2.30 pm. There is a varied programme of song and piano, and tickets are obtainable at £6 (£3 under 18s), and include a glass of wine and birthday cake!

Contact Ivor on: info@norfolk-youth-music-trust.org.uk or
www.norfolk-youth-music-trust.org.uk

Edna Syder 1913-2007
 
Madeleine Daynes has sent us the following appreciation of her mother, who sadly died in December 2007.

'Mum joined HMSO in 1970 and worked behind the bar in the Sovereign Club for about 15 years, which she very much enjoyed and I am sure quite a few people will remember her. In 2000 she had a massive heart attack which she survived and continued to enjoy life by going to The Salvation Army Club two days a week and visiting her other daughter in Bath at least 3 times a year, and of course was visited several times a week by myself and brother here in Norwich. Over the past two months she got bursitis in her elbow and had an operation on it which led to her getting MRSA. She got over that but had two more visits to hospital with breathing problems and on the last occasion got pneumonia. She died peacefully at the ripe old age of 94 and will be sadly missed.'

Hello Madeleine, Very sorry to hear about your mother. She lasted a year longer than my father — they made them tough in those days. Am I right in remembering her serving in a pub (The White Horse?) in Silver Road at one stage? I certainly remember her in the Sovereign Club, as will many others. Best wishes, Reg

8 December 2007 – Bill Barker Trophy

Bill Barker joined HMSO as a Printing Officer in 1963, moving to Norwich with CEPA in 1967. His untimely death, in his early fifties, was a shock to his many friends in HMSO and on the golf courses of Norfolk.

Bill was one of the organisers of the annual Christmas Social, held mainly for printers, initially at The King's Head,  Thorpe and latterly at the Civil Service Club in Eaton. Guests were encouraged to dress in costume according to an annual theme, and following Bill's death a Print Contractor produced an appropriate trophy in Bill's honour, to be presented to the winner. Five such winners are named from 1979 onwards: TV characters — M Beresford; Tramps — G Perryman; Fairy Tales — G Perryman and J Rollason; Western Movies — P Bradbury; and finally Song Titles — P Cornelius.

We have two photos (see Picture Gallery ) showing the well-constructed trophy in its full glory, and the last winner — Paul Cornelius — presenting it anew to Peter Bradbury, Head of Golf and Dogwalker Extraordinary to the Friday Club (prop. RF Plackett) in December 2007.

6 December 2007 - Sid Brooks and Bob Barnard Remember

Bob recently met Sid and other friends in London, and Sid passed over some photos (see Picture Gallery )  from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Some of these are of staff in ‘The Survey Unit’ — a name which might mean little to relative newcomers to HMSO. In fact, so little seems to have appeared in print (SO Review  etc) at the time that one might be excused from thinking that it was some sort of Spooks operation.

The Official History sheds some light on the Project concerned, as follows:

‘Dispersal to Norwich held up progress in plans for further computerization, which had begun in 1958 with the installation in Atlantic House of one of the first computers in Government to undertake administrative functions. The remainder of the information needed by management was mainly provided by roomfuls of punched-card machines. As a result of a Treasury Organisation and Methods report, a team was set up within HMSO in 1963 to look at the possible computerization of these mechanical processes, and it was the implementation of their final report, published in 1965, which was delayed by the move to Norwich.’ Kay Griffiths was in one of the four teams set up within HMSO to consider computerisation lead by Peter Jefford. Her remit was Works and Payroll, and the project lasted from 1963-1968.

The SO Review  dated 1958 had carried a cover picture of ‘The magnetic storage drum of the Hec General-Purpose Electronic Computer Type 1201 manufactured by the British Tabulating Machine Company Limited’ along with an article on the installation of the Stationery Office Programmed Hollerith Integrated Equipment (SOPHIE).

