May 1978: HMSO wins first prize

In May 1978 HMSO took part in the Norwich Lord Mayor's procession and won first prize. The theme was the link between the cathedral cities of Norwich and Rouen in France. Painted hard-board cut-outs of the two cathedrals were fixed to the side of the lorry and the float depicted a French outdoor café and English civil servants. Many people took part but most names are not known (maybe someone can identify a few more). The ones known are: George Rokahr in a bowler hat and carrying a brief-case; Fred Stubbs as a French seaman, wearing a broad striped T-shirt and sailing cap; Bill Barker is also somewhere on the float. The painted cut-outs of the cathedrals and other work was done at lunch-times in an empty room in Sovereign House. George Rokhar organised the long lorry. The float was given first prize in its group — the rosette and photographs were framed and the frame was fixed to a wall in the St Crispins canteen. I wonder what happened to it?

(Photos from Fred Stubbs)

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