Dear Reg, Congratulations to Jim Cairns on his production of what must be one of the best pieces we have seen on the site for a long time. I remember him joining the design team in Edinburgh ― they were all first class designers and the London boys I think felt that their noses were very much put out when Edinburgh consistently gained the highest awards for their work. They were of course all complete nutters ― I recall one occasion when they were designing a book for the Ancient Monuments people in Scotland, something about some dig in the Orkneys or Shetlands, I cannot recall which. I walked into the studio to find them all wearing Viking helmets, essential, they told me in all seriousness, for them to get into the right frame of mind to design the book appropriately. But it seemed to work. Best wishes, Les
Hello Les, Yes, an excellent piece as you say. I have alerted Alex Smith, who I am sure will be interested. Thank you for your additional reminiscence ― which tallies with my memories of the exuberant GD people I dealt with at Customer events in the early 1990s.
However we have managed to find a photo of them from 1980 in one of their more relaxed moments ― Jim Cairns on the right, Dot Adams in the middle with Ronnie Burnett on the left. All the best, Reg
16 May 2012 – HMSO Great War Roll of Honour: update
Following Stuart McLaren's earlier note (1 May), HMSOldies is in the process of re-positioning and enhancing the prominence of this important aspect of HMSO's past ― and we have been told that there are plans to place the Plaque on permanent public display near the main reception desk at the National Archives at Kew later in 2012.
Printers' Pie and Pyknyks — in Edinburgh
John Saville has alerted us to this excellent short film, produced by Jim Cairns
The film follows the progress of the well-known Edinburgh Printers, R&R Clark. Jim Cairns joined HMSO Edinburgh in 1974 as Technical Officer in Graphic Design. He subsequently left to set up a design consultancy in Glasgow. The film will be of interest both to printers and those interested in social history — specifically related to Edinburgh in the last century. And the background music is also particularly well-chosen.
14 May 2012 – David Berwick: 'The Divine Delinquent'
Hello Reg, You were on my list of good folk to contact when blow me, up pops a message from Nodge this morning saying that you were enquiring after info! I've no idea how you knew about it. I would of course be delighted if you could give my latest publishing venture a run in front of your readership. My first book took 25 years to produce. I'm getting the hang of it now — this one has whizzed into life in slightly less than 3! I am publishing this one myself — PP experience has been very handy indeed! Mature readers from the technical area may be interested to know that dear ol' Barnwell's of Aylsham are being trusted with getting paper between printing surfaces and in the right order — hopefully! They now have a very modern plant and produce some excellent work. I can't speak highly enough of them thus far down the track. Anyrate, if you could run the details from the attached documents I would be more than grateful. All the best, David.
Hello David, Good luck with your launch! All the best, Reg
9 May 2012 – Les Birch: A little more about Chadderton
Dear Reg, Good to see Jack Payne's note about Chadderton and particularly his mention of the bowling green ― it was of course a crown green, flat greens being reserved for effete southerners. In addition there was a 9-hole putting green adjacent to the main office block and 2 shale tennis courts (they would be called 'clay' now). Indoor sporting activities were covered by a full size snooker table and two table tennis tables. There was also I believe a dart board but in keeping with the class distinctions Jack makes much of this would be the province of the 'industrials', the 'clericals' being above this sort of sport.
It has struck me that apart from myself the only people still alive to remember those pre-war and early war years at Manchester are Jim Holden and Harvey Wild - the memories of both Tom Harris and Charlie Bradshaw being both a little fragile at present. So here are a few other memories of those now distant days.
On arrival in June 1939 we were soon conscripted into the office fire brigade. About once a month we would have a wet drill when, shorn of all clothing except a boiler suit and Wellingtons, we would have great fun squirting water from a pretty powerful trailer pump over all and sundry. I think we were paid 1/- (5p) for each such wet drill ― doesn't sound a lot but when one's annual salary was £80 the sum was very welcome. The salary would of course rise by annual increments to £350 p.a. by the time we were 37 and we were told quite seriously that if we kept our noses clean (a clean nose being most essential) we might achieve promotion by our early 30s to Higher Clerical Officer where the salary would eventually reach £450 p.a. ― Staff Officer (later HEO) was a distant dream carrying a princely maximum of £550.
With the fall of France in June 1940 the next excuse to get away from the desk arose with volunteering for the LDV, later the Home Guard. We used to do at least one guard a week and as we were granted a half day off for every 2 guards done we tended to volunteer for as many guards as possible. One of the daily rituals if one was on guard duty at the main gate was to present arms to the Superintendent, Captain Hammond, as he swept through the gates in his car ― he somehow managed to get enough petrol coupons to keep his car going throughout the war. Presenting arms to a retired RASC officer was way over the top and he should have had just the simple slap on the rifle butt by way of salute ― if that.
With the arrival of the blitz later in 1940 our monopoly of night duty was shattered by the onset of firewatching and we 'soldiers' resented very much the presence of these 'civilians'. They used to sleep during the night so of course did not have the time off that we managed.
All the time from when we reached the age of 18 we would submit an application every month to be allowed to volunteer for the forces and every month it would be turned down. Eventually we were told that we could volunteer as soon as our age group were notified of their date for registration for conscription into the forces. In my case the notification was made on Friday 5 September 1941, I went down to the recruiting office on the morning of Monday 8 September, signed on immediately to report to an RE depot in Halifax on Tuesday 9 September and of course caused much upset in the office leaving with virtually no notice. Not that I cared in those days.
We all returned in 1946/7 to be greeted by the then Superintendent with the immortal cliché 'You left us as boys and have returned as men' which I suppose was true enough.
And talking of enough I think that this is it for now. Use of it what you will, if anything, but I hope that it will be of some interest to the Norwichites for whom quite often I feel a measure of sympathy for never having known what I and some others think of as the real HMSO.
Best wishes as always, Les
Hello Les, What a perfect potted history ― just what we need. As you say, you are certainly one of 'the few' again as regards remembering pre-war HMSO. I like to think that although I came to HMSO relatively late, in 1963, just about everyone I worked with had been through the war, generally in the Services, and one Messenger had been in WW1. The man I sat next to ― AJ Mew ― spoke almost entirely in Army slang ― and Marge Todd also taught me a few new phrases.
My oldest Establishment List is dated 1954, by which time you were already an exalted HEO in ITW (Director A Ryder; Deputy Director C Pengelly, who was Director when I joined) on a payscale £ 830 - £ 995. The few women HEOs, such as your contemporaries Winnie Delaney, Adeline Rosina Head, and Doreen Brandel, were on a scale £ 710 - £ 860. Incidentally, John Eason is still in contact with Arthur Brunwin, an EO in 1954 languishing on a scale up to £ 800 p.a. Brings it home to you when the London Evening Standard is advertising one-bedroomed flats in the City 'from £ 500 per week,'
All the best, Les, and please keep any memories coming. Reg
The Only Way Is S6
There was a time, in the mid-1980s, when visitors to Supplies Office Machinery thought they had walked into a Model Agency. HMSO's own George Clooney — Norman Reeves — had moved on when these pictures, supplied by Philip Nash, were taken, but his legacy is apparent.
The photos were taken at evening and lunchtime festive functions in 1984 and 1985. Main setting is the Savoy Greek Restaurant in Norwich's Prince of Wales Road. Philip was only 19 at the time, and was obviously trying to impress his EO, Gill Gent, with his savoir faire. Otherwise why would he try furtively scratching the back of her neck in one picture, and burning her nose with a candle in another? She smiled through it all, of course, thinking that it couldn't get worse. It could. And it did.
