Information Circulars 2005

 

Charles W Blundell Gets to the Bottom of Things

In 1991 the late CW Blundell OBE (born 1920; joined HMSO 1937) published an autobiographical account entitled Gluepots. The name derived from a family tradition where the word would be shouted if someone repeated an old tale. Charles eventually became Director of Supplies, and as such knew his way around the Division. His reminiscences have been called into evidence to help solve the puzzle set by Augustus Cuthbert on 25 December 2005.

On page 305 of Gluepots, CWB avers that ‘toilet paper is always good for a laugh . . . fun was made of the awful brown paper supplied throughout the war in sheet form, not least because the technical trade name for the material was Smallhands.’ Other tales refer to Percy Theodore Hann, who joined HMSO in 1914, but paydirt was hit with the following paragraphs:

‘I ought not to let pass the opportunity to set down a success in the matter of toilet paper supply, which may be one of the few enduring changes to be laid at my door. From times further back than anyone can remember, the Royal Navy had been supplied with a special size toilet paper, always in sheets, always the same quality tissue as other Services, civil or military, but of much larger dimensions; and all HM Ships were fitted throughout their Heads with wooden boxes to take this size. It was a costly business to procure this item specially, but ‘Oh yes’ I was told when I came across this anomaly in my new bailiwick in charge of all non-machinery provision and issue, ‘Many attempts have been made to convince them to take normal supply. They depend upon the tradition in the first place; the cost of altering the boxes in the Heads in every ship in the fleet and shore station in the second place; and lastly and incontrovertibly, as they will have it, they have always needed larger pieces — and still do — to allow for the roll of the ship.’ It took a deal of arguing and persuasion to make the Navy see reason, but the economics of tapping into the normal toilet roll supply clearly more than covered the cost of conversion of the wall furniture in a year or two’s consumption. Maybe, also, the more modern ships were not so prone to rolling?’

 

 

25 December 2005 – From Augustus Cuthbert

Dear Editor, I am moved to write to you by your recent articles in your esteemed web site on the subject of Lavatory Paper. In the mid-Sixties, I was a Clerical Officer in another department when I received the results of an Executive Officer posting to HMSO. My EO at the time was an ex-naval man and he informed me that the size of toilet rolls for MOD (Navy) were half-inch wider than for the rest of the military and civil service ‘to allow for the roll of the ship’. In my career with HMSO, I never spent any time in Supplies Division and was never able to verify this statement. Maybe one of you readers can enlighten me? Yours sincerely, Curious of Cringleford

 

Dear Augustus. Many thanks for your most interesting letter, which I have passed to our Artistic and Technical Divisions for processing. Particularly pleased that you have chosen to write to us as a prelude to listening to the annual speech by HMQ. Was the thought of HRH Prince Philip enough to remind you of Naval Manoevres? I, too, have memories of the ‘extra half inch.’ Was it an early example of urban myth, put about by JP Delaney, DR Paul, R Tinkler & co, or was it fact? Perhaps RC Barnard and other antediluvian luminaries can enlighten us. All the best. Reg

 

 

Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

Thought for the Festive Season: Be nice to your children. After all, they are going to choose your Nursing Home. Nicer thoughts, from readers far and wide, have arrived electronically and otherwise, from Ian Billings, Eric Bone, John Elderton and Margery Kraszewski (France), Vic Kefford, John and Gloria Flynn, Mary Robinson (Australia), Fred Stubbs, Dorothy and Harry Teedon, Clover Moore (Alex’s widow), Louise Chapman, John Eveson, Brian Lambirth, Chris and Jeanne Southgate and Ivor Hosgood.

 

 

Winter News — 2005

No more Social Diaries — do you really want to know that we saw Terry Harwood and Danny Burns in Sainsbury’s (and, more to the point, do they want themselves exposed to Tesco moles for even more junk mail?). But ‘rare sightings’ might be more interesting. For instance, I hadn’t seen Mike Woodhouse for 10 years, but up he popped in St Giles, looking the same as ever and still living in Eaton. And Ken Rhodes, Dave Forbes, John Eveson all seen in London . . . Brian Ekers, Jim McDonald, Steve Johnson, Barry Harper, Philip Nash (dad John still in his favourite stamping ground — pun intended — the Islawhite, wife Karen still working and father-in-law Mike Mahoney getting into his new winter gloves), Sue Whitaker, Derek Vallance . . . no, stop, we’ll be back to ‘I’m An HMSO Celebrity, Get Me Into Here’ again.

But notes out of the blue from Ron Sims (he tells me that his wife Iris has unbelievably reached 80 — still junior to the sprightly Phil Storey seen with glass in hand at the Norwich Beer Festival); Maureen Wickham (nee Riley) and husband Bill (ex F4D and CCTA); John Morgan (one time editor of SO Review, now living in Cromer) are always welcome. Who have you seen or heard from lately?

 

 

22 December 2005 – From Barry Palmer (in Canada)

Merry Christmas to all my friends and acquaintances whom I have had the joy to come into contact with in 2005.

It has been a good year and a bad year, good because I have renewed friendships with old friends (Mike, Jan and Philip), found a new friend (Reg), met an old friend from the very start of my printing career (Jan) but not so good because we are apart at Christmas. Hopefully one year in the not too distant future this may change. Sorry I can’t offer you fireworks or scantily clad young ladies but have a great Christmas and a very good New Year. Should any of you ever manage to fly, sail or swim the pond there will always be a warm welcome waiting for you (Mike, Philip and Reg) and Jan can always hop in the car. I will try to be more eloquent and more frequent with my dissertations in the future.

Barry Palmer (and family)

 

Thank you for your kind words and Seasonal Greetings, heartily reciprocated from Norwich (I will be staying here over the next week with wife, children and granddaughter). As you suggest, one of the great pleasures of HMSOldies is the renewal and initiation of contacts. You never know — we may meet one day. All best wishes, Reg

 

 

20 Dec 2005 – Lavatorial matters from Howard Wheeldon

Dear Reg, Bob Barnard’s recollections of his toilet paper purchasing exploits reminded me of an incident in the mid/late 1960s when I worked in S4d (and a young fresh faced pre-pubescent whippersnapper called Reginald Walker Esq. was apprenticed to/labouring in the vicinity of, one Stan Adams of Brooklands motor racing fame) and was asked by Norman Parker to reply to a letter of complaint re HMSO ‘Soft Tissue’ Toilet Paper received from a somewhat irate Matron responsible for a Maternity Ward in one of Her Majesty’s Hospitals. (Apparently Hospitals/Maternity Wards were among the somewhat select band of organisations allowed to purchase ‘soft’ toilet tissue as opposed to the standard carborundum impregnated rolls of Kevlar reinforced haemorrhoid removal ‘tissue’ issued to our more robust and insensitive customers.)

The nature of her complaint was, to put it delicately, that the tissue was TOO soft, and frequently disintegrated during its application (hope you’re not reading this over your breakfast Guardian and bowl of nourishing Complan and finger lickin’ good KFC Chicken Nuggets?).

Having contacted the good lady and ascertained that she was from the Irene Handl rather than the Hattie Jacques School of Matrons, I dutifully explained that it was HMSO policy to treat all complaints with expedition, respect, and a due measure of concern (those were the days . . . or has dementia finally struck?) but added — somewhat tongue in cheek — (forgive the pun) in order to undertake the necessary investigation, damaged/faulty goods had to be returned for the requisite investigations to be undertaken by HMSO Laboratory in order to identify the cause of failure etc . . .

This she promised to do, and the nameless and shameless Clerical Officers of S4D gleefully scrambled to open the necessary Complaints File and decide on an acceptable and non-scabrous title. Several days later the expected package arrived and having exercised my managerial privileges as an EO, lots were drawn to identify which unfortunate Clerical Person would open the package and extract ‘EXHIBIT A’ even a Promotion Board Results letter was never opened more circumspectly and with a higher sense of anticipation!

After much forensic probing with a Stock Issue Desk Knife, the contents were found to consist of a heartwarming covering letter thanking HMSO for its diligence and concern etc and a wad of obviously used soft toilet tissue, heavily stained with . . . brown shoe polish!

Following ‘established procedures’, the Complaints File and its odiferous contents were expeditiously dispatched to the HMSO Lab, somewhere in the bowels (sorry) of the Department for the faulty goods to be tested on the legendary Toilet Paper Testing Rig, which rumour had it, tested the tensile strength of damp toilet paper (a task undertaken by singularly incompetent/incontinent Lab staff approaching retirement in the event of the Rig malfunctioning).

Why S4D became involved with Toilet Tissue issues, and how this particular problem was resolved — apart from the privatisation of our hospitals — I never did discover, but I do remember that Norman Parker was a trifle concerned at what David Robert’s reaction would be when, as was his wont, he undertook his weekly perusal of all correspondence dispatched from his fiefdom and he scrutinized our rather lighthearted correspondence.

Perhaps that is why I was transferred to the Central Computer Bureau shortly thereafter — an institution that, in view of the number of re-runs of HMSO invoices etc, had no need of soft toilet tissue or toilet tissue of any description.

