Hello Reg, After the pandemic interruption, it was good to reassemble some of the notable members of the HMSO Press and Reprographic Unit management team again. We haven’t changed that much but, to clear up any confusion, the cast list reads, from left to right, Alex Mackie, Tom McNeill, Jim Richardson, Ross Richardson and Margaret Newman. Tom’s wife, Margaret, is at the head of the table.
Your humble photographer is Gil Smith, who held two different roles within the management team, and also survived privatisation with both Security Printing & Systems, and 3M Security Printing. All now sadly defunct.
The location may also stir memories. The Roebuck at Strinesdale was used on occasion for the dining of customers, especially from abroad. The panoramic views of Oldham and, in the distance, of Manchester were impressive on clear days, but the weather during the winter could cause extra problems; they get proper snow up there!
Best regards Reg!
Gil Smith
Variously Production Manager and Administration Manager
HMSO Manchester Press
Hello Gil, Excellent to hear from you after all these years. I see from the book that we were born in the same year, so we will have many similar memories – although my time was spent in London and Norwich, with plenty of visits to Manchester, where I was always made most welcome. I also have memories of Angus Tennant, Brian Blackmore and many others.
Good to see those well-known smiling faces in the photograph and a few decent pints on the table. Long may these sociable meetings continue. As you can see from HMSOldies, we have not met in large groups since the Lockdown, but there are many smaller meetings still being held in the area.
Best wishes, Reg.