Philip continued the rounds of the party — via his old friend Mark Ganderton — helping Louise Chapman put linen (don't ask) on JT Gardiner's head — then hokey cokey with Eileen Johnson and Barry Finch, of Grundig. He wasn't there to help Madeleine Baldwin spoon-feed Bob Adams (also Grundig) thus earning another 5% discount on the Standing Arrangement. Frank Payne (seen restraining a drunk who insisted on singing) worked them hard in those days. What were Peter Gauchy and Gill Gent laughing at? Was he pulling that old 'waiting for a Dictaphone' line?
Lots of other famous names — who can you spot? No prizes for getting ARH During: lucky Albert won a day's labour from Gandy in the raffle. Funny thing, he hasn't been seen since . . .
8 May 2012 – From Tony Gummett
I read with particular interest the recent entry in HMSOldies regarding the forthcoming performance by Gavin Turner and the William Byrd Choir. This prompted me to dig through my CD collection and find a BBC recording of an excellent performance of a Palestrina Mass by the choir ― conducted by Gavin ― in the Sistine Chapel, Rome, and broadcast by the BBC on 31 December 1984! It is good to know the Choir is still going strong. Regards and thanks for keeping the Oldies going. Tony Gummett
Hello Tony, Excellent to hear from you ― and that you are still an HMSOldies reader. We will add your note, and I will pass on your comments to Gavin, who I am sure will be pleased to read them. Best wishes ― and hope to see you in The Ship on 11 December (only about 30 weeks!) Reg
4 May 2012 – From Helen George (NAA Newsletter)
Hi Reg. Just been catching up on HMSOldies site and saw Annette Conn's note about the Norwich Area Association (NAA) visit to Syon Park last Sunday. Would it be possible for you to put the NAA newsletter on the HMSOldies website? It might be of interest to some of the Oldies that no longer belong to CSSC ― they can rejoin at any time.
There are a number of HMSOldies involved in the NAA, Geoff Sinden, Alan Crabtree, Kevin and Pauline White and myself and we regularly see other Oldies, Annette Conn, Jill Ward, Lucin Jackson, Barbara and Brian Cockram.
It would be much appreciated if you would publish this newsletter on the site. We publish a newsletter every 6-8 weeks and the next one is due out in about 3 weeks. Would it be possible to put them on the website regularly? Regards, Helen
Hello Helen. Thank you for your note. I see no reason why we can't add the link to the CSSC Newsletter now, and on a regular basis. Meanwhile we will see who surfaces . . . All the best, Reg
2 May 2012 – HMSOldies London Annual Lunch: 6 June 2012
Bob Allder writes on 2 May 2012: Would you be so kind as to post the details of the HMSOldies London Annual Lunch on 6th June 2012? I have attached a flyer with details and Booking Form. HMSOldies really is an invaluable site –where else can you find out who's doing what these days, and sadly who has passed away.
With kind regards, Bob Allder
1 May 2012 – HMSO Great War Roll of Honour
Can I make a plea for a more prominent position for the HMSO Great War Roll of Honour (currently buried at the end of the Picture Galleries)? and could there be a link to http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Surrey/HMSO.html please? This is where the database of information I compiled on the individual men listed on the plaque is located. With the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War looming I think there will be more interest in this.
Incidentally, I have completely failed in my efforts to get the National Archive to say what they intend doing with the HMSO roll plaque. If anyone has any contacts there still perhaps they could try to find out. It's a pity if it is not going to be displayed. Thanks.
Best wishes, Stuart McLaren
1 May 2012 – William Byrd Choir: 7 June 2012
Gavin Turner, who directs the William Byrd Choir, has asked us to publicise a musical event to be held at Hanworth Church on Thursday 7 June 2012 at 5 pm. The choir of young London-based professional singers will be performing at a Solemn Eucharist for Corpus Christi.
30 April 2012 – From Annette Conn – brief report on CSSC trip to Syon Park
Despite driving rain, 35 of us set out for Syon Park on a wet April day. We had an excellent guided tour of the magnificent Syon House, good food, a chance to spend in the beautiful Garden Centre and time to explore the Great Conservatory and the Park.
The rain finally stopped and we had had such good day. I think one of us got carried away in the Gardens or found enough coins in the pond to pay the modest £5 (for members) for the day! Kevin White organised the day.
All the best, Annette
25 April 2012 – Last of the summer printers, Edinburgh
Reg, Hope you are keeping well. Jim Johnstone and I went up to Edinburgh in April to see John Hamilton. We had a good day out so I thought you might like to see the state we are in. Regards, Dave Crank.
On the bench (they couldn't get a game at Hamilton Academicals), from left to right, are John Hamilton, Dave Crank and Jim Johnstone ― stunt doubles for Compo, Clegg and Foggy.
Hello Dave, Good to hear from you, and that you have been in good company. I remember JGH Hamilton Esq. as good company when I visited Edinburgh to see Norrie Veitch, especially when he worked on the Post Office (or was it BT?) Print section set up by Jim McDonald. Glad to hear he is in fine form. I will let Ernie Downs know that you are still dodging around. All the best, Reg.
19 April 2012 - Street-walking In Norwich and London
We get asked, by the occasional caring reader, if we have seen so-and-so and are they still up to such-and-such with what's her name. Farbeit for us to associate ourselves with the disgraced practices of the News of the World, and Ron 'I made an excuse and left' Mount, but the following 'Faces' (excuse the lapse into Sweeney-speak) have recently been seen on the streets:
Mistresses Eason, Williamson, Conn, Womack, Upton, Holland and Messrs McCrum JT, Durkin, Plackett, Bradbury, Cole, Holland, Penn, Reid A, Eason, Taylor M and Brooker JJ (sportsmen both), Marchant, Davey, Betts, Simmonds, Carnegie, Staples regularly feature on the streets of Norwich. London saw Messrs Ekers and Eveson out to play. A rare encounter with David Holt, where he vouchsafed sighting of Sue Whitaker taking tea among the blue-rinses at Notcutts and a possible reunion including Sally Webb, David Horn, and others recently removed from their place of employment on grounds of efficiency (they were too efficient at keeping customers happy: that will never do). I promised not to mention that he still remembers with pride the only advice he received from CTBL Robinson: 'You will never get on in the Civil Service if you wear socks like those.'And Ian MacFarlane, at the dirty end of Nelson Street, still with DWP, as is Ray Allwright. David Rae has escaped, as Ian might next year. He still sees Roger Dunn on his visits back from USA.
And who have you seen? We are sure that readers will be interested.
Robert Stutely adds: As most of my time is spent at my PC and gazing out of the window* behind the screen (doing my bit for Neighbourhood Watch is my excuse), it is not unusual to see George James passing, sometimes with his wife. My wife, when dog walking, tells me that she often saw Alex Herbert and his wife before they lost both of their dogs just recently in quick succession. I do venture to Norwich on the bus with my carer (Mrs S) but have not seen any ex-colleagues yet or just do not recognise them.
*I can now do this all day. When in the office, this wasn’t allowed in the mornings else what would we do in the afternoons!
Philip Marriage adds: I was in London recently at the Kew Bridge Steam Museum and quite by chance my visit happened to coincide with a 'Magic of Meccano Show' with enthusiasts from all over displaying their models. I mentioned John Westwood's name to a couple of exhibitors and they said he was still involved with the world of Meccano and may even make an appearance that day – not bad for someone in his nineties, though they added that he is quite deaf now and no longer drives.
Ernie Downs adds: A couple of sightings for your delectation. On April 4, Mr and Mrs J Eason on a bus close toThe Fat Cat. On April 8, on the Marriott Way, Peter and Mrs Lince. They were walking part of the Way working up an appetite for lunch; having started atThe Otter at Thorpe Marriott and were returning to same.