Regards and tastelessly yours, Howard Wheeldon

 

Howard, Wonderful stuff! I have just left a Pub (surprised or what?) which contained AM Cole and IG Williamson (nee Bond) who were both also EOs in S4 — IGW was also a bog-standard EO. By the way, nice note recently from Mrs Bill Wickham (Maureen) who says the old fella is in good form. And I understand that ND Parker is still alive, well, and looking for his next commission in the Cotswolds Submariners. DN Roberts is an avid reader of HMSOldies so I hope for some response. Reg

 

 

18 December 2005 – Ron Sims remembers

Ron joined HMSO in 1967, having entered Established Service, at 17, in 1940, with the inevitable break for war service. His wife Iris, according to old Information Circulars he has provided, joined as Unestablished Messenger on 7 July 1969 (she appeared in the same circular as AM Cole, Unestablished CO in Supplies, who joined on 21 July 1969). Iris was promoted to Paperkeeper, Finance, in September 1971. Meanwhile, Ron was EO in various posts, memorably in Accommodation, from which days he has several photographs of the construction of Sovereign House. He was also to the front of the queue when the pub on Cherry Lane, immediately opposite what is now St Crispins, was transformed from the Cherry Tree to the Golden Sovereign (see Picture Gallery). It was subsequently transformed further into Godards Tailors and is now Richer Sounds. Ron held his retirement there on 22 August 1983

 

 

3 December 2005 – From Gordon Robbie

Gordon never tires in his efforts to educate the Southerners in whose midst he has lived for nearly 40 years. The following is the full text of his letter published in the Eastern Daily Press on Saturday 3 December 2005, (Ed).

Sir, You have previously allowed the freedom of your columns to connoisseurs of the haggis and the week of St Andrews night seems a good time to return to the subject.

I had the good fortune on the night of celebration to enjoy two prime beasts reared organically on the south-facing slopes of Braeriach in the heart of the Cairngorms, where the longer exposure to summer suns concentrates the sugar and the tannins in the heather. This exceptionally rich grazing translates to a well-fleshed haggis with a marvellous sweetness combined with an impressively gamey depth of flavour — provided, of course, it has been properly hung. The quality on the plate of such animals reared virtually in the wild is appreciably better than farm reared haggis even to the untutored palate. Those with more discerning palates, however, will still debate the comparative merits of animals from the famous Sron na Lairige herd, running only a few hundred metres from the Braeriach pastures but, of course, on the other side of the ridge and west facing.

The difference made by this different orientation is quite marked but there is no less quality and the flavour is a matter of personal preference. The increased exposure to prevailing western winds sweeping in from the vastness of the Atlantic and the lochan-rich landscape of the Western Isles and Argyllshire, finally reaching the slopes of Sron na Lairige over the dark bog-fed depths of Loch Einich, gives a hint of saltiness and an unrivalled gentle hint of peat on the palate.

These different characteristics should be, of course, be complemented by the whisky accompanying the meal. For a Sron na Lairige haggis, nothing is better than one of the gentler Islay malts, perhaps a 12-year-old Bunnahabhain or a 15-year-old Bruachladdich. I was lucky enough to find a rare special bottling of 1989 Miltonduff, a highland malt which proved an ideal foil for my Braeriach beasts — a feast fit for a king. It is highly gratifying that such splendid specimens as Braeriach haggis and some rarer bottlings of single malts are becoming increasingly available south of the border. Scotch whisky has already proved itself as a product which travels well across the world, and I would hope that organically reared, estate specific haggis are now treading the same path. Cheers, Gordon Robbie.

 

 

2 Dec 2005 – Disclaimer

Some of you will know that the Editor of this esteemed organ is a regular reader of The Guardian (Ich bin ein Berliner), and may have seen the article in the Diary column dated 2 December 2005. It seems that the diarist had successfully bid for a voting form for the impending Conservative Party leadership contest. He wrote as follows: ‘Mild apathy greets our question: who should the Diary back after buying a Tory leadership ballot paper from eBay? The debate continues online at the Guardian’s politics blog, where we leave you with these words from a man called Reg: ‘Bloody voting, what good did that ever do for the country? Makes me want to puke. Sod off.’ Come on, now, of course it wasn’t me. I would never be that temperate.

 

 

30 Nov 2005 – Kelly, Blowers and Yemm, Hail and Farewell

Three established fixtures from HMSO days, with 67 years service between them, went out of the elegantly refurbished doors of St Crispins for the last time at the end of November 2005. Robin Kelly marked the occasion in a place well known for such events —The Golden Star in Duke Street, which is again a tidy and well-managed house, and a pleasure to be nearly sober in. It would take too long to mention the host of celebrity topers in attendance, so we will leave it at ‘dozens’, including Peter Taylor and John Gardiner who had both been early colleagues of Robin when he joined HMSO (E Registry, Atlantic House) as a wide-eyed teenager. Then Mike Yemm quickstepped from the building via the Wigan Pen (check spelling) on the heels of Sheila Blowers, nicely seen off in The Atrium by Nigel Carter and as many of the most decent souls St Crispin has still to offer.

 

 

30 November 2005 – It’s That Uzbekistan Again

The Guardian carried the following item on 30 November 2005: ‘Craig Murray, the government’s former man in Uzbekistan, has finished his autobiography. ‘It’s full of sex and spies and murder rather than policy stories and dinners in Washington’ he tells the Diary. Ever the diplomat, he has sent his book to the Foreign Office for approval but is losing patience after waiting three months for an answer.’ No doubt they are having trouble with the chapter on HMSO.

 

 

24 November 2005 – What The Papers Say

Simon Hoggart’s column in 19 November’s Guardian contained the following item:
‘….a friend of mine has been trying to find the terror debate from last week in Hansard. But Hansard is now virtually privatised, a day’s record costs £5, and, she reports, the website is almost impossible to navigate. This leads her to wonder if the owners are looking for fresh ways to make us pay to learn what our elected representatives are saying. The old HMSO has been replaced by The Stationery Office, or TSO, which has this beguiling strapline, or mini-mission statement: ‘Managing and delivering your publications and websites and improving performance of your document supply chain.’ Aaargh!’ A follow-up letter claims that ‘Hansard can be accessed for free in those public libraries which subscribe to Hansard. Check the online catalogues and give them a call or email to check availability.’

The Eastern Daily Press dated 15 November 2005 featured ‘Tom Mackie. a Norfolk photographer, who takes pictures of landscapes you want to jump into. Now he is sharing some of the secrets of taking successful shots in a gorgeous new book (Landscape Photography Secrets published by David and Charles — £20 if you email [email protected] quoting code Y834). Tom, who was born in America, is known to HMSO for his work in producing the popular calendar featuring Norfolk Countryside. Roy Plackett — who used to play squash with him and has visited Tom’s exhibition at The Forum in Norwich — has pronounced the pictures ‘excellent’.

 

 

24 November 2005 — From Tony Gummett

Dear Reg, Greatly delighted to find HMSOldies on the net, thanks to one of my daughters who discovered it. (She, incidentally, lives in Diss and has a friend — Jackie Starling — who says you were her SEO when she was employed in HMSO.) Found the references to many old colleagues I knew or ‘worked’ with during the years I spent in the Department (1951-1987) brought back many memories. I was saddened, however, to learn of the deaths that were mentioned — particularly that of my old friend Bob Carey. After he retired, we regularly exchanged ‘newsy’ Christmas greetings, and his message last year was as cheerful as ever. It will be with sadness that we will not be passing on each others news this Christmas. Bob Youl was another friend on my Christmas list who is no longer with us (he died several years ago). I am still living in the Ilford area (on my own since becoming a widower), but get up to London frequently and often pop into the Civil Service Club — keeping an eye out in case any of the old HMSO crowd might also have called in for a pint. I will have a trawl through some of the old photos I have accumulated over the years, to see if I still have any that might be of interest to you. With all best wishes, Tony Gummett.

 

 

23 November 2005 – From Bob Barnard

Dear Reg, Sorry I have not emailed you before now to thank you for sight of the ‘Retirements 1976-1986’ article. One item which interested me in particular was the reference to Code 13 21 and Ray (Fish) Whiting ordering the same. (I don’t think he really liked being called Fish). This code of course refers to MG glazed toilet tissue, which, from memory was 24 gsm (grammes per square meter) with a bursting strength of 21 lbs per square inch weighing 12 ozs per roll and a minimum of 800 sheets per roll. In my day as the EO in charge of S3D, the Section responsible for ordering toilet rolls, Mrs Lacey was the CO placing all the orders after I had agreed the quantities but because of the size of the orders they had to be signed by the HEO WAG Garwood and subsequently Mary Eagles. We ordered about 6 million rolls a year for the whole of the Civil Service, the Armed Services and Hospitals from Kitty Brewster and Japa Paper Products and a small firm in Tottenham (Cresta Products). Ray didn’t order toilet rolls, he either processed the ad hoc tenders or arranged running contracts.

I can still remember a lot of Supply Codes for tags laces, cellulose tapes web straps to name a few. I can also remember a good many service chargeable codes but never used them after leaving Supply in 1964.

I’m preparing to lead a walk on Norwich over the Water but once this is out of the way I will get down to writing something about when I joined HMSO on 19 March 1951. Regards Bob

 

 

10 November 2005 – Bob Allder (Ex St Stephen’s & Parly Press)

Bob organises a Christmas Dinner for ex Press staff and any HMSOldie would be most welcome. This year’s dinner is on Friday 9 December 2005, 6pm for 6.30pm, at “The Old Session’s House” Clerkenwell Green, London EC1, £30 inclusive of wine and gratuities. Click here for more details or contact Bob Allder on 020 8599 5198.