The photographs will bring back some memories. The HMSO 1952 Staff List shows PRC Shannon, then CO in Pubns, date of entry 28/8/1950. John Nash is still in the Isle of Wight (I see his son Philip, who works in BT Norwich, occasionally). Bill Greenaway was obviously in 'Our Man In Havana' mode and left HMSO to work for ODA in Fiji, before returning to HMSO (IP) and thence to ACAS. HMSOldies contained an obit for Ron Smyth, who had moved to CCTA, some time ago. I went to Brian Lee's stag night at The Rose,  St Augustines, around 1970 I think. Les Birch has also been trying to trace Eric, and has had no response from his last known address. Paul Smith left HMSO to work with Gillette, and was living next door to John Cavell (ex Inland Revenue) in Kent, I seem to recall. I caught a glimpse of John Rowe in Norwich a year or so ago but did not get to speak to him. Arthur Brunwin is living in Portsmouth and still attends as many cricket matches as he can.

Any updates will, as ever, be very welcome.

6 December 2007 - Haliaeetus Leucocephalus

It was a dark and stormy night when my Nellie went away. The dogs don't bark and the hens won't lay. Anyone got a copy of Barnacle Bill the Sailor featuring that wonderful Beiderbecke solo? The dozen who attended The Eagle on 5 December 2007 couldn't help, but a very sociable albeit exclusive evening, held at the request of those still employed and unable to make lunchtimes. And one such worker actually turned up — first to arrive and last to leave. Good old Jitu. Peter Mac thought it worth a taxi back to Cromer, such is our popularity. Or that of the Scotch. Speaking of which, GG Robbie sent apologies due to temporary incapacity. Also apologies from Alan Pawsey, Jean Storey, Mary Robinson (she found the trip from Sydney a little complicated), Pat Tate, Ernie Downs, Rod Durkin, Sue Whitaker, and Judy Tassell (she never gets ill — the germs wouldn't dare — and blamed John. I'm not convinced: I think he has evening work as a Harry Redknapp decoy.).

4 December 2007 - Singalongaprinter

In December 1974 a group of HMSO printers, and a few others, met in a Norwich pub for a sociable evening, when all of a sudden a burst of uncontrollable singing broke out.

The tradition has been maintained, with only a couple of fallow years, and is it a coincidence that some of the pubs (Cherry Tree, White Lion)  have closed and others (Hog in Armour)  employed Bouncers? The landlord of The Fat Cat  is made of stronger stuff, and in December 2007 allowed — albeit confined to a soundproofed back room — a sociable evening to be enjoyed by, in no particular order (and they were in no particular order) Messrs Marchant, Bradbury, Nash R, Staples, Smith R, Lambirth, Hughes CH, Jones GTR, Plackett, Ekers, James G, Lucioli . . . and Durkin, Walker, Herbert and Ted as token non-technicals.

The kitty was well fed and the company well watered. The rest is under D-notice.

4 December 2007 - Bob and Valerie Barnard Make Contact

Bob and Valerie had lunch with Sid Brooks and his wife, and Kay Griffiths and her husband David recently. Also in the party was Sue Phillips (nee Hazell) who was a direct entrant EO in 1955 and was in Works Division, C Floor Atlantic House where she shared a room with Alex Smith (TO) and Derek Wintle (PO). Kay is fine now after heart surgery earlier in 2006. Sid is 85 and off to Germany for a holiday — still very active despite contracting Parkinson’s disease.

3 December 2007 - Christmas Cheer

Hi Reg, Haven't been in touch for some time, but I thought it might be appropriate at this time of year to say hello again. The Last Supper is still going — I nearly said strong — but that would be a misnomer at our ages. Ben Pearson celebrated his 90th year quite recently and made one of his rare appearances at our lunch just to let us know that he was still alive. He only stayed long enough to have a half pint but when he left he laid a ten pound note on the table and said to have a drink on him. No sooner had he closed the door than the old boys all made a grab to snatch the said note. It made a rugby scrum at Murrayfield look like the corps de ballet of Swan Lake!