10 April 2012 – From Jack Payne
Reg, Seeing the item from Les Birch about Chadderton reminded me of my time there. I went the first time in 1952 and it was like a step back in time. I had just had nine months in Atlantic House and so expected something similar. Everything was segregated at Chadderton. The Industrials had their own canteen, the Clericals theirs, the Section Heads had a dining room where they paid an extra 3d to have their meal served and finally the Director had his own dining room. The toilets were similar except that the Section Heads had to share ours. The canteen was run as a club and the cleaners helped to serve the meals, changing their green aprons to white first! There was a full time gardener who was on the books as a top grade Warehouseman. His main job was to look after the bowling green. There were railway lines running through and this upset the run of the woods.
The Director was a tarter who wanted to control everything. He was called Glasscock but insisted being called Glasgow (we called him Brittledick behind his back!). All the annual assessment forms had to be filled in in pencil in case he disagreed with them. Reputedly there were three avenues to promotion. First a Mason, second a Queens Scout and third a member of NABADS (I joined NABADS but it didn't do me any good, he had gone before I even got in the field!). He was a big man and ruled all meetings. I'm sure his desk was on a raised dais to give better effect. His ending was a little sad. He was promoted to Director of Contracts and anybody from Chadderton who was in London was invited into his office to reminisce on old times and he would finish up in tears. He was a heavy whisky drinker and it was effecting his liver. He was retired I think on sick grounds shortly afterwards. I spent nearly half my service there on my two visits and enjoyed most of it.
I like the new format of the Information Circulars. All the best, Jack Payne
Hello Jack, Great to hear from you, and to read your fine reminiscence of Manchester. The segregated canteen system was still in operation when I visited in the late 1960s (to see Sam Garwood, Jim Billington ― OMRS/OMTS). There will be a few readers who also remember WH Glasscock (who I see was born 9.9.1899 ― he had gone before I joined in 1963). I seem to remember Danny Paul and Joe Delaney having similar memories. Thank you for your kind words re HMSOldies. With very best wishes, Reg
7 April 2012 – From Jim MacCallum
Hi Reg, Thanks for your email, sorry I haven’t been in touch recently. As far as I know all the old Edinburgh lads are still with us but we no longer meet for lunch and are not in touch very often if at all. I do hear from Norrie Veitch and Andy Baptie but not on a regular basis. As for myself I had a fall recently and did some damage to my ribs. I haven’t been able to drive for some weeks but thankfully I am just about ready to take to the road again. I always look at your website and like to hear about some of my old workmates. Keep up the good work. All the best, Jim
Hello Jim, Good to hear from you ― but not about the ribs. You take care up there! I mentioned your note to Alan Cole and Rod Durkin, who send their regards, and we will publish so that others can see. And thank you for your kind words. Best wishes. Reg
4 April 2012 – Bridewell History Wall
Dear Reg, I'm curating a project for the Bridewell Museum that involves sourcing thousands of photos of Norwich and its people since the invention of the camera in the 1840s. We're crowd-sourcing the photos from people using social media: Facebook, Twitter, Flickr etc, and approaching organisations and so on that people suggest. Someone on Facebook just mentioned you.
We're keen to get a real spread of stuff. I was wondering if you had any scans we might be able to use? It's a one-off thing, which will ultimately end with a 10-metre long photo mosaic mural in the newly refurbished Bridewell Museum. Anything you may have will help, we need upwards of 7,000 images in total, ideally 15,000. I'm quite happy, with your permission, to skim them from your website if it makes the process easier ― if that is permissible. We would also probably feature some on Facebook with a full link back to your site and a credit.
On a personal note, my father Charles Stone worked at HMSO from 1968, until he retired in 1977. I have fond memories as a child of watching him descend the spiral staircase when he left off for the night. Sadly he passed away in 1983, so I have no memories to share in return.
Lovely site, nice to see some local history in action, keep up the good work.
Please see our website for further information on the project, guidelines and terms and conditions.
Dear Nick, Thank you for your note. What an interesting project. The fact that ― entirely understandably ― you are centring on Norwich connections means that many of our pictures will be of no use, but please feel free to use those on the site that you find of interest. There are enough pictures of Sovereign House on the web (as you will know, HMSO moved in during 1968 - a year after the 'Advance Party' occupied Norvic House, Chapelfield, and Wensum House, Prince of Wales Road) so I am sure you don't want any of the building.
As regards your father Charles, I certainly remember him in the early 1970s. He worked in Finance, on the third floor of Sovereign, with JTT (Terry) Dickey, an HMSO 'old timer' who joined in 1947. Also in the area were Chris Randall, Frank Cottrell, Arthur Littlejohn, Sue Whitaker, Vince Fitzgibbon, Glynis Dole, Granville Reed ― and Alan Cole, who eventually became Director of Finance and with whom I had lunch today. I mentioned your father, and he immediately responded 'Charles Stone? Of course I remember him. A gentleman!' As nice a spontaneous comment as you could get, I think. All the best with the project, and please do not hesitate to contact me again if we can be of help. Reg
2 April 2012 – Jack Keating's Ecuador
On 10 January I took a ten-day trip to Ecuador. I had never been below the equator before, in fact the farthest south I had been was somewhere in the Caribbean. I went with my cousin Ken and his wife Kathy. They picked me up in their van and we drove the 240 miles south to Miami. We got to the Hilton hotel where Ken was to leave the van as the hotel had an airport shuttle bus. Instead of booking into a hotel they decided to sleep in the van. They stayed in the front seats and I got into the back. The following morning we got the bus to the airport.
It was a direct flight from Miami to Guayaquil and took us a little over four hours. We had booked into a hotel in the town of Salinas for eight days. Salinas is the most westerly point of Ecuador. The hotel was about a mile from the main part of town and the beaches which meant walking. After two days it was decided to move out and get a hotel in the heart of Salinas and closer to the beach. Not that we spent any time on the beach! We had one day in our second hotel but it was so noisy that I was screaming at idiots who were banging doors and arguing with one another on the other side of my bedroom wall. There was a disco across the road banging away with their usual loud bass beat which you can not only hear but also feel. Motorcycles revving their engines for no other reason than to annoy me! Trucks and cars were hurtling past almost non-stop. Police sirens going on and off for most of the night. Right across the street was the local fire station; they decided early that morning to get their trucks out, wash them and service their equipment. And other revellers who were obviously enjoying themselves getting drunk, talking loudly and generally aggravating the life out of me . . . and they never invited me! And all this despite being on the ninth floor! So after just one night we moved out.
We booked into our third hotel in three days but after only one night my cousin complained to the management about this one. He said people were outside his room door until the early hours of the morning talking and smoking. They got moved to another room. A couple of times we got the local bus to two towns north of Salinas. The closest one, La Libertad, just had a big shopping mall; although there was a large street market or I should say markets as it was spread over a few streets. The streets themselves were just dirt roads full of potholes and dogs. There seemed to be dogs almost everywhere.
The other town we visited, Montañita, was about an hour and a half away. The bus journey was a thing to behold; going through slum towns with dirt roads; dogs sleeping in the middle of the road; a taxi parked sideways in the centre of the road; a drunkard standing in front of the bus until he got moved on by a local policeman. Montañita itself was like a hippie town, full of roadside stalls selling anything and everything. The stalls were mostly manned by Ecuadoreans with others run by European hippies selling beads they had made. There were lots of backpackers speaking English, German and other European languages. We had a walk around and got a bite to eat and a beer. It had a lovely long sandy beach but even here you were bothered by people selling their wares.