 

 

8 November 2005 – From Linda Lenton

Hi Reg, Just to let you know that the small group of ex HMSO Finance types will be meeting again on Monday 14 November, 8.30pm in the Glass House, Magdalen Street, Norwich. As always, everyone is welcome to join us. Regards, Linda.

 

 

6 November 2005 – From Alex Smith

Dear Reg, Pleased to see that the Web Site is flourishing again and that you are getting some very interesting contributions. The number of hits from foreign parts is amazing and shows how your idea has blossomed. Keep up the good work.

 

 

6 November 2005 – from Gloria & John Flynn

Hello Reg, Enjoyed reading some of the latest bits. We are in between visits to the Costa del Lowestoft and Bournemouth tomorrow so will study further on return. The person in the IA photo whose name you could not remember was Jenny Helbich, and J.Vince Fitzgibbon was never, as far as I know, in IA. It seems when the bar of the White Lion was suffering from wet rot, Vince volunteered to be a permanent prop! Regards, Gloria and John Flynn.

 

 

4 November 2005 – From Debs Green

Hello Reg, A belated reply to Gordon Robbie’s paragraph about him being a particularly ‘big hitter’. As my dad once told me, when I told him that I had heard this rumour, ‘Yeh, but ask him whether he can hit it straight as well!’. Debs Green, nee Taylor (Mike Taylor’s daughter).

 

 

4 November 2005 – Overwhelmed by the Boys in Blue and a Charles Clark lookalike

Hi Reg, I’ve just made one of my all-too-infrequent visits to the Oldies website, to catch up. Life has been busy for so many people, but no report from the Beer Festival yet.

Spotted at Dunston Hall helping the police with their enquiries, Charles Clarke making his way up the corridor towards the gents, but unaccompanied by any security officers. Then I realised that it wasn’t our Home Secretary but a look-alike in the form of one Robin Chapman, JP, who was there in his capacity as a member of the county Police Authority. The entrance board at the redbrick pile just outside the southern bypass noted a ‘Senior Management Away Day’ which must have left Police HQ at Wymondham quite deserted (at least I hope so — there were more senior managers there than we ever had in HMSO). Respect for my dining companion, who also happens to be in the force in a much lesser capacity, prevents me from revealing what the Chief Constable had in her doggy bag.

I hastened after the Laird of Diss and we had a quick natter: he is looking well, though perhaps more like CC than when he plodded the corridors of St Crispins, and with slightly more grey in the beard. But then if you were responsible for dispensing justice in these days of ASBOs your hair would probably turn grey — ah, no, it went beyond that years ago, didn’t it?

Interesting to see John Flynn’s IA Christmas pictures as we were only talking about Audit Christmas dinners at the same lunch do. I recalled that Audit could only revisit a hostelry for a Christmas meal if the management had changed as they were routinely banned from every place they went. The upper picture shows Colin Wood’s team in Sovereign House rather than out on the booze. This was prior to the roof repairs which caused our evacuation: only the civil service could have had floods on the top floor of a six-storey building. (Reminds me, I must dig out my copy of ‘The Internal Audit Lament’ sometime.)

I wonder who took the photo? Missing from the picture would be John Rowe and Larry Lewendon, and probably Alan Milburn. The young lady’s name escapes me as well, and I don’t think she was one of the secondees from the local accountancy firms that Colin thought would do us so well. Ian Billings

 

 

3 November 2005 – from Stuart McLaren

Dear Reg, Ever ready to blow my own trumpet and with Remembrance Sunday approaching, I thought I would let HMSOldies know that there is an article by me in the current issue of Norfolk Roots magazine about a young Norwich lad shot for desertion in 1917. Best wishes, Stuart McLaren

 

 

30 October 2005 – From Tom McNeill

Dear Reg, I have just heard of your site from Jim Richardson and like it a lot. It doesn’t half take me back reading of all those well known names. I was particularly interested to read that Andie Baptie, Ben Pearson, Alex Morris et al are still going strong. Keep up the good work. Best wishes, Tom McNeill (ex Edinburgh PP & Press and Manchester PP & Press).

 

Hello Tom, How good to hear from you . . . I see Jim McDonald, Roy Plackett, George James, Alan Cole, and various other Print/Manchester worthies on occasions and will pass on your good words . . . I see from the Blue Book that you joined HMSO in October 1969. Where have those 36 years gone? All the best, Reg.

 

 

26 October 2005 – from Jeanne Southgate

I wonder if the Oldies website could give some publicity to the ‘Original Norwich Charity Christmas card shop’ which I (and nearly 100 other volunteers) are working in from now until Christmas? The ‘shop’ has been going since 1966 basing itself in whatever empty shop the volunteers could find and negotiate temporary residence with the owners. Last year it was Queen Street. We hope we’ve now found a permanent home in the Oliver Messell Gallery in the Assembly House (with support from local solicitors).

The shop is open from now until 17 December from 10.00 am until 6.00 pm Monday to Saturday and from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm on Sunday. Over 20 charities — local and national — have their cards on sale. The shop is run totally by volunteers so 96% of the takings go to the charities. The newcomer in the business at the Forum does have paid staff we understand! Please come and buy — I’m on duty most Wednesday afternoons from 4 pm. Jeanne.

 

 

23 October 2005 – from Pat Kennedy

Dear Reg, Making my weekly visit to HMSOldies website in anticipation of your update, I came across my old friend Harry Teedon’s contribution [see Memories: Mixing with the Mighty] of some months ago in which he recalls attending a senior management seminar. He mentions that he and I were representing the staff side of HMSO and that I used to cycle up and down the Lancashire hills for exercise. Harry must be doting in his old age because it was the Yorkshire Dales and hills that I cycled up and down for exercise. Lancashire does not have any hills worth mentioning, apart from The Trough of Bowland between Clitheroe and Lancaster and a few bumps around Oldham approaching the Pennines. Your date for the senior management seminar held in 1969 was reasonably accurate: it was actually held shortly after my appointment on April Fool’s Day 1970 as the General Secretary Staff Side (GSSS not SSGS). I succeeded Harry in the post, who had served for three years 1967-70, during the hectic period of Dispersal from London to Norwich. Harry provided valuable continuity for the Staff Side by serving as the President of Staff Side for a further three years (1970-73). Regards, Pat Kennedy

 

 

13 October 2005 – HMSO Old Boys

The annual lunch meeting of the somewhat disparate and (some might say) politically incorrect group known as HMSO Old Boys was held in October, with 23 in attendance. Tributes were paid to three members no longer with us: Archie Foote, Eric Hendry and Ken Gooderham. Our ‘father of the house’ Jim Turner (his first pram was purchased in 1911) is currently at home, recovering after being hospitalised. (Alex Smith tells me that Jim’s son has introduced him to the HMSOldies site, so if you are reading this Jim, all the best to you!) Other Seniors such as Les Birch and George Furn could still also teach the younger ones present some tricks.

 

 

4 October 2005 – Stationery Office Golf Society

Gordon Robbie writes in to identify his Uncle Norman and Aunt Wilhelmina (both ex ITW Cornwall House in the early 1960s when the ‘mystery dancing couple’ were photographed by Brian Whitefield).

 

Gordon adds:

‘I see a piece from Brian Puplett in which he refers to me as the ‘big-hitting Secretary’ of the Stationery Office Golf Society. Flattery will get that boy anywhere! It leads me to record, however, never being one to hide my light under a bushel, that I recorded a winning 40 Stableford points at the recent tSO Golf Society meeting at Reymerston, including a brilliant birdie four at the par five 18th — a long straight drive right up the middle, a brilliant three iron to the edge of the green, a delicate chip and run to three feet and a single putt. That was on a Friday, however, and Sick transit gloria Monday. C’est la vie.

Incidentally, the Golf Society would welcome new members from among the HMSOldies readership, if any of them feel inclined. An approach to me for details would be very welcome. We have had our last meeting for this season, but 2006 is in the planning stage, and new faces would be very welcome at our AGM in the Royal Norwich Club House on 23 November 2005 at 1800 hours.’

 

 

4 October 2005 – HMSOldies Worldwide

I have little understanding of the Black Art that is computer technology, but there is a website which tells us how many ‘hits’ the site has received over a given period. I know that there is a strong element of ‘robot’ access, mainly from the USA, which is used to send us unwanted (if not unwelcome) advertisements for what, for propriety’s sake, I will call ‘Gentlemen’s Aids’ but surely that does not account for the widespread interest indicated by the following statistics taken during the month of August 2005:

USA: 1443 hits
Great Britain: 659 hits
Sweden: 41 hits
Canada: 8 hits
Australia: 6 hits
Saudi Arabia: 6 hits
Poland: 5 hits
Ivory Coast: 3 hits
Uruguay: 2 hits
Philippines, Brunei, Bahrain, Pakistan, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Germany, Senegal — one hit each.

Surely we can’t have ex HMSO people in all of these countries? If not, why the interest? We would very much like to know. I might even conduct a world tour to all the places involved, on expenses of course, if HMSOldies Management insist. Or perhaps I should just visit Ireland, France, Italy and Greece to find out why they haven’t bothered. And why hasn’t Albert During told his relatives in The Gambia about us?

