Greetings. The attached photo may be of interest to HMSOldies – don’t know if it fits the aims of the group but it might be of interest and comment.
As far as I know, the Norwich Branch of Civil Service Motoring Association might have started (or at least been reinvigorated) once HMSO had removed to Norwich. Gordon and I were here from 1969 and Gordon became secretary of CSMA for several years – there were many members of HMSO who belonged to CSMA and there were various activities arranged too.
The photograph shows a tree being planted in the grounds of the Civil Service Sports ground in Eaton, Norwich with due ceremony and commemorative plaque – Gordon took the photo. Those known people in the picture are: extreme left Gordon Smy who I think was the Chairman but not with HMSO; Dave Martin with son Ian; and second to last on right Jennifer Robbie with son Graeme. From the look of the ages of the two children mentioned, I think this tree must have been planted c.1975.
Is the tree still there? I only learned yesterday that the Sports Ground was no more, in fact gone for several years, and there are now lots of houses there, but some trees remain. Someone of your readers might know more.
Anyway, if you want to use the pic, please do.
All the best, Jennifer.
Thank you Jennifer. That is certainly a blast from the past. The only person I can immediately recognise is Dave Martin, but others may have better memories. We’ll see who responds.
Best wishes,
Reg