We had booked just one night in the city of Guayaquil which had the international airport. But my cousins decided they had had enough of Salinas and we got the bus to Guayaquil and booked into a hotel for our last three nights. The hotel was quite nice, cleaned every day and cost just $15.80 (￡9.88) per night! It is a largest and most populous city in Ecuador with nearly four million people and there was a lot more to see and do here.
While walking around the city one day we came across an open park on a junction of four roads. When we went in we found hundreds of iguanas lying on the grass and climbing up into the trees. I honestly didn’t know that iguanas climbed trees. They were varying sizes with the biggest measuring close to four feet but they are quite tame. What I did find strange was that the iguanas were not caged they had the run of the park but didn’t seem to want to leave it. The park also contained lots of turtles in the small lake and different coloured squirrels.
My cousins and I were accosted by a local television crew in one of the many parks in Guayaquil. I told the producer in my poor Spanish that I did not speak Spanish but that did not seem to bother her. The main man with the microphone started asking me questions in Spanish to which I replied, “Yo no hablo Español.” I told him in Spanish that I was English and pointed at my cousins and told him that they were Canadian and North American. Again my lack of Spanish and his lack of English did not seem to worry him. He asked some of the crowd of locals if anyone spoke English and found a young girl who spoke a little. She tried to act as an intermediary but I am sure a lot of it got lost in translation.
Las Peñas is a neighbourhood in the northeast corner of the city centre; is the artistic centre of the city. Many of the area's 400-year-old houses have been converted into art galleries and several notable artists have studios in the area. At the top of Las Peñas is a lighthouse, a small church and the remains of a Spanish fort. I don’t know how high it is but there are 444 steps going to the top and they are all numbered.
Las Peñas, along with the rest of the city, has been redeveloped by the present mayor. He started a campaign of construction projects for the city in the late 1990s to attract tourism, that included the "urban regeneration", which reconstructed the city in all levels including sidewalks, parks, sewer system, it took the power and telephone lines underground, it saw a lot of reconstruction of the city's chaotic transit system with the construction of multiple infrastructures (streets, speedways, overhead passages, tunnels, etc.). He also cracked down on crime, so much so, that you can see security guards in shop doorways, outside banks, restaurants, etc.
We left Guayaquil on the afternoon of Friday 20 January and flew to Quito, the capital. We only had two hours there and it was real cold due to its elevation of over 9,000 feet. It was also raining with low, dismal clouds. So to sum it up I moved into four hotels in the space of just nine nights!!
Some years ago Ecuador decided to give up its currency and use the American dollar which made things easy for me. The weather was hot both during the day (around 90 degrees) and at night (around the low seventies) so at least there were some small consolations. I had trouble finding any local bars but found three American and English-speaking ones (well they were not really bars they were restaurants with a bar and rooms to rent) and they tell me the same; there are not any Ecuadorean local bars. I wanted to find some local bars where the locals drank to absorb some of the local culture and try to improve my Spanish. Best wishes from Jack.
Hello Jack, Good to hear from you. Great pictures — but if you have a new job promoting Ecuadorian tourism, I have to break it to you that you have not persuaded me away from our planned exotic location this year. Torquay, since you ask. We will see if there are any takers — all commission will come your way. All the best, Reg.
About Face: March 2012
Those of you who choose to face the other way may have a passing interest in the contributions to the HMSOldies Facebook page made by the 87 (and rising) ex HMSO members of the site.
Richard Nelson's photo of familiar faces attending a Lakeside Jazz concert gave way to an interchange regarding the publication 'HMSO : First 200 years' and who managed to walk off with what in the way of stationery souvenirs when they were bundled out of office. Brian Watt made contact from Belfast — and Paul Simmonds from Norwich — Drew Taylor offered a copy of the front page of the Eastern Evening News dated 20 December 1996 with the headline 'Workers Flock to Quit Jobs.' By-line was 'Simon Wright.' Name rings a bell — as does Ian McCall with his (Famous Grouse-induced?) memory of a Supplies Catalogue, allegedly in use in HMSO Edinburgh as late as 1972, which contained among its listings quill pens (two levels of quality, depending on grade).
More recently, Duncan Dawdry (still in St Crispins) recently encountered Julie Jermy — then there is Ian (Smith) Loughran, Brian Puplett, Kim Ives, Judy Tassell, Alan Pawsey, Vanessa (Watson) Collins, Paul Radbourne, Kevin White, Andy White, John White, Deborah (Taylor) Green, Robin Kelly and his sightings through a white van windscreen — Terry Walls and his reminiscences regarding Lincoln's Inn Fields Netball — Alan Crabtree on Sovereign Club darts — and Alan Cole rising slowly from a giant Banner Glue Stick. What's not to like?
26 March 2012 – George Rokahr, a name known around the World
Hi all, We are now in Auckland, New Zealand, at home of son Ross. These photos show the garden in need of some attention so, this being early autumn, clearing of unwanted vegetation has started. Thus the Hired Help is carrying away parts of a palm tree, effectively a giant weed.
At the local pub on Saturday evening, guy in middle is Ross, guy on right of pic is Adam Shaw, brother of Ross's partner, Hannah. And now a surprise. Adam Shaw knows George Rokahr! He (Adam) comes from Rochdale where he came to know George through their mutual interest in pipe bands. While I was earlier showing Ross a picture of his brother Ian's ceilidh band it so happened that the same page contained reference to Norwich Pipe Band. Imagine my astonishment when Adam said he knew a member of that Band called George Rokahr. I didn't expect to go to the other side of the globe to hear that!
NZ is rightly famed or its beautiful coasts. We spent last weekend with some friends at what Kiwis call a "bach". This is pronounced batch and I believe stems from times gone by when single men often lived in wooden shacks whilst working in remote parts of the country. The term applies today to usually small wooden dwellings used as holiday homes. Fairly basic but in beautiful and quite remote surroundings. Our bach was about 100 miles north of Auckland in the sub-tropical Northland region of NZ. Dave Martin
26 March 2012 – It's St David's Day and the Welshman from IP has gone for a leek . . .
Roy Plackett and friends are nothing but considerate regarding those from third-world countries who have the honour of being granted residency in England. That has nothing to do with their treatment of the Welsh, however, as is evidenced by their reverential celebration of St David's Day 2012 — in the Trafford Arms, Norwich, as it happens.
The eagle-eyed among you may be able to spot familiar faces under the witches' hats ― Allan Reid, Peter Bradbury, Cecil Hedley Hughes, Tom Smith, Roy Marchant, Eric Davey, Roy Plackett, Glyn Jones (how did he get in there?) ― with Ted Vallance and Jack Sayers playing the part of token non-Civil Servants. Comment from Jones: 'Well I'm Sospan Fached, indeed to goodness isn't it?'
24 March 2012 – Churchwarden Pipes Up
Brian Cleland left the task of creating systems for Print Division long ago; nowadays he is creating funds for a worthy cause. The Norwich Evening News dated 24 March 2012 pictures him celebrating his contribution to the successful programme of improvements at St Mary's Church, Low Road Hellesdon, Norwich.
13 March 2012 – Blake's Heaven
Linda Blake was known in the Paper Trade as a ferocious negotiator ('I'm not going to bend down and pick up nothing, Mike: get your prices right!') so it will come as no surprise that her steely determination on the indoor bowls circuit has meant that she has bent down, so to speak, and come up as three-time winner of the NCBA/NCWBA Mixed Pairs, as this NEN article dated 13 March 2012 shows. Well done!