* Some of the hits that appear to come from the USA are likely to be users of AOL and other ISPs (Internet service providers) that route the traffic via the USA. [RWS]

 

 

2 October 2005 – From Dave Poole

Reg, Met Roy and Brenda Plackett here in Spain in October and was informed of the HMSOldies website, so you can expect some input from me from time to time. Had a few drinks with Roy (see photo), tried to teach him how to order beer in Spanish. I think its going to take a while, he seems to be a slow learner — could be short term memory loss of course. Once I have digested all the information on the website I will be in touch. Adios, Dave Poole.

 

 

2 October 2005 — from Barry Palmer in Canada

Hi guys, hope by now you saw the picture of Jan and myself at Niagara Falls this summer, it was a real thrill meeting after our first meeting 46 years ago and there was a lot of history to discuss. It also appears that we both spent some time this summer travelling and in spite of the heat wave we both managed to find heavy rain. The five of us went to Thunder Bay at the western tip of Lake Superior as we had never been that way before and it took two days of driving to get there. I took the opportunity to give Bonnie some driving lessons towing our 26-foot trailer and she did very well. Scenery is marvelous up there but the wild life was hiding from us all except for one lonely wolf. We also went to an Indian pow-wow on the way back — very interesting. It is a treat to get away from the traffic, as it is very congested around Toronto, just like London. My son came back from B.C. and is now living with us, with his dog, which is like a small horse. He drives tractor-trailers and thought he might get more work here and he would also like to get back into computers. I seem to have hurt my back gardening and it is affecting my left leg as well so I’m having trouble walking too far at the present. Two kids are back at college and one at high-school now — seems to be never-ending (school), not like when we were growing up and went to work at 15-16. I should have more time as retirement is approaching very fast (15 months). Hope you all great summers. Barry

 

 

October 2005 – Unsolicited Recommendations

It’s getting to that boring time of year when we slap on the goose-fat and sew ourselves into the Winceyette undergarments. Or is that just me? Anyway, we thought it might be useful to set out recommendations for Accommodation, Restaurants, Bars etc. (UK and overseas) which might be of interest to those among us who have to travel away from their own kitchens on occasion. No commercial advertisements will be accepted, and no liability for food poisoning, overcharging, fleabites etc encountered.

To kick off, most of you will know that, as regards central London, the Civil Service Club in Great Scotland Yard offers excellent accommodation/food/drink, as does the Union Jack Club in Waterloo — anyone who has ever served in HM Forces or any Government Department is entitled to stay there, as I did recently (excellent double room £89 per night — breakfast extra). The Waterloo/Cut/Lower Marsh/Doon Street area has been smartened up/spoilt depending on your point of view, but the Evening Standard had it right in recommending Masters Superfish of 191 Waterloo Road (keep going southwards from The Old Vic): This is a traditional fish and chip emporium just south of Waterloo station. Large portions and good light batter. Good enough to have become a favourite stop-off on the way to the West End (020 7928 6924). I was last there some 10 years ago, and went again in October 2005. Best f&c I’ve had for ages — mushy peas, wallies, onions, reasonably priced bottle of house wine, huge piece of cod, friendly and incredibly speedy service. The place was full (but not too full) of taxi drivers, couriers, and families going to The Old Vic. And reasonably priced. There was so much that it took me half an hour to get my post-prandial pint of Guinness through it in The White Hart, Cornwall Road. Too much information?

And while you are down that way, Borough Market, a thriving quality food market open on Fridays and Saturdays with stalls specialising in organic produce, delicatessen, cheese, wines, meats, game, fish, and imported foods; Spitalfields Market (breakfast at the S&M café, with bubble and squeak) and The Imperial War Museum (memories of WW2 evacuation — very evocative) are all very much worth a visit.

 

 

24 September 2005 — Don Burgess Remembered

John Eason reports: On 24 September 2005 a group of Don’s family and friends met on the banks of the River Yare at Cantley to be present at the handing over to the local Parish Council of a seat dedicated to the memory of Don Burgess, who had died in January 2004. (Don joined HMSO in 1967 from another Department, which he joined in 1955 at the age of 24). Former colleagues from Audit and PS, and other Divisions of Blessed memory, included Gordon Robbie, Chris Penn, Tom Robinson, Jim McGregor, Dee Smallridge, Brian and Margaret Perry, Anne and John Eason. Iris Carey, Bob’s widow, was also present.

The weather proved kind and the sun was shining, although the ground was still damp from earlier downpours. By a happy coincidence as the ceremony began yachts came racing down on their way downstream in an annual race, and after Connie had made a short speech, the seat, made entirely from recycled materials and firmly bolted to terra firma to prevent it going into the river, was accepted by the Chairman of the Council, who outlined the plans to develop that part of the river bank into a pleasant spot for the inhabitants to relax. When contemplating the view of the river, they might also like to recall the fact that Connie had chosen that very spot to take one of her two unplanned swimming lessons in the days when Don had his beloved boat moored there.

The ceremony concluded with music from a local Silver Band, followed by copious eats and drinks in the Burgess bungalow, which it must be said has been subject to a few changes in the last year or so. A very nice occasion, which Don himself would have appreciated. We raised our glasses to his memory, and reminisced on days past, as HMSOldies are apt to do.

 

 

21 September 2005 – From Pat Kennedy

Dear Reg, Thank you for stirring my memories of a bygone, but exciting age with HMSO. I have looked up the Christmas 1968 Review — the cover drawing still brings a smile to my face. Philip Marriage may recognise the Letraset letters that Graphic Design gave me on one occasion (used offcut sheets with a few letters left on unused), I used the offcuts, shading etc in several subsequent cartoons. Now that you know the identity of YorkY you will be able to cull all my drawings done for the Review over about a five or six-year period from the late 60s to the mid-70s. I still hold most of the originals and might look up some of my favourites for submission to you for possible use . . . Best wishes from Pat Kennedy.

 

 

20 September 2005 – from Pat Kennedy

Dear Reg, Firstly my congratulations to you and your web development team for a superb effort in producing the HMSOldies website and for your editorial excellence in stringing together all the contact messages of contributors in such a readable format.

I am grateful to Jack Palmer, a former Deputy Director in Print Procurement, for letting me know of the existence of the HMSOldies website. Jack was a prolific cartoonist contributor to the pages of SO Review for several years. He cartooned under the guise of various non-de plumes while I tried unsuccessfully to emulate him, but produced a drawing rather than a cartoon, under the pen name of YorkY (my identity revealed at last!). During my eleven years served in Norwich in Print Procurement and Supply divisions, I served for three years as the General Secretary, Staff Side (GSSS), succeeding Harry Teedon. It proved to be a very hectic post-dispersal period, following the highly successful dispersal from London operation in 1968. Publishing the monthly SO Review gave the Staff Side and a succession of Editors some many headaches in dragging copy out of reluctant contributors. Contrary to popular belief, the editorial page was the responsibility of the GSSS who had to burn midnight oil at home to produce a factual and interesting piece. I recall on one occasion having to provide the Editor with copy for eight of the twenty-four pages. In those days the magazine was printed by Leslie Pierce a retired HMSO Printing Officer, who produced each issue on a letterpress machine in his garage!

I hope your memory banks and those of your readers can just about remember me! I faded from the Norwich scene in 1979 on promotion to Manchester, succeeding Jim McDonald as Assistant Director Manchester under Richard Dunn.

A succession of Manchester directors seemed to flow above me in the twelve or so years I remained in post (longer than Margaret Thatcher served as Prime Minister), including Bob Norris, George James, Alan Cole, George Rokhar and Alex Mackie, who finally saw me off at my retirement do in October 1992 after 33 years with HMSO. My wife and I moved to St Albans in 1995 to live nearer to our daughters.
Best wishes, Pat Kennedy.

 

 

14 September 2005 — St Crispins, Norwich

An unexpected invitation to sample the excellent wares still provided by Nigel in the Atrium at St Crispins had me thinking that they might want me (as Vice Chairman of the Pipe Club of Norfolk) to perform the official opening ceremony for new bus-shelter style Smoking Ghetto strategically placed in the car park and ideally situated as a night shelter for local itinerants. But no. They seem to be waiting for Ken Clark to do the honours as part of his forthcoming Leadership tour.

The entrance hall has been remodeled splendidly, doubtless reducing Robin Kelly’s budget to nothing more than a bag of golf balls. Speaking of Office Services personnel, I am pleased to report that Sean Cooper got married this Summer, and is happily commuting by bike and train from Lowestoft to keep the building from sinking under its weight in disposables.

My visit coincided with a report in the Eastern Daily Press headlined Bosses set for shares sell-off: strong set of half-year results at office supplies firm. The firm in question is Office2office, sometime Banner Business Supplies. HMSO used to call it Business Supplies. Or Supplies. Or Supply Division.

The article continued:

Directors and senior managers . . . yesterday announced their intention to sell part of their multi-million pound shareholding . . . with pre-tax profits up 19% at £5.7m before share option and exceptional costs, on turnover up 5% at £75.5m. The business floated in June 2004 and since then its shares have risen strongly from 178p to 284.5p, valuing the company at some £105m. Directors and senior managers currently held 23.8% of the total share capital and intended to sell up to a quarter of that holding. Mr Peck (Chief Executive) said that the company had taken 5000 sq.ft. of extra space at its Norwich HQ to cope with the growth in staff numbers. Office2office now employs 250 people in Norwich and a further 555 across the UK.