The other 'oldie' (Andy Baptie) got himself embroiled with the police recently. He was on his way to the local supermarket for a pint of milk (so he says) when he inadvertently clipped the kerb. Would you believe that someone reported him to the police (drunk driving?). The said police car followed him to his destination and asked him if he was a drinker. Andy (and I do not think he was lying) told them that he had a half pint of lager once a month with some old colleagues and that was his lot. The police patted him on the head and told him to pop off home and have his cup of Horlicks!

Apart from those two little inconsequential stories we are still meeting and getting visibly older by the month. We are always sorry to see the demise of some of our erstwhile colleagues — but then we cannot live forever. We look forward to your website and thank you for the work it must give you. To you and all your readers, we in Edinburgh wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Keep up the good work. Jim MacCallum

Hello Jim, Lovely! Thank you for your note, and your kind words. Very good to hear of the continued exploits of Our Friends in the North. There was recently a programme on television called 'Still Game' (yes, I know it was set in Glasgow) which always reminded me of certain Heroes of HMSO Scotland. I won't say who in case of malicious tartan emails. Please pass on regards to all who know us. We may well send an occasional representative up there to buy you all a drink one day. I have copied to a couple of candidates . . . Best wishes, Reg

Civil Service Pensioners’ Alliance

The following notice appeared in the CSPA Newsletter dated Winter 2007:

Group meetings are not very well attended but what is missing in quantity is made up by quality. Members at our September meeting really did participate in briefing our AGM delegate. The Group 2008 AGM will be held on Tuesday 19 February 2008 at Chantry Hall, Chantry Road, Norwich at 2.00 pm. We still need more members. Secretary: Don Johnson, contactable at donbar12@tiscali.co.uk

We have contacted Don and he would be delighted to see new members (and potential committee members) from the ranks of HMSOldies.

* * * * *

So where in Norwich is there a large room containing an Iron Hand Press, a Hand Guillotine, Wire Stitchers, Oxgall Renderers? Not the torture-chamber under City Hall where they take anyone found smoking within four walls, but a splendid museum dedicated to the Printer’s Art.

On 24 November 2007 I was invited by ‘The President, Peter Jarrold, and members . . . to the opening of the restored John Jarrold Printing Museum in their new premises adjacent to St. James Mill, Whitefriars, alongside the River Wensum.’

Around 100 people were there, including Lord Mayors past and present and a fair sprinkling of ex HMSO: John Rumball and Duncan McEwan from the organisation team, Dave and Ann Troop, Alex Smith, Robert Stutely, Alan McGilliewie, Fred Stubbs and John Saville.

Machinery includes Thompson, Peerless and Heidelburg Platens, Linotype 78 (serial number 19529, for Lino spotters), Ludlow Line Caster, Stanhope iron Hand Press (built 1825 and donated by CUP), Furnival Stop Cylinder, Hewitt Bookbinder, and the huge Ratcliff (1886) plus the very impressive Pen Ruling Machine made by Shaw in 1824 and donated by George Garnham, Bookbinders. And, oh yes, various Monotype Keyboards, away from which Alex Smith had to be gently led before he tried to re-set HMSOldies.

The Museum — well worth a visit — is open every Wednesday morning, 9-12. Have a look at  www.johnjarroldprintingmuseum.org.uk

29 November 2007 - From Pat Kennedy: A-sizes

Hi Reg. Please to accept George Billson's clarification that the old Hansard's were produced in demy quarto size. I did place a question mark against the size of Crown quarto in my earlier contribution, because I was not certain of the imperial sheet size used. Thank God for A-sizes! I do recall the opening of Hansard Press for producing the new A4 Hansard's and Print Procurement Division's efforts to find suitable work for the Press during the parliamentary recesses. Regards, Pat

29 November 2007 - From Pat Kennedy: A Sizes

Hello Reg, George Billson's memory serves him well (13 November 2007) when he recalls Hansard changing to A sizes in about 1979. I have searched through my garage archives and found a copy of the House of Lords Hansard, Vol. 415 No.1 dated Thursday 20 November 1980. I believe this was the first edition of Hansard to be printed in A4 size, twenty-one years since the A-size series were introduced into the UK. The last edition of the House of Commons Hansard to be printed in the old size 6.5" x 9.75" (Crown Quarto?) was Volume 996 No.22 dated Friday 19 December 1980. It reappeared in its new A4 format after the Christmas recess on Monday 12 January 1981. Regards, Pat Kennedy

Hello Pat, Thanks for your thoroughness. Good to see that there is such comprehensive knowledge about.