8 March 2012 – Dave Martin calling from Oz
Hi All, We're roasting in Cairns where temperatures are in the 30s Celsius. We should be further south by several hundred Ks (as they say here) but trains from/to Cairns were cancelled last Saturday [due to flooding] when we expected to travel on Sunday morning. We found out only by luck as we were leaving the hotel here. Another would-be rail rider saw us and gave us the news! Some serious telephoning eventually saw us re-booked by Queensland Rail for this coming Sunday, Mackay accommodation cancelled (and refunded almost immediately to my credit card) and our stay at the hotel in Cairns extended without any problem.
More enjoyable has been swimming with the fishes on the Barrier Reef, travelling on the heritage railway train to Kuranda though some incredible landscapes, seeing the rain forest from both ground level and sky level on the Sky Train. The photos show the diesel loco used on the train to Kuranda, the view from the train looking towards Cairns, the train climbing towards Barron Falls station and finally the return journey from Kuranda to Cairns the other way ― by cable-car.
My internet time is fast expiring so that's it for now. Off for a cool beer and warm dip in the pool before an afternoon trip around the wider Cairns area. Dave
Hello Dave, Well, I must have conjured you up ― yesterday I sent a note to Doug Boyd saying that we should meet you upon return for a bout of boasting ― and there you are! Good to see that Australia is still copying the Mother Country for some things ― rail disruption ― if not others ― the weather. It was pissistently pouring down all day Monday but cheering up now. Nothing of interest happening other than what you will read in the news ― Richard Nelson has just returned from a fishing trip to NZ so I hope he left it tidy for you. Take care when visiting the outdoor dunny, don't say that Fosters tastes like something a cat left, don't talk about cricket and you should survive until NZ. Meanwhile, if you see my Belfast cousin Billy down there (it's a small place ― he is in Geraldtown, Western Australia) tell him to buy you a Guinness. All the best. Reg
8 March 2012 - From Richard Nelson
Hello Reg, I am still running the Dereham Jazz Society, presenting live jazz every Wednesday at Lakeside Country Club in Lyng. Last night (7 March) we had the brilliant and world-renowned Dutch jazz violinist, Tim Kliphuis. The concert was uplifting and supported by a near-capacity audience. As well as myself, among the cheering throng were three other HMSOldies, Jonathan Holtom, Joe Burns and Nodge Carnegie. We posed for a picture with the maestro. You can find out more about Lakeside Jazz here: www.lakeside-jazz-club.co.uk or more about Tim Kliphuis here: www.timkliphuis.nl
I think you will agree that the photographer has been kind to all of us with a little bit of soft focus to hide the wrinkles. My healthy tan is the result of spending January in the New Zealand summer following my other passion of fly fishing for trout. I love retirement. Best wishes, Richard
Hello Richard, Sounds like a great night — and good to see a picture of you all having obviously enjoyed yourselves. We will publish the picture to show how jazz and clean living can keep you young and happy! All the best. Reg
Nelson Hooks a Brown Trout Down Under
Richard Nelson is a lucky fellow. Not only did he work with the world's top Graphic Designers (who writes this stuff?) but he has some good friends who were happy to provide his bed and rations around New Zealand on a recent fishing trip (not the sort that the Met. Police undertake but the sort that provides a panfried treat with a bag of chips). Hope he left the place tidy for Dave Martin's visit . . .
6 March 2012 – A Piece of HMSO History, provided by Keith Batchelor
A welcome arrival on the HMSOldies doormat was a copy of the Journal of the Society of Archivists, Volume 32 Number 2 October 2011. It was kindly provided by Keith Batchelor (currently Records Management Consultant working from Ware).
The article in question is entitled 'Records Making, Office Machines, and Workers in Historical Contexts: Five Photographs of Offices in the British Civil Service c1919 and 1947.' Authors are Barbara L Craig and Heather MacNeil, and the article is summarised as follows:
'This article uses five images selected from the Stationery Office and the Treasury to anchor a discussion of copying technologies in office processes in the British Civil Service between circa 1919 and 1947. The first section situates the photographs within a specific history of the use of copying technologies within administrative offices based on reading the images in concert with the surviving textual records of these departments. The second section views the photographs as visual symbols of the feminization of clerical work during this time period, a view informed by reading the images in conjunction with the literature exploring the 'white blouse' revolution and the proletarianization of typing work.'
It may be fanciful to hope that anyone who worked for, or is related to anyone who worked for, HMSO at Underwood Street (near Old Street, North London) might read this. In fact, HMSOldies has already posted a photograph of the Gammeter Section c1920 in the relevant section.
Anyone wishing to know more about this article is invited to contact the Editor.
5 March 2012 – CSSC Trip to Syon Park, Saturday 21 April
Dear Reg, The CSSC do very good trips. (I don't participate in the sports!) I wonder if you could advertise the one below as they are a bit short on numbers
Syon Park – Saturday 21 April: We are proposing a day trip to Syon Park on Saturday 21 April 2012. Syon House is the last surviving ducal residence complete with its country estate in Greater London. There would be a guided tour of the house to view the magnificent State and Private Apartments with time to enjoy the spectacular Great Conservatory and 40 acres of gardens. More details can be found at: http://www.syonpark.co.uk/ Cost to members will be ￡5.00 and ￡18.50 for non-members.
Can anyone who is interested in spending the day at Syon Park, please contact Kevin White ASAP Tel: 01603 432510, email: kevin.white95@yahoo.co.uk.
Thanks, all the best, Annette Conn
We'll see what a little publicity can do . . . Reg
1 March 2012 – MDC Nine Elms Lane
Hello Reg, Some of the ex-inmates might get a little damp-eyed seeing this:
Hello Chris, Thank you for stirring the memories. We will add to HMSOldies for the pleasure of the many inmates that passed through the well-designed doors. All the best. Reg
HMSO Old Bookface — or is it HMSOldies Facebook?
17 February 2012 wasn't much of a day but it will be remembered for eternity as the day when HMSOldies lurched semi-reluctantly into the murky world of social intercourse. Yes, that was the day on which the HMSOldies group page was created on Facebook.
If none of that means anything to you, fair enough. The main HMSOldies site will be in no way affected, and you will not be troubled by intrusive pokes, prods, likes, status updates and suchlike. However, it may be of some little surprise that the site has attracted 78 members (some significance as to the rotations per minute of their record turntables?) including contributions from, in no order at all, Judy Tassell, Alan Pawsey, Kim Ives, Eric Bone, Neil Fellowes Geigertek (the man who takes photos of Anglia Square buildings), Pete Turner (who has suggested a photographic competition), Ian Mccall — in one photo with John Bloomfield's knees and in another looking like Glaswegian butter wouldn't melt — then Gerry Lucioli, Brian Daniels, Vanessa Collins (leading a strand on the mating calls of the lesser-spotted Trolleypushers). Sally Frost was asking about Peter and Bridget Widgett. Drew Taylor, Duncan Dawdry, Deborah Green on the quality of canteen food, Alan Crabtree, Cath Mason, Richard Nelson, Laura Curwen . . . and photos of Andy Hunter's miniature printing galleys, ICL computers, an emergency candle, the HMSO telephone switchboard, an RAF party and a full-size SO Code 69-13.
How could you resist? Answers on a tweet (no, please, don't get me started on them . . .).
20 February 2012 – Les Birch
Dear Reg, I was obliged to visit my grandson's new flat in Manchester over the weekend (he moved there recently with BBC TV Sport) and was asked what I would wish to do on Sunday morning before being driven back to Caerphilly in the afternoon. So I thought it would be a good idea to see what was left of the old HMSO Northern Area Branch site in Gorse Street, Chadderton. After following the usual landmarks (The Gardener's Arms, The Whitegate, now a Beefeater and Premium Inn, and the old Boat and Horses) we turned off Broadway into Gorse Street, still surrounded by the Ace, Gorse and Rugby Mills, the latter sadly in a bad state of repair.