The HMSO staff list dated 1 April 1990 shows Supplies Division with total staff of 516 out of an office-wide total of 2223.

 

 

Steve Ward – Half a lifetime with HMSO/tSO

A good week for what, to some, might be called the tSO Annex, with yet another celebration (good to see a firm still capable of celebrating the work ethic). This time it was Steve Ward, ex professional footballer, current professional printer. Unbelievably, he reached the age of 50. If you think he looks young for his age, you should see his wife Jayne, who added some sophistication to the event, with their seven year old daughter Molly. Steve joined HMSO 25 years ago, so he now knows where half of his life has gone.

I turned up late, and things were in full swing. Many of the attendees at the Brian Daniels event were there — Jim Marshall, Phil Wilks, Paul Harvey, Joe Bishop, Bob Nelson, Mike Yemm and Tony Johnson Also conspicuous were Robin Kelly, Ian Carter, Alan Low, Pauline White, Corinne Barker, Keith Champ, Steve Whitnell (up from Nine Elms), Darren Rayner and Liz Hart plus several friends not connected with either HMSO, tSO or even Print . . . Good to keep up your outside contacts. You never know.

 

 

1 September 2005 – Brian Daniels – Thirty Years On

What were you doing in 1975? Watching the first episodes of The Sweeney and The Good Life on television? Listening to the UK entry for Eurovision Song Contest — Let Me Be The One by The Shadows. It came second, since you ask. We were liked by most of Europe in those days. Or were you dancing to the Number One hits of the year, including If by Telly Savalas; Bye Bye Baby by the Bay City Rollers; Sailing by Rod Stewart; Whispering Grass by Windsor Davis and Don Estelle; Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. Speaking of The Queen, that is just what Brian Daniels was doing in 1975: enlisting into the service of The Queen by joining HMSO (Norwich) on 1 September. He has remained in Print ever since, transferring to tSO upon privatisation, and he generously celebrated the event by inviting friends and colleagues past and present to mark the occasion.

His first Technical Officer, Peter Staples made it, as did other retirees — Joe Bishop, Bob Nelson, David Berwick, Derek Regnier, John Payne, Reg Walker. A solitary representative from today’s HMSO was Lynda Marshall, and from current tSO Julie Pointer, Liz Hart, Michele Staple, Nodge Carnegie, Phil Wilks, Jim Marshall, Steve Ward, Tony Johnson, Mike Yemm, Paul Harvey. Representative Astron-auts were Cathy Mason, Sandy Butt, Ian McCall, Dave Owen, John Rollason. Apologies for those I missed — the glare from Brian’s solid gold commemorative pocket watch blinded me. Or was it from his pint glass?

Others could not make it due to Annual Leave, the need to keep their jobs, or plain forgetfulness. I know why Corinne Barker was not there — I saw her in Sainsbury’s later in the afternoon (I did not make myself known, as I always wear a bag over my head when I’m in there).

 

 

30 Aug 2005– Monthly miscellany

Not the Publishing News

During the early 1990s a small group (possibly as small as a single HEO) of Publications staff with what we might call a less than respectful attitude to Management and all its latest works produced an underground magazine for circulation among like-minded souls. John Flynn was working in Internal Audit at the time, and doubtless acquired a copy by way of official investigation. The photocopy quality is too poor to reproduce, so if anyone has a good copy and wants to see some of it on HMSOldies, please contact the Editor. Meanwhile, we reproduce an item entitled ‘Phrases Teaser:’

‘Who said that, or who regularly says that? That’s our teaser for this edition.

Put names to the following phrases:’

1. With the best will in the world and with the deepest respect . . .
2. No overtime!
3. Our response should be provocative and action-centred.
4. They’re just not listening!
5. Hang on a minute — I’ve got to bale out this little lot.
6. If you go to the Friendly Lodge it will be seen that you are interested in the organisation.
7. I will pay you back, Emily.
8. Well, they can stuff it. I’m really at my wits end!
9. . . . and I’m doing an NVQ . . .
10. The proofs are in the post.
11. Don’t worry — by the time you reach the top of your pay ladder and have little or no headroom, we will have something else in place.
12. . . . I didn’t realise I had an action point . . .

The answers to this quiz sadly do not show the name of the officer responsible for the first quotation, but the others are attributed as follows. By the way, the Management of HMSOldies cannot be held responsible for any scurrilous, vengeful or plainly incorrect attributions made by the thankfully anonymous Editor of NTPN.

1. Illegible
2. Jim McGregor
3. Chris Southgate.
4. Peter Wall (has this anything to do with ‘Walls have Ears’ or am I reading too much into all this?).
5. Phillip Brooks.
6. Hilary Lynn.
7. Pat Walsh (as Coronation Street’s Shamir — obviously an in-joke among in-jokes).
8. Most Publishing staff.
9. Jim Wretham (at least it did him some good — he’s one of the few left with HMSO).
10. Steve Ward (and he’s still saying it).
11. Eddie Perry.
12. John Hudson.

 

 

Infernal Audit

John Flynn’s annals also includes a list of Internal Audit staff. There are 47 names on the list, which does not go back as far as the days when Bill Lyon worked to Peggy Page (still living in Poringland, I hear) and before, nor indeed the New Audit days of Graham Heaford (currently with C&E Felixstowe, I think). In date order, with no frills as my fingers are getting tired and want to get themselves around a late-night Guinness and Horlicks, they are as follows, from 1964-1989:

McGarry, Dungate, Burgess, McGregor, Bracken, Fullman, Burberry, DK Morgan, Lewendon, MF Wilson, Pirouet, MJ Betts, DK Coleman, JF King, AA Wilde, Seppings, AG Moore, Prochera, Low, Slaughter, Higenbottam, C Jones, Bullock, JL Betts, JW Rose, Hacker, Evison, Flynn, PS Griffiths, Ms JJ Archer, Howes, Milburn, Riches, Ms C Buddery, C Wood, D Carter, Billings, JB Roberts, J Rowe, Lewendon (typically he returned for another dose), Ms J Helbich, J Watts, Gollop, Graves, Larby, S Allen, Ms J Drake, Ricketts.

Where are they all now, and do some of them still wear the Deacon Brodie ties on Fridays for fear of having to buy heavily in the bar?

 

 

Peter John Bradbury – 70 not out (but hardly ever in)

Peter joined HMSO Print as a ‘Post-War Open Examination Entrant on 20 February 1961 (the same day as Terry Whiston). On 30 August 2005 he celebrated his 70th birthday, and a few days before that he was invited to buy drinks for the Friday Club. Naturally, there was a near 100% attendance for this event. Roy Plackett also attended a birthday dinner for Peter at the King’s Head, Hethersett, on 27 August, and writes as follows:

‘Many old pals reflected upon the countless stories that saw our ‘Bradders’ overcoming disasters with hilarious consequences. Some great tales were retold, surely reflecting the hopeless optimism of the man, and would rival ‘Fawlty Towers’ if turned into a television sitcom. How he survived thus far in one piece defies all the odds, and lesser men would have sunk without trace! He has now reached legendary status.

The Friday Club rendered a nautical ditty, penned by TG Smith and Bradders was seen to wipe away a tear or two, which perhaps was unjustified as members were only a shade under-rehearsed, and allowance should be made for inebriation. During the performance, the Bradbury family looked on in deep trauma and observed proceedings with mutual incomprehension, as if they had left the real world behind them. However, the Friday Club felt that they had introduced some culture to the event, and much backslapping was observed on their way back to the bar. Jim and Ross Richardson made the ‘do’ from Manchester and Jim, who was also 70 in June, managed to collect sponsorship money for a sky diving parachute jump, which involves freefall speeds of around 120mph. This takes place on 4 September, and the mad fool will report how it went later.

A great night that lived up to expectations. Cheers, Bradders!’

 

 

What the Papers Say

Nothing much in the newspapers this month as regards HMSO staff. We hope that our Cuttings Service has not dissuaded them from writing to the Press (certainly hasn’t for Marguerite Finn, who now has her own website). However, the following item was spotted in an article on the open-air screening of films outside the Norwich Forum in the Eastern Daily Press on 19 August 2005:

‘Alfred Wiggins, 67, of Norwich — on his way home from a night out — thought it an excellent idea.’ You’re not safe anywhere these days, are you Alf?

 

 

Ivy Lee Notches Up Ninety

The legendary Mrs A Ivy Lee joined HMSO in May 1941, as a ’34,000 Scheme Entrant.’ Although Ivy spent much of her time in Publications, the April 1952 Staff List shows that she was then a Clerical Officer in Supplies, listed on the same page as George Redman, Sid Greig, Bert Diver, Arthur Aldersley, Frankie Day, Ernie Thorp, Ron Barker, Mavis McGillvray, Paddy Epstein, Pat Walsh, Dick Laundy, John Nash, Len Reinbach . . . Luckily I can’t remember all the stories Joe Delaney told me on our Mundesley course in 1975. However, I am sure that many were told at her celebratory party. Judy Tassell reports:

‘Ivy’s birthday party was very well attended, but unfortunately we (Judy and John) were the only HMSO people there. The other guests invited were away on holiday at the time, so we had to fly the flag and of course drink her health in Champagne (many times) on their behalf. It’s tough, but someone had to do it. Despite having hip and eye operations in recent years, Ivy appears to be in excellent form and still goes to meet her friends regularly to play bridge. She still drives, although only locally and in daylight, and still lives in her flat in Sidcup. She tells me that she started work for HMSO in Princes Street in Westminster, but was soon relocated to Keysign House, which she says was a very popular move with the staff as it was situated opposite Selfridges.’