28 November 2007 - From George Billson: A Sizes

Reg, Following Pat's email, I think the old Hansard sizes were demy quarto but I could be mistaken. Crown was 15" x 20" and 'printing' demy was 17.5" x 22.5" so quarto must be a sub division (half each size less trimming). Also, the first A4 Commons Hansard was printed at the newly opened Hansard Press at the Elephant & Castle. The site of this is now a block of flats. Heck! this is memory lane with a vengeance. George

Thanks George. It's all getting nice and complicated. See you down Memory Alley (just off Memory Lane) one day soon. Reg

23 November 2007 - Pat Kennedy's note to SERIF re A Sizes

Hi Sarah, I promised to inform you when the Serif (Europe) Ltd article on A-sizes appeared on the HMSOldies website, that you recently gave me permission to reproduce therein. I am pleased to inform you that the article recently appeared on the website at www.hmsoldies.org.uk. I note that the article has already provoked some interest with a contribution from George Billson dated 13 November 2007.
 
In researching the date of implementation of A-sizes into the UK, I note that the website www.wikipedia.org gives an extensive (14-page) description of the history of A-sizes and states that the German standard DIN 476 was adopted by the UK in 1959. It also refers to the date of 1975 when the German standard was established as ISO 216.
 
The House of Commons and the House of Lords dragged their feet for many years before changing the size of Hansard to the 'new' A size (above ref: George Billson 13 November 2007 refers). I am currently searching my 'archives' where I hold copies of Hansard dated both before and after the change to A size — I hope to inform Reg Walker of the outcome of my search! Best wishes, Pat Kennedy

Thanks, Pat. As scrupulous as ever. Fancy a job in charge of HM Revenue and Customs? Reg

20 November 2007 – From Bob Barnard

Last week I learnt that Rose Neilson, Paddy Epstein’s wife, had died in September aged 93. Valerie and I saw her at the end of April when we called on her at her home at Crouch End in London. I’m afraid there was a marked change in her physically and especially mentally since I had last seen her about two years previously. She shared a house with her sister, Lil Bowen Powis, (Supplies and Pubns) who was having a difficult time looking after her in her final months.

I first met Rose when I joined HMSO in March 1951 and I was posted to D and D Division at Shepherdess Walk. She was a supervisor in charge of the Photographic Section producing Photostat prints and microfilming documents. During my last two years there I was in the Photo Office editing demands and I dealt a lot with Rose at that time. I enjoyed working with her. Then, when Shepherdess Walk closed following the move to Basildon, a London Unit was created at Cornwall House and Rose was put in charge of all the reprographic work undertaken there.

Rose must have been one of the last surviving supervisors from Shepherdess Walk days. (She joined HMSO in October 1930). The only other person who could out live her is Dorothy Swinson or possibly Teresa Cremmins. I can’t remember Rose retiring but if she retired when she was 60, she would have lived for 33 years on her pension. I believe she enjoyed her retirement until the illness and death of Paddy in February this year.

On 19 November Valerie and I attended Bill Nairn's funeral at Hethersett Church. He died on 3 November on the eve of his 85th birthday. I first encountered Bill when I was transferred to Supplies Division at Atlantic House in March 1957. He was one of four editors in S1A under Ernie Howe dealing with demands for stock items.

There were a few ex HMSO people at Bill’s funeral. They included Don Ray, Arnold McKenzie, (a former drinking friend of Bill and who is now living at Felixstowe), Harry Jackson (a colleague in Staff Inspection) and his wife Lucin (Supply) and Jill Ward (Pubns). Bill’s son Stuart, who worked for a short time in HMSO, and who later became a priest, gave the farewell address for his father.