At the end of the street was a high security site, with strict warnings against trespass etc, and this was it. I took out my camera to record what I saw and the gatekeeper put his head out of his hut to enquire my business. I identified myself as an old HMSO employee who had first walked on that site on 8 June 1939, and he said that he had joined HMSO himself as a gatekeeper 30 years ago in April 1982, just 4 months after my retirement. He said that I would know some names he mentioned, amongst them George Rokahr who was apparently Manchester's last Director and who had lived in the old Office Keeper's bungalow on the site for the last couple of years of HMSO's existence, travelling home to Norwich at weekends, and Alex Mackie who had been in charge of the Press.
Of the original buildings on the site nothing remains except one of the cast-iron gate posts at the entrance. The security press itself had been moved from its original position on Broadway to one inside the new high security fence and is now currently being operated by our old friends 3M — which was a surprise to me but you probably know all about it.
The Ace Mill has finally lost its chimney — in the old days the Ministry of Works would send a little man periodically to sit on one of our walls with a pair of binoculars trained on a crack in the chimney to see whether it was growing wider - we never learned the results.
I left Manchester in June 1948 on promotion to EO to open our first Regional Branch in Nottingham and returned for a brief spell in 1971 to stand in for Charlie Bradshaw after he nearly killed himself in an horrific car crash returning from his daughter's wedding in Holland. So it was a little emotional to see what has happened to the old place but I was very fortunate to speak to the only gatekeeper who had been an HMSO employee. But we are becoming increasingly in short supply.
I do not know much of this you wish to use, if any, but some old Mancunians may be interested — makes a change from all this chat about Norwich!
Best wishes as always, Les
Hello Les, Excellent — just the information I have wanted to hear for some time. Thank you. I often wonder how things are up there, but don't find an excuse to wander down Chadderton Road these days. Last time I was there I seem to remember drinking a pint of Holt's in the Monkey Wrench. Or is my memory playing tricks again? All the best, Reg
Les Birch adds: These are some of the photos I took. Top left is the gatekeeper who joined HMSO in April 1982 and is the sole surviving ex HMSO employee on the gatekeeping staff — quite a mine of information. Top right is the view from the gate across the vacant space left by the demolition of the original office block. We never had such a clear view of the Rugby Mill which as you can see has been subjected to a degree of vandalism. Bottom left is the Ace Mill minus its chimney which stood immediately to the right of the building. Bottom right is the Gorse Mill showing the famous cast-iron gatepost, all that is left of the original HMSO buildings and thus I would think of the original First World War aircraft factory which HMSO took over at the end of that war.
19 February 2012 – Only Way Is Norway
Hi Reg, et al. Our journey ever northwards up Norway's coast has been a study in monochrome, a mostly white palette with flashes of green and every shade of grey. We flew into Trondheim through snow flurries and next day boarded the train for the ten-hour journey to Brodo, through endless valleys of spruce forests, crossing the Arctic Circle. We shared our carriage with a friendly white husky called "Herschel" whose owner, Jolanda Linschooten we discovered describes herself as a 'Professional Adventurer'. She left the train late in the day, just before Brodo, to begin a trek with just "Herschel" as her companion for the next 33 days, dragging a sledge across the snowy wilderness to Swedish Lapland for an article for National Geographic magazine. Quite a woman!
After a snowy day in Brodo we flew on to Svolvaer in the Lofoten Isles, the short twenty-minute flight taking twice as long as we circled the airport waiting for the snow to ease and the runway cleared but it was still blowing a blizzard as we struggled to the terminal. Next day the snow eased a little and we explored the town and in the evening the wind dropped and clouds parted and we could see stars for the first time on this trip.
It was well below freezing but the air was still and clear so about 9.30pm I decided to walk out on my own to take some photos near the harbour of the traditional huge fish racks strung with thousands of drying cod and after I'd finished I turned around and noticed a feint streak, like a huge comet trail, running down the sky to the horizon. It was quite unlike anything I'd seen before and I watched expectantly, then slowly the streak broadened and suddenly the sky burst into a green dancing cloud growing in intensity - this was what we'd come all this way to witness, the aurora borealis! Philip Marriage
Hello Philip. Lovely stuff..........I thought your picture was of an artist's mock-up at first...........very impressive. And you have given me an idea for my job description these days.........whatever the opposite of Professional Adventurer might be. Amateur Sloth? Reg
Philip Marriage adds: Jolanda Linschooten ran into trouble on her adventure. After she left us she made progress but twelve days into her journey the weather became 'hellish' with zero-visibility and 'Herschel' went AWOL for a while. Finally on 29 Feb she made it to an emergency mountain cabin for shelter only to find she couldn't prise open the door so next day was forced to use her satellite phone and call-out the Mountain Rescue Team. In her blog she added that an hour before she was picked-up the door thawed.
19 February 2012 – Charity Quiz from Linda Blake
As promised a copy of fundraising quiz for which you may be able to generate some interest and increased sales and ultimately more income for the charity. For the last few years I've been doing one of these quizzes, each year with a different theme, each year for a different charity.
Last year, 2011, I chose the Breast Cancer Resource Fund at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to benefit from the proceeds as I had been looked after very well by the Breast Cancer nurses there whilst undergoing surgery myself. With the help of friends we were able to distribute and sell many quiz sheets and altogether after the allocation of prize monies I was able to hand over £1192 to their fund.
This year I thought I would also raise monies for a cancer related charity and I've selected MacMillan Nurses. I'm hoping that I can do as well again. Fingers crossed. I would appreciate it if interested readers could return completed entries by post to me, including a £1 coin (or more if feeling generous!) by the due date shown.
Thank you.
Linda Blake (HMSO 1971-1996)
19 February 2012 – Arthur Aldersley: Funeral Arrangements
We have received a further note from Arthur's son John, as follows:
'I know a number of his former colleagues retired to Norwich where coincidentally his funeral is to be held, as he died in Norfolk – although he lived until very lately in Sussex. I shall be flying in from Australia and giving an eulogy. If Len Ellis or any other colleagues are around they will be most welcome.
The funeral will be at 1.15pm on Friday 2nd March at St. Faith's Crematorium, 75 Manor Road, Horsham St. Faith, Norwich NR10 3LF Tel: 01603 897727.
For those who wish to send flowers, these should be sent to the undertakers: Cromer & District Independent Funeral Services, 32 West Street, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9DS Tel: 01263 514814. Alternatively, there will be a collection at the crematorium for Alzheimers Research or you can donate on-line at http://arthur.aldersley.muchloved.com/ This is also a memorial website where you are very welcome to add tributes, memories and photos as well as making a donation if you wish.
Following the service we have booked a room at The New Inn, Norwich Road, Roughton, Norwich, Norfolk. NR11 8SJ for the Wake, where we will be providing a light buffet.'
12 February 2012 – The Big Lottery Fund and its Heroes Return 2 programme
Dear editor, I am writing to you on behalf of World War II veterans who, due to a lack of advertising, may not have been aware that in 2011 financial grants, Heroes Return 2, were available from the Big Lottery Fund to enable veterans and or their widows to pay a visit of remembrance to the theatre of war that they were involved in. Veterans, male or female, widows, and widowers of veterans, can all apply. The offer also extends to Merchant Seamen, as well as WAAF’s and ATS who worked closely with active personnel. It appears that the number of veterans claiming these grants were far less than anticipated resulting in these grants being extended to 31 December 2012. It would be extremely helpful if you can find space to make these details known so that veterans, who will now be aged 80 and over, may still take advantage of these grants and plan a visit.
