Reg, Once more turning out boxes. I found this letter from John Westwood who was still the Head (Director) of Graphic Design when I joined. It reads:
19 September 1978
Dear Mr Nelson,
At last the ‘mandarins’ have given to OK – congratulations on being one of the top three out of two hundred applicants.
Once all the hoo-ha over forms and certificates is finished you will find the job itself quite straightforward, we in Graphic Design do a lot to keep bureaucratic complications to a minimum!
I think you’ve already had a look at our studio. You can contact me direct if there are any queries you wish to raise, over any aspect of the job. I am the one with the need to see a studio staffed with competent
enthusiasts . . . .
I’ll be in Norwich tomorrow and can be reached on Norwich 22211 ext 7455 between about 3pm and 4pm. Will also be in Norwich on 20 September, same telephone, about 2pm to 4pm.
Very best wishes
John Westwood
Director of Graphic Design
What a nice gesture.
It did a lot to reassure me that the Civil Service had a human side and might not be as bound up in officialdom as I feared. My first day was November 5, and went with a bang.
Richard
Hello Richard, What a fine example of a thoughtful, human introductory letter. So much better when hand written. Those were the days! Talking of going with a bang on 5 November – it’s a pity that Guy Warren was not involved at the time!
Best wishes, Reg.