 

 

27 August 2005 – from Tony Garrett

I worked briefly in Atlantic House in the early 1970s under Peter Branfield, so one or two photos on the site have been very evocative indeed. I came across the site after wondering if Peter was still around, and found many old friends there, particularly remembering Nodge Carnegie, Philip Marriage, Bobbie Westaway and, of course, Dave Challis (with whom I still exchange Christmas cards, though I haven’t seen him for some years). I am still grafting at The Times, so if you read the newspaper you will inevitably see recent examples of my work, maps, drawings etc. But I must say that the typographic training I had at Atlantic House has stood me in good stead over the years, even in the computer age. My very best wishes to anyone who remembers me and a special message to Philip Marriage: do you still go for the pollo cacciatori?’

 

This correspondence prompted some vigorous nostalgia from Messrs Garratt, Marriage and Arnoldi, will tales involving impressions of the vocal talents of Peter Pears, exploding Cow Gum tins etc. Tony has friends in Norwich, and visits occasionally, so watch out for him.

 

 

7 August 2005 – An apology: Ernie Downs

Sir, Having nothing better to do I have been getting up to date on the information (gossip) in your invaluable? publication. Looking at the photograph of the last Friday in the month group and accompanying text I find that I am mentioned but that my name has been spelt incorrectly. I may sue. E Downs

 

Dear Mr Downs, Profuse apologies for this unforgivable solecism. I wondered where I had put that spare letter ‘e’. No doubt we will also receive a Solicitor’s letter from Mr Downes, whoever he is. R Walker (Editor).

 

 

6 Aug 2005 – Friday Club Frolics

‘The Friday Club’ (see previous article and pictures) visited the CAMRA London Beer Festival at Olympia, courtesy of an award-winning Norfolk brewery. Ringleader Plackett started the day in the coach at 7.45 am by quaffing a pint of ‘Wherry’ , followed by many hot sausages and further liquid refreshment en route. A rather unusual female passenger promoted the merits of beer drinking in a voice more suited to a company sergeant major than a quiet coach ride! Many pleasant memories of the day survive even though one Peter Bradbury left his admission ticket at home and had to grovel to obtain a replacement from the Ringleader. Most members had almost sobered up by the time the coach dropped us off at the Park & Ride. Ask Peter to explain why his car was the only one locked in the car park overnight! Cecil H. Hughes

 

 

6 Aug 2005 – A piece of HMSO history for sale, for £21,600,000

Hot on the heels of the July article in the Eastern Daily Press supplement extolling the wonders of Anglia Square, on 6 August the newspaper printed an article headed Anglia Square goes on market for £21.6m —owner admits shopping and office complex needs redevelopment.

Chris Starkie’s EDP article continues: ‘ . . . Anglia Square includes a shopping centre, two large empty office blocks, a Hollywood cinema, and a collection of car parks . . . (it) generates an income of £1.2m from tenants . . . the ten acre site . . . attracts about 200,000 visitors a week. The office blocks on the site — Sovereign House and Gildengate House — remain empty and are acknowledged as two of the biggest blots on Norwich’s landscape. Sovereign House was built in 1968 for the Stationery Office following its relocation from London. The building, which is more than 100,000 sq.ft., has not been occupied for more than five years and is in bad repair. It was caught up at the centre of a Parliamentary row after the Cabinet Office was saddled with a £1m bill for repairs and liability for rent. The Government, however, bought itself out of these liabilities. Four years ago Quintain proposed a scheme to redevelop Sovereign House and rename it Aurum House. Norwich City Council has more recently considered converting it into an hotel. Gildengate House was formally the home of the county archives which relocated to new premises at County Hall in 2003. It has been empty ever since. The site also includes a 750 space multi-storey car park and a neighbouring surface which are both currently let to NCP, as well as a number of other parcels of land used as car parking by RCP and vacant derelict land on Edward Street and Botolph Street.’

Interesting. Must have a word with the lady from Limerick who won all that money on the Euro Lottery. She might be interested in a project to turn it all into a ‘HMSO Theme Park’ along the lines of Alton Towers. Extreme Paperkeeping, Dodge the Pay Duty, HEO Ducking, Guess the Weight of the Paperclips, Stop the Leaks in the Computer Block, Poke the Printer, Tea Trolley Slalom — could be on to a winner.

 

 

1 August 2005 – One hundred and fifty days

The first of August 2005 marks 150 days of the HMSOldies website. Endless pages of Information Circulars ; 21 pages of Memories, from the 1948 memoirs of David Roberts through synopses of 1977 Information Circulars (all those promotion boards!), right through to the present day. There are currently 74 Pictures , the earliest from 1914, and 15 people have been brave enough to kick off the ‘Where are they now and where have they been?’ People section.

Some very interesting correspondence has already been received from Canada, France, USA, Australia, Edinburgh, Belfast, London, Norwich. More from Bristol, Manchester, Gateshead, the old HMSO Regional Branches, Warehouses and Presses, Basildon, Cairo, BIS New York (c/o Messrs Furn and Rhodes); the lucky soul who did firewatch at Keysign House and anyone who survived a night out with Stan Smith, Marge Todd and John Doherty in The Barley Mow or The Craven Club would be excellent.

We hope to encourage correspondence from far and wide by any means possible in an effort to keep the Editor’s ramblings under control. To this end, there will henceforth be a prize for the Letter of the Month. The unique aspect of this alluring offer is that the writer can nominate the prize he/she wishes to receive. I can’t wait to read your responses. By the way, whatever you ask for, the prize is likely to be a pint in the Norwich Fat Cat. Unless your idea sounds better.

So if you have not accessed the site recently, please do so- if only to express your outrage at the Social Diary for 13-31 July which appears in the Information Circular section. Please send in your photos, reminiscences, scandals, and Enemies Reunited stuff. I can ensure anonymity if necessary.

And it’s all free.

 

 

13–31 July 2005 – Social Diary

A correspondent we will refer to pseudonymously as D. Phroat confirms the existence of The Jolly Tilers (see article in Memories). It was indeed a social gathering between the elite of CSD/CCTA and ICL, the computer company favoured by the then Government. Such favour was subsequently deemed to be against best competitive practice and the Tilers (and eventually ICL) was dispatched into history.

Another correspondent, who is anything but a pseudonym, is Gordon Grant Robbie (a first of April baby, I recall, and his parents knew something, giving him Christian names of heroes of both the Gin and Whisky trades). Gordon has just returned from holiday in western Scotland, and writes as follows: ‘I managed to visit all eight distilleries on Islay in one day, with photographic record to prove it. Is this a record? (note to Messrs MacCallum, Morris, Veitch, Hamilton, Baptie, Currie, Ross and Pearson — plus of course Les Birch — this is what is called a challenge). The eight are Caol Ila, Bunnahabhain, Bowmore, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Bruichladdich and Kilchoman. The latter is so new that they are still building it (a bit of scaffolding doesn’t deter Gordon) but they have already got their sign up and opened a distillery shop. They hope to come to market in 2010. We were staying on the Mull of Kintyre near Tarbert, which I can strongly recommend as a decent place to eat and drink, with any amount of local fish, meat and distilled delight on offer. Just to indulge another of my personal favourites, I am off to Wales in August for the Brecon Jazz Festival. Keep up the good work with HMSOldies — better than Cassandra and Simon Hoggart.’ Praise indeed. Incidentally, I await with interest Gordon’s response to our two ‘mystery pictures’ from 1960 and 1964.

And on the subject of self-effacing Scots, it was a pleasure to be hailed from the inside of a Norwich Barber’s shop by Harry Currie, looking as young and hairy as ever (if that doesn’t persuade him to send me that promised item, nothing will). Also pounding the highways, Brian Lambirth in a near-vintage Mini van, painted a most elegant yellow (I didn’t catch the pantone number); Michael Graves (I didn’t catch the pantone number of his socks either). In London, with Brian Ekers (taking a turn back in England from Spain) was Bob Rice (a well known contractor in his days with 3M and Formara). He was seen enjoying his retirement job (still repping but closer to home in Huntingdon). And who should appear on the television one Tuesday night? Chris Gould, who was in Supplies for a while, made a commendable appearance on Mastermind, and on a proper specialist subject too. Jack Keating on good form, talking of another trip to America; Sheila Blowers, Ruth White on their way to St Crispins and Dave Higenbottam, Andy Williams, Robin Kelly all escaping for a few minutes. Peter Lince boasting deck trousers and a new haircut (his first words to me were ‘it’s getting huge!’ (luckily he was referring to HMSOldies). Peter still sees Ray Dineen and Colin Harris, the ageing juvenile lead from Dereham.