The grants range from £150 to cover travel and accommodation for veteran, spouse and carer, within the UK, £1,300 to Northern Europe and £5.500 to the Far East. As I have received a grant for a visit I made last December, I would be more than willing to advise any of your readers on how and where to claim.
Dear Reg et-al, I was at the Central Government War Headquarters last week (and have been on and off for years) where I am currently researching HMSO Stocks held there from the 1960s to c.2004, these are much depleted now but there are hundreds of items still there with various stock codes, Code No.2-225 and so on. Do you think that there is a Catalogue of these Stock Codes from the 1980s that I might get a copy of (or even consult)?
Hello again Mark. Good to see that you are still on the trail of stock history. Fascinating website. I tried to ferret out an old Stock Code list (SARL rings a bell: Stock Average Rate List). As I was not in the area concerned when I left in 1996 I did not have a copy in my small bag of (legal) souvenirs. So we will see if anyone can help out. Meanwhile, if you have any specific 'numbers' that interest you we might be able to tax the memories of our Clerk of Stationery correspondents . . . Best wishes. Reg
31 January 2012 – From Sue Holden
Reg, The website is looking really good: congratulations on its new, clear format! Having notified you of my recent entry into grand-motherdom, here's a photo of me and new great-granddaughter, Lily-May, born 8 November 2011 to back it up. Feel free to publish if you wish: I note that my profile could do with a boost!
Oh, and you might want to add that I, in this new age of non- retirement, have recently completed my postgraduate studies and am now a qualified and accredited psychotherapist specialising in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. I am in practice in the Primary Health Sector, with the Ulster Cancer Foundation and with a few private clients. So, I am not available for baby sitting duties! Sue
Hello Sue, Lovely ― and very appropriate. We had been looking for something cheerful, to alleviate the obits and the gloom offered up by the national media, so what could be better than the birth of a potential new reader? Lily-May will be wanting to know what her great-grandmother did all day at work before you know it. Thank you ― and congratulations to the proud parents ― not to mention great-great-grandfather Jim Holden. Well done on the impressive qualifications. As I understand it, CBT is a goal-oriented therapy (a useful form of TQM?) but as it deals in dysfunctional emotions I will, for a change, be careful what I say . . . Best wishes. Reg
28 January 2012 – Supplies Paper Buyers Annual Lunch 2012
This is a snap taken at the annual luncheon. Ian was unwell so did not attend. Not much to report. Tried to put the world to rights but nobody took any notice of our deliberations last year or any other years. For some reason all the movers and shakers were listening to speeches in a place called Davos? Sounds like something out of a Doctor Who script with the same obsession with fantasy. Publish and be dammed but not to burn in the fires of Hell I hope. Brian Cockram
PS I have run this through Photoshop software and given everybody a smile.
Thanks Brian. Good to see that you are all ageing gracefully and that Maurice has combed his silver locks at the back. Not sure about Durkin's scarf indoors, though. Surely he is too old to be hiding love-bites? All the best, and start saving for next year's reunion. Reg
27 January 2012 – Slight Concubine Peril (10;10)
The linguistically aware among you may guess that The Editor was given an Anagram Finder for Christmas, which was as well as it gave him something to do while others were at the Electronic Publishing post-Christmas dinner at Don Pepe in Norwich.
Brooding Bore is a most inappropriate reworking for the patronymic of the jolly man in the pink shirt. Slinky Jean Wino may be slanderous. Adman Rivet, Agile Hair Primp, Jello Vanish, Shrill Mandala and Seaway Plan are good enough for Beachcomber's 'Register of Huntingdonshire Cabmen.'.
Which leaves me to leave you as . . . A Grilled Wanker.
27 January 2011 – Senior Staff Meeting
John and Ann Eason live near Harvey Wild (ex HMSO Manchester London and Norwich and CCTA), and John often meets Arthur Brunwin (currently living in Portsmouth; ex HMSO ITW Cornwall House) at Lords'. On 27 January all four met in London for a reunion lunch at an Italian restaurant in Soho, and a good time was had by all. Arthur entered established service in 1937; Harvey in 1939. The combined ages of the four diners is 318 ― proof positive that a virtuous office life brings its own reward.
26 January 2012 – Julia Holland notches up awards hat-trick
I’m pretty sure that this is the Julia Holland that worked in Business Supplies. Her photo’s (see image above. Ed. ) on her web-site mentioned in the article. Stan Church
Hello Stan, Well spotted. Yes, that's Julia. Good to see that she has found success following her time in HMSO and o2o. Must be a more satisfying life than allocating customer demands and arranging disposals in S9a!
(To visit Julia's website see Other links section. Ed. )
24 January 2012 – From Brian Cockram
Hi. Thought you might like a snap of Geoff Sinden at his surprise (at least to him) 70th birthday bash at The Cottage, Thorpe earlier this month. His daughter Claire had organised the party and had travelled from Jersey for the event. A splendid cake adorned with two tiny representations of Geoff and Mrs S bowling was cut and consumed. Geoff took to the dance floor throwing himself into rock songs from his distant youth. Not a sight for the faint hearted. Mind you my efforts at swirling the hips were positively disgusting. Brian
Hello Brian, Thank you . . . looks like a good evening. And isn't that sweat (sorry, perspiration) on the brow of ageing Geoffrey? More than he ever managed when he was sleeping over his tray of delivery notes in ITW1b in 1965. I think we should entitle this 'The Egg-man Cometh of Age.' Just about everyone who knows him will know why. And the thought of your swirling hips will take some time to leave my mind . . . All the best. Reg
12 January 2012 - Big Bags and Babies in Bangkok
Greetings from Bangkok, I made it but felt like it wasn't going to happen at times.
On the coach on my way to the airport I checked to see what my luggage allowance was and noticed the “Security Requirements” section stating that at check-in I needed to show the card that I'd paid for the flight with ― well I had decided I didn’t need this card so I called my brother to try and work out how to organise getting him, or my mum, to photocopy the card and fax it to the airport, if indeed they'd accept that. I stressed until I got to Heathrow and had a choice; to get in line and try and check-in without the card by keeping the staff distracted by chatting, or to fess up and ask before I got in the queue which was long and would lose me valuable time if indeed I needed to get a copy faxed.
I fessed up to a man helping organise the queue and I should have realised in the casual manner that is Indian (I flew with an Indian airline) I was told "So long as you've paid for your flight it'll be OK". Unconvinced I got the man to take me to a separate desk where I was told my flight was confirmed and it was “No problem” that I didn't have the card. So check-in was a doddle and my three bags weren't weighed together so I got away with the weight as all my heavy stuff was in my hand luggage.
So on to Passport Control. I waited behind a woman literally three times my weight, carrying a baby of about 6 months, four stuffed carrier bags, a Barbie rucksack, a bling handbag and with a girl of about 5 in tow. Whilst getting out all the travel documents she somehow slipped and fell off her 4 inch platform sandals sprawling like a jellyfish whilst holding the baby aloft. Everyone stood clear and the woman somehow got to her feet alone ― no wonder she was perspiring. I looked at the security staff as they stood impotently aside and offered to take the woman's bags: “I wouldn't do that if I were you, you're not allowed to carry items for other people” was the reply. But seeing that woman wasn't going to make it too easily alone I asked the woman if I could take her bags and she said “Yes, thank you” with such relief that I had to.