I hope next time I can email some good news. Regards Bob Barnard

Hello Bob, Thank you for the news, albeit sad. I have a hazy memory of Rose in the London Unit (where my 1968 book shows her as Supervisor, with the Misses Thorp and Gilks as AS). I certainly remember Lil from Supplies — although 'Lil' does not seem enough for a lady whose full name was Lille Louvain Bowen-Powis. I had heard from Stuart Nairn about his father Bill, and we posted the notice on HMSOldies. Good to hear that Arnold is still around. I remember Bill in Staff Inspection with Harry, Alex Laing and Len Capper. John Eason tells me that Les Birch is due in Norwich, to see Harvey Wild. As you say, good news next please! All the best to you and to Valerie. Reg

15 November 2007 – From Michael Aidan (ne Craft)

My mate Del Styan just e-mailed me about your site, as I'm going to be in England (with a couple of visits to Norwich to watch my rubbish football team). I'd asked him if there were any old HMSO folks we might meet for a drink and that prompted his reference to your site.
 
I used the nice search engine and found a reference to me leaving Gee Street, and also a photo of my (all too briefly) fiancée, Gillian Bean. And more, and more; I only worked at HMSO for six years (started in Finance at Sovereign House, third floor, transferred to London (Gee Street, then Cornwall House)) but recognized so many names. Of them all, I only see Del and Judy Bucktrout (now Judy Block, but no longer married to John) when I visit, though I did get annual holiday cards from Rosemary Nelson-Ward (now Anatol) and, of course, Ernie.
 
I've lived in California (30 miles N.E. of San Francisco) for nearly 30 years, divorced with an adult son (he lives in Seattle, after graduating from University of Washington) and a dog. Have worked for a professional trade union for 17 years (after ten years with a school employees union) so my years with CPSA helped and spend way to much time coaching and teaching coaches football (or soccer, as they call it here) but it keeps me fit and adds income! As does my photography (well that, doesn't keep me fit, but a marathon in Anchorage sure did!).
 
I'll be in Norwich the evening of Dec 3 and all day Dec 4 (Plymouth home game), if anyone is interested in a beer or two! Probably The Rosary!
 
I was Michael Craft but now I'm Michael Aidan

http://aidanmphoto.imagekind.com
 
Very good to hear from you, Michael. I have passed on your note, separately, to some of your old contacts and hope they can make it to The Rosary. Reg.

14 November 2007 – From John Eveson: A paper sizes

Reg, We did much work on the change to A4 even to the extent of it going on the floor of the House. I remember accompanying Bill Sharp and sitting  in the Civil Servants pew in the Chamber when, crash bang wallop, the House agreed and there was no reference to us or the  need to supply the Minister with supporting data — it went through on the nod. I cannot recall the exact year but it must have been around the time George recalls.

The arguments against A4 did indeed include shelf sizes but also the eccentrics claimed the old Large Royal Octavo fitted their socks as a shinguard for cricket and claimed that A4 would not (unlike the old size) fit their suit pockets. With the latter we did a survey of suits in Atlantic House and found only one where the old size fitted and that was a Harrods suit belonging to — wait for it — Chris Read, the technologist on the project!

My involvement paid the mortgage from around 1975 to 1979. John

Hello John, Lovely stuff. Now you mention it, I remember the suit pocket aspect. The nearest I had to a Harrods suit was a bag big enough to fit one.

We are sad to record the following notice from the Deaths column of the Norwich Evening News dated 13 November 2007:

Britain, Kenneth Peter … at home, on 9 November 2007. Dearly loved husband of Sandra … A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at St. Faith’s Crematorium on Friday 23 November at 2.45 pm.

Ken joined HMSO Norwich in 1973 and spent most of his time in Supplies Division.

Hello Reg, My old memory may be playing me false again but it may be that 1979 was when Parliament accepted the A4 size for Hansard and its associated pu