Granville Reed hailed me on his daily walk down that saddest of Norwich highways, Magdalen Street. Alright, St Augustine’s might be sadder. And don’t get me started on newly-constructed shopping malls. And new buildings for the Home Office, DEFRA or whichever Government Department is listed to move to Norwich? Put them in Sovereign and Gildengate, the grandest of Civil Service accommodation a few decades ago. Why, Sovereign House gained the accolade of being voted second ugliest building in East Anglia (after the Fakenham Happy Eater, if I remember rightly). But (as usual) I must be wrong. A magazine entitled Summer in Norwich 2005 drops through the door with the Eastern Daily Press. I quote: ‘Anglia Square has been providing excellent shopping in Norwich since 1966, when it was built to provide shopping and leisure facilities for the staff of HM Stationery Office . . . shoppers can start the day with a mouth-watering breakfast from one of the many cafés overlooking the flowery square, then take their time over the many shops around the centre . . . As well as offering a huge variety of shops and restaurants, Anglia Square is within 30 seconds walk of popular Magdalen Street (which) has become famous for its niche market of antique shops and stalls earning it the title of the ‘Portobello Road’ of Norwich, catering for the eagle-eyed bargain spotter as well as the seasoned collector . . . ’ Sounds like just the place for a holiday. Wonder if the Cat and Fiddle does rooms?. A late note from an incredibly busy but boiling-with-rage Marguerite Finn arrives just before the deadline. The reason for her rage? An anonymous letter in the Norwich Evening News commenting on the proposed influx of civil servants into Norwich (see above) in the following terms ‘ . . . what possible advantage can there be in bringing to this county hundreds of useless civil servants who produce no wealth at all and merely create problems by their obsession with regulations and red tape . . . their presence . . . would exacerbate . . . road congestion and car-parking facilities.’ And so on. To the rescue comes Marguerite, with a vigorous defence of ‘the best civil service in the world’ and the influence of HMSO staff in Norfolk over the past 37 years. I wonder if they will print it, and if the writer of the letter (one of the legions of Norwich car-park obsessive, no doubt) will reveal himself (must be a man, surely?).

A welcome note from Peter McAuley sends good wishes from Dan Lavery (tSO Belfast) and Pat Catney (alright, he didn’t work for HMSO, but he ran The Kitchen Bar, the best pub in the vicinity of IDB House if not the whole six counties). John Straghan is currently Premises Officer for NI Court Service; Walter Roberts has now retired from the wedding stationery business; Esther Murdock (Esther Deyermond as was) is with Banner Belfast. We are due a visit to Belfast in September, and will report back. Any messages? Who wants some dulce, or a bag of yellow man? Barbara Robbins joined HMSO in 1968 and was top of the tree of Personal Secretaries when she left in 1996. She still sees Mary Weatherhead, Beryl Deane, among others, and tells me that Mary Robinson is currently back in England on holiday from Australia (perhaps she wants to see the cricket team seen off in style?). Also correspondence from John and Gloria Flynn, recalling Pay Duty: ‘There was a cunning mechanism called the ‘secret total’ whereby the cashier would maintain an amount known only to himself. At the end of filling the packets, the amount over had to be exactly right, to prevent the temptation to slip in 1d or two into a packet, if short. Then off in the SO van to the wilds of Colindale etc.’ They also have copies of the notorious Not the Publishing News, and Internal Audit Quotable Quotes, 1982-87. Could be interesting. And an email from Esther Mackay, one of we few ITW survivors (must have a reunion in The Cornwall Arms) who is currently with DFES in Victoria. She also keeps up with Bill Baggs (last seen at Nine Elms?).

Who is featured in the national and local press during the dog days of July? Chris Stiven only stayed with HMSO for a couple of years — BS Marketing from 1994 — and is now running her own PR firm, which entitles her to a Lifestyle column in the local paper. She still manages more social activity in a weekend than I can remember achieving in a year. On the other hand, who would have thought that MJM Salt, that most cerebral of officers, would write to the Daily Telegraph and include the words ‘ . . . able to identify pink Uggs, let alone fake pink Uggs . . .’ Anyone interested in the reasons for this outburst should consult the Telegraph for 20 July. Sorry, Mike — it must be our age: I have just sent my (first ever) message to the BBC. Regarding Mark Lamarr. Don’t ask. By the way, the headline on the back page of my Sunday newspaper proclaimed ‘Freeman Destroys Wexford.’ Has our ex-Controller introduced Quality Circles into the Irish demolition business? It appears not — I take the Irish Independent and it was some sporting event. Someone else appearing in the Daily Telegraph is the Tory leadership contender, David Davis: ‘At 56, he comes-as he puts it — from ‘an older generation.’ He did not change nappies, opting instead to teach his children to ski and scuba-dive to make them brave.’ Good grief.

D Davis (and Mike Sarne, né Micky Scheuer, and Sir William Armstrong, né little Billy Armstrong, and Jim Berry, né ADF1, if you will allow a few names to drop) all went to Bec school in Tooting, as did I. Davis was three years my junior, so I did not know him (although I very much hope he was one of the ‘weeds’ thrown into the water tank during initiation rituals). He must have been taught by those new wave teachers: I am still changing nappies, even though they are my own, and wouldn’t know a scuba if I dived for one. Is this getting too self-indulgent? I really hope so.

 

 

18 July 2005 – MPs worried about HMSO at last

Correspondent Fred Kennedy (ex DHSS) receives the Prospect Newsletter, produced by the Union now incorporating IPCS. In June 2005, they followed up the ‘HMSO disbanded’ theme (which also appeared in the Daily Mail, as mentioned on this site) as follows: ‘The sound of glasshouses crashing could be heard all over Westminster last month as Conservative MPs thundered in an early day motion about their deep concern that HMSO had been downgraded and given the new title of Office of Public Sector Information. They expressed disquiet at the wiping out of Britain’s historic ties with royal institutions and called on the government to re-establish the royal connection to HMSO. Hilarious, really, from the party that privatised HMSO nine years ago and changed the name of 99% of the organisation to The Stationery Office.’

Once again, the Head of Publishing Services has refuted this claim. He showed me his visiting card, which proudly shows that Her Majesty’s Stationery Office still appears (albeit third on the list to Cabinet Office and OPSI).

 

 

12 July 2005 – Geoff Harper

A pleasing note from over the great pond — who remembers Geoff Harper? He was a Pre-Press apprentice at Parliamentary Press, Mandela Way from 1989-1992 and worked on until 1994. He is very keen to contact his fellow apprentice John Ruchpal and Reg Couldry. He is currently in USA and would like their (or others’) Email addresses.

 

 

10 July 2005 – Ivor R Hosgood MBE: Now the truth can be told

A new book, HMSO related — I’ll take you where the music’s playing — was published on Sunday 10 July (the launch being held in Ivor’s house in Buxton). The copiously illustrated volume, which is partly autobiographical and partly essay, also contains contributions from four local poets and three prominent churchmen (all with East Anglian connections) as well as the former and present laureates, Sir John Betjeman and Andrew Motion. Other contributions have been made by the National Foundation for Youth Music and Laka D. The cost of production has been generously sponsored by Xerox (UK) Ltd and copies at £9.95 include an 80 minute compact disc of some of Ivor’s favourite music. They are being sold in aid of the Norfolk Youth Music Trust, which seeks to help highly talented young people in their aim to become professional musicians. More details are obtainable from the Secretary at 4 Church Close, Buxton, Norwich NR10 5ER (tel: 01603 279742; email [email protected])

Ivor adds that he has recently encountered ‘that rare animal, a Temporary Printing Officer, in North Norfolk. John Riggott (whom some technical staff may remember from the 1980s) moved with his wife Sue to the county’s North coast from Hebden Bridge towards the end of 2004.’

 

 

1–12 July 2005 – Social Diary

So what has this bate-breeder, bed-swerver, imperseverant rancid mome to offer you this month? (In the unlikely event that you are in doubt as to the meaning, take down from the shelves your copy of Rooke’s Shakespeare’s Dogs and turn to page 15). As you may be able to tell, I have been asked to notch up the literary content of this olla-podrida. Nurse, I’ve come over all Theroux.

We start with a report espied by John Eason in The Guardian dated 23 June 2005. The headline ‘Abbot hurt in Rome hit and run’ gave way to a story whereby ‘The head of a community of Benedictine Monks in Kent has been seriously injured in a hit and run incident in Rome. Father Laurence O’Keeffe was struck by at least one motorcycle . . . as the 62 year old cleric lay unconscious in the street, the riders fled . . . . Father O’Keeffe, Abbot of St. Augustine’s Abbey in Ramsgate was in Rome for celebrations to mark the blessing of new clerics in his order. London born Father Laurence was ordained in 1970 . . . and elected Abbot in 1996 . . .’. Older readers may remember the Abbot as John O’Keeffe, who worked in Contracts Division, Atlantic House, in the early 1960s.

Correspondence from Jean Storey, who was a Personal Secretary 1974-1996, mainly in London and sometime working in that oft-forgotten corner of HMSO, Golden Cross House. I remember having friendly discussions there with Ted Smith, Peggy Drake and other SOGAT luminaries to a background of the 24 hour, day in day out chants of ‘Free Nelson Mandela’ from outside the South African Embassy next door. Jean is in happy retirement in Cromer. John Rumball reports recent contact with Vic White, who joined HMSO in 1967 after 31 years in the Board of Trade. Vic was EO/HEO in ITW/Finance and came to Norwich with the advance party. One of the early photographs on the HMSOldies site was taken from a Norwich Evening News article, and showed Vic in Sovereign House in 1968. He is now, at 91, living in Devon and occasionally visits his daughter in Norfolk.