So on we went through to baggage security as I tried to appease the little miss who was pouting at me for insisting I hold the Barbie rucksack even though she was carrying a doll half her size. The woman was so stressed she seemed unable to talk so I started to work on the challenge that was little madam, or 'mama' as the mama called her. She scowled and crossed her arms like the baddest rappers and refused to answer any of my many questions: So what's dolly's name? I like your hair, did mummy do that? Is pink you favourite colour? Is dolly a boy or a girl? Have you been on an aeroplane before? What do you think of quantum theory? (I just typed that to test if you're still paying attention.)
As we got to the x-rays, I instantly stated loudly “THESE BAGS BELONG TO THIS WOMAN” so they'd go easier on me when they arrested us for drug/arms smuggling. Anyway through the other side of the machine I glided through as usual but they had taken the Barbie bag to one side. I was gifted the baby as big mama sweatedly stood waiting for the inspection. The baby girl was very cute, clothed as she was in a head to toe fluffy pink all-in-one; perfect for fooling the x-ray and no doubtedly double-lined with Class A's. Baby smiled and I cooed and little mama, on getting jealous that my attention was now on the baby, decided to engage me in playing at throwing/sowing magic/unmagic beans of which there was no shortage.
Bags cleared (although there should have been a legal limit on the amount of bling) big mama explained that “Actually these are not my babies”, gulp, “they are my grandchildren”, I wondered how she'd managed that. I asked what gate she needed to get to? 'Fourteen' big mama replied and showed me her boarding card showing that the boarding time had already commenced. I said “I'll carry the baby” thinking it would be the easier option for me as I had an 8.7 kilo holdall. So without trying to panic we all took off toward Gate 14, big mama with all five bags, little mama casually following along with dolly of unknown sex, dressed as it was in dungarees, me with a 8.7 kilo bag ripping into my bare shoulder and very slippery babe that wouldn't sit on my hip needing to keep stopping and rehoiking lest I dragged her along like dolly.
After a 15 minute suggested walk to Gate 14 that we'd done in 10, sweating and dishevelled, we approached incredulous staff at Gate 14 asking “Do you know we are about to close. How did you get through with all these bags? Are you travelling together?”. I told a woman to “Carry my bag” and on actually reaching Gate 14, I told the woman to “Take the baby” to which she replied “I am not allowed to carry babies”. Baby had finally lost the plot and decided to make her own panic, of being thrust upon a skinny white woman with glasses whilst big mama had had her back to her for the past 20 minutes.
I handed baby to big mama who was handing bags over for checking in the hold before she promptly disappeared through the tunnel, at least little mama acknowledged me as she shouted and waved “Goodbye, goodbye” before too disappearing from view.
Well I tell you, taking random buses and feeling lost in Bangkok has nothing of the same adrenaline rush.
That's all for now folks. Jo Williams
Hello Jo, Good to hear from you, and that you are still flying the flag of British Decency overseas. I seem to recall that the last time I saw you was outside Oxfam in Magdalen Street, from where I have just returned with a Daily Telegraph Book of Obituaries and a cordless mouse for a laptop. That's about as exciting as it gets. Oh yes, it's raining. All the best. Reg
9 January 2012 – Bob Barnard writes
Happy New Year to you. I thought you would be interested to know that last Thursday, 5 January, Sid Brooks was 90. Valerie and I met him and his wife for lunch at the Civil Service Club and we were joined by Sid’s son, Peter, Kay Griffiths and husband, David, as well as Sue Phillips (nee Hazell). I doubt you would know Sue as she resigned from HMSO on marriage in 1963. Sid was in good form having travelled up from Seaford that morning and he was going back there after lunch.
In the course of conversation, Kay mentioned that she and David attended Margaret Arkinstall’s cremation at Kingston Crematorium. Kay said there were two elderly ladies waiting outside the Crematorium who she did not recognise but who turned out to be Jean Wrench and Marian Williams. Both were not in the best physical shape and Marian was walking with the aid of a sticks. Kay knew Jean from earlier days but just did not recognise her at all. Kind regards, Bob
Thanks Bob: good to hear that Sid is in good form — and a reminder of Jean Wrench, who I seem to remember transferred to DTI in a pre-dispersal exchange with Stan Adams in 1967.
Sid Brooks adds: Dear Reg, We had a smashing HMSOldies gathering and lunch at the CSC. I managed four 'do's altogether and acquired three cakes, with four generations at the family get-together on Sunday. Joyce has given me a flight in a Cessna from Shoreham to Eastbourne which will include my old flat on the cliffs, our present house and the Anne of Cleves House where we married 11 years ago. As ever. Sid
Bob Barnard adds: At last I have down-loaded the photos taken at Sid Brooks 90th birthday lunch. The top one shows Sid with the cake Valerie and I took up to the Civil Service Club. It was a bit much to have 90 candles on the cake, so we settled for 9, representing each decade of Sid's life. The other one is of the group and reading from left to right they are: Joyce (Sid's wife); David (Kay's husband), Valerie, Sid, Sue Phillips (nee Hazell), me and Kay. Hope they will be of interest.
9 January 2012 – From Billy Stevenson
Dear Reg, When replacing my Chelsea Football Club Calendar I gave a last glance at the month of December and Lo and Behold! the month ended with the 30th. The player depicted was John Terry. Could this have been a subtle move by Roman Abramovich to reduce the players' wage bill for 2011? A three hundred and sixty fifth part of millions would be a considerable sum. It would help to offset his legal expenses. Or could it mean that John Terry's days at the club are numbered? One thing for sure is Roman didn't invite me to his party, but rumour has it Reg, that your yacht was tied up alongside 'The Eclipse'. Surely we must be told.
Redundant Cabin Boy, Billy.
Hello Billy. You have me bang to rights: that was indeed my Coracle bobbing along by the Trainer (used to be Plimsoll) Line of said yacht ― and as for being well-heeled, there's ten bob notes in my Lump Sum I haven't even broken into yet . . . All the best for 2012. Reg
4 January 2012 – From John Nash
Hi Reg, Many thanks for your New Year Greetings which of course we reciprocate. May we also join in with others to add our congratulations on the splendid Christmas card ― a really excellent and novel production. It seems a sensible decision now to list the Obits separately. Scanning the listings in their new format I was sad to read about so many old colleagues ― Gordon Cooper, Adrienne May to name but two; and also dear old Tony Bennett. Tony was held in great regard by the Steam Railway fraternity here since his library of excellent train pictures have been constantly used in Island railway books. Meanwhile all the best for 2012 from the Magic Isle. John Nash
Hello John. Good to hear from you, and glad you liked the card. Nice of you to remember dear old Tony Bennett — rummaging amongst our archive we found this photo of him taken in 2003 . All the very best. Reg
2 January 2012 – From Barry Palmer
Happy (maybe it should be hoppy) New Year to you all. Still planning a trip back this year but at the moment it seems all relatives are going to be out of the country (strange, must be something I ate) but we are thinking of going to mainland Europe first and finish in England. Will inform you when and where when we know. Barry and Bonnie
Thanks Barry. It would be good to see you when you come over from Canada. Incidentally, we have just received New Years' greetings from Mary Robinson ― sweltering in forty degrees heat in Australia ― and from Peter Turner ― hardly sweltering in Manchester, plus Messrs Eveson and Parfitt in London and, closer to home, Judy Pritchard in Norwich. All the best. Reg
1 January 2012 – From your Editor
The vastly overstretched Production Team was unable to attach itself to the coat-tails of the London Underground drivers' protest against Boxing Day working so spent the time in the worthy Pursuit of Excellence (remember those days? I hope not) with the result that all HMSOldies Obituaries have been designated their own section, thus freeing up space for the activities of the living.
Have a look. So far 2011 has been completed ― other years will follow according to the PERT Network in Robert's head . . .
Best wishes for 2012. And any news you may have would be most welcome.
