Hi Reg, I hope you are well. I check in with HMSOldies from time to time, and despite catching up with the sad loss of so many former friends and colleagues, I always feel cheered by memories of happy times. For the record, I attach a summary of my path to and from HMSO.
My first day fell on 17th August 1970, the day after I left the tender care of my parents. As one who not only was bad at maths, but actually terrified by it, I was horrified to learn that I was posted to CEPA. I feared the worst, but it turned out nicely. From CEPA I went to PP and learned how to order all sorts of things. After 2 or 3 years I was appointed TO and sent to Harrow Press, after which I was dispersed back to PP in St Crispins.
For all sorts of reasons, I jumped ship in 1981 and formed a driving school. Just before the recession I managed six straight years at UEA, coming away with a BA (Hon) and an MA. I became a probation officer up in Cumbria; I worked there for 13 years, climbing to the dizzy height of senior probation officer.
Then in 2007 I jumped ship again (early retirement had much to do with it) and moved to Wales where I worked as a social worker in Cardiff to take me up to 65. Now June and I live a life of freedom in which I paint, operate my ham radio station, and take photographs while June designs and makes period costumes and is a town councillor.
I will always remember HMSO as a major influence in my life. I owe a great deal to my former colleagues both for their friendship and their inspiring professionalism.
Take care all, Dave
Hello David. Excellent to hear from you, in fine form. It’s been a while, as you say. Thank you for your kind words, which I have copied to the HMSOldies team. I see from the 1972 staff list that you were among the Printing and Binding Officers, sandwiched between Henry Clark and Eric Wheeldon (born 1913). On the same page as other famous names- Messrs Redden, Reddick, Houston, James, Carver, Holcroft, Armstrong, Want, Vallance, Matthews and many more.
In later years I was in a room on the second floor of St Crispins opposite your section, where I remember you and Caroline Buddery (still living in Gorleston) among others.
You have lived, and continue to live, a varied and fulfilling life: long may it last! I am sure that there will be several readers who remember you, but the 25 years since HMSO privatisation have taken their inevitable toll, as you say. But many old friendships survive, which are a great help in these strange times.
Keep at it, and keep in touch!
Best wishes, Reg
Hi Reg. Great to hear from you again. It has indeed been a long time. I was sorry to learn of the death of Norman Armstrong, which I only read about a few weeks ago. I worked side by side with Norman for a while. He was a tremendous influence on the young me, and I remember he, and Norma, with great affection. Words can, of course, be of the throw away kind, but my remarks about the friendship and professionalism of my former colleagues was, and remains most sincere.
Regarding the two photos above: The obviously younger one was taken in 1978, while the obviously older one was taken last year. As you can see, the Great Leveller has been at work!
Take care, keep in touch, and stay safe.
Very best wishes, Dave