The Norfolk Social Scene inevitably includes messing about on the river, or, as the following correspondence from Roy Plackett indicates, missing a boat on the river:

‘Readers will no doubt like to know that the Poringland Pauper (Thomas G Smith, class of ’57) is alive and well and complaining that nobody buys him a pint any more following a trouser-threatening boating calamity on the Norfolk Broads after lunch with the Friday Club (see diaries passim) on the first day of July. Our water-logged correspondent informs us that TG Smith’s life hung in the balance as he gracefully sunk up to his money-belt in the River Bure. The Friday Club, sinews and thews honed to perfection for such an event, snapped into action like a coiled spring and, acting as one man, averted disaster. To the casual observer it may have looked like an arcane Masonic ceremony when Messrs Bradbury and Davie managed to secure his armpits, although the weight of the Smith wallet greatly impeded the rescue. TG slowly emerged from the deep, somewhat more crumpled and sodden than usual. Cecil Hedley Hughes rushed to remove the dripping shoes and socks and offered, as it was approaching Trafalgar Day, the Hardy-esque “Kiss of Life”. This was ungraciously refused by TG, who compounded this rebuff by refusing to remove the stylish Asda Deck Trousers for drying on the flagpole. Admittedly, some fairly large seagulls were salivating overhead and sizing up possible delicacies on offer. The official photographer, the rich man’s answer to Lord Lichfield Allan Reid, missed a scoop in the melee as his camera again lacked both film and batteries (he has only just upgraded from plate and magnesium flash, so it was only to be expected). The Captain, who wishes to remain anonymous, supervised the rescue and TG has promised to buy heavily. Not new trousers (he still retains the innate economy of a Man of Durham despite his Poringland patois) but drinks for the entire ship’s company for saving his life.’ Must get in on that.

As far as the local press is concerned, photographs of local grandees in attendance at the Norfolk Show produced no HMSO connection other than a shot of someone named Alan Cole, who has either suffered intensive plastic surgery under the Witness Protection Scheme or someone has borrowed his identity (he’ll be sorry when he sees the size of his slate in The Fat Cat). Mike Betts was at the show, presiding over the Woodforde’s beer tent as a follow up to his success at Glastonbury (selling beer again, not supporting Bananarama or whoever featured this year). There was a letter in the Norwich Evening News from one Tony Drewry of Alpington. Could it be the same AW Drewry who bought offset-litho consumables so expertly in S4c before going to the rest home for intellectuals that was CCTA? No mention of the heroic charity cycle ride undertaken by a certain ex Director of Furniture, but I suppose that London to Brighton is out of the range of local interest.

On the streets, correspondents have spotted Devon and Sonya Williams, and a fine collection of stage-door Johnies and Johnettes, including a CBE, at the Cromer End-of-the-Pier show. Then, Let Joy Be Unconfined (a girl, since you ask, 4 kilos plus, mother and daughter doing well) — who should be sashaying along St George’s Street but the only lady I allow to touch my Number One (haircut, you devils!) Karen Sullivan. My pleasure was compounded by the fact that she was accompanied not only by a well-deserved pre-luncheon Woodbine but also by the fragrant Kathryn Daniels, a fellow HMSO employee. (There are people out there who can turn out a decent phrase — where are you when I need you?). We spoke for a while of brother Kevin Sullivan and our plans to produce War of the Worlds — or anything starring Orson — sorry, Kevin. I think things are getting out of hand. A correspondent espied Lewey Larendon (he still works under a near-anagram for reasons we cannot divulge). By the way, Tony Riordan is still in Norfolk, and — currently — Mike Gigg is not retiring from tSO Nine Elms, despite being 70 next birthday (I’ll teach you not to reply to my letters).

This very lunchtime it was suggested that these monthly meanderings are becoming over-extended (‘You have delighted us enough, dear Editor.’ I can take a hint) and that, like the author, they should be broken down and the useless bits thrown out. So that’s it for now. Don’t forget to use transit envelopes and to fill in your R30s

 

 

June 2005 – Social Diary

Spring is here, the schools are out but the sun is in, and it’s raining. A good time to stay close to home, and so many did, with emails from Gerry Aldus, Stuart McLaren, Jack Palmer and a telephone call from Jim Richardson (from whom we have been promised a ‘Note from Manchester’ upon his return from Canada). Ernie White made it out for a breather, and found it in the only tobacconist left in Norwich. Bill Fisher, no longer with Work Study, was just studying those going to work. Good to see Sue and Colin Ticktum out for a Sunday walk in the occasional sun, and David Fullman inspecting the produce at the Farmers’ Market. In Cromer, on the hottest day of the year thus far, Geoff Dickinson was espied getting into his green Volvo. Our Ring Road correspondent espied Harry Currie in the B&Q Garden Centre. He should have been in Cooke’s buying new strings for his Fender: surely he is wielding his plectrum in this Ban Aids or whatever they’re calling it this time?

Robin Nash is also still around Norwich, as are Tony Ivett, Tony Gamble, Jack Keating, Brian Whitefield, Steve Johnson, all spotted on the same morning in Norwich. And Alan Marrs, who tells me that he recently enjoyed lunch with Cecil Hughes, Ruth Vivian and Bill Ford, who was on a rare visit from his home in Kelso to celebrate his 80th birthday. I remember him as a young Training Officer . . . Penny Mitchell joined HMSO in 1975 and worked as Personal Secretary to Tony Gummett and George Gordon, among others in Britannia House. She tells me that she is currently working in HM Revenue and Customs and is looking forward to retirement in two years’ time.

The trouble with taking a week far away from the homeland is that you are unlikely to spot many ex HMSO people. However, I did see the butcher from Wymondham (no, not him — a real butcher — one of the best in the county, noted for ham, pork cheese, and quality joints. And no, I don’t get free dripping for the advert) and the man who used to buy his newspaper at the same time as me from Alan Taylor’s shop. Fascinating, or what? More fascinating is the news reported in the Eastern Daily Press dated Saturday 11 June under the heading ‘Local Honours’ (remember the day off we used to have in June for HMQ’s Official Birthday?). ‘Jill Ward has been made an MBE for her services to the public sector. The 54 year-old (these journalists have no respect for a lady’s privacy ) who lives at Brundall has been a personal assistant in the offshore division of the Health and Safety Executive in Norfolk for the last seven years.’ She also worked in HMSO for some 25 years — possibly a year or two more than her husband Brian Ward, who presumably takes the title CMBEATL (Companion to the Member of the British Empire Awa ’The Lads’). Sorry, I don’t get to hear much Newcastle patois since Sir Jackie Milburn stopped doing those Brown Ale advertisements. Or am I thinking of Vic Reeves and the Man with the Stick?).

Some people can’t keep away from the media — the EDP carried a picture a newly coiffured Mick Hardy with the words ‘ . . . both the Conservative and Labour groups at Norfolk County Council are looking for political assistants . . . Labour’s Mick Hardy steps down at the end of September . . . job adverts for the £25,000 a year posts are expected shortly. Mr Hardy’s departure could pave the way for his partner, Lakenham Councillor Sue Whitaker to stand as group leader . . . many people feel that Ms Whitaker would have been the best person to take over from Celia Cameron, who stood down at the election, but Council rules bar people from working for their partners. Trevor Wainwright, Labour Party deputy leader, said ‘we are obviously disappointed to lose Mick . . . he has been a great asset to the party over the past few years.’ In the same edition, Colin Harris gets a mention in his capacity as Chairman of Dereham Operatic Society. They are producing a musical version of The Scarlet Pimpernel and tickets can be obtained from www.dosoc.co.uk Later in the month, a nice piece in the Norwich Evening News celebrating the diamond wedding of Ron Smyth DFC. and his wife Pauline. Ron joined HMSO in 1937 and was promoted HEO in 1961. He moved from Surrey to Norwich in 1968, subsequently transferring to CCTA. During the war he became a flight lieutenant and flew Hurricanes with 111 Squadron in the Battle of Britain, and spent time in Gibraltar

My contacts at the local smoking emporium were shocked to see the fire which engulfed Ye Olde Tobacco Shoppe in Great Yarmouth tobacconist (about the only shop unchanged in Regent Road), and any resident of Brooke must have been alarmed at the eruption of a house in a quiet back street. The heat, my dear, the people! Thank heaven the nights are drawing in . . . but then, in a certain back garden off Unthank Road, both Gerry Lucioli and Alan Hynes holding court (‘trust me, I’m a printer’) then Cecil Hedley Hughes in good form on his way out of the only hardware shop left in this once proud City, now given over to the moneymen with their so-called supermarkets, mobile telephone emporia, coffee shops, fast food outlets, bland alcopop pubs, cheap gambling parlours — and — and — sorry, that was meant for my Morning Star column. If I don’t get some response to all this waffle things will only get worse.

So where was I sitting when, through a glass darkly (how else would you see anyone through a pint of Guinness?) I spotted, in order of crossing St Andrews, Trevor Harris, Steve Walmsley, Barry Harper, Neil Brooksby, Pauline White, Marian Maxwell, Nick Garde, Shergar, Jeanne Southgate, Alan Cole, Vince Fitzgibbon, Del Styan, Eric Pointer, Steve Ward, Robin Kelly. And there was talk of Mike Seppings (doing well in Reepham — back to school so that he can learn to spell ‘Wastepaper sacks’ ‘Park Royal’ and ‘Enough Rubbish Jobs.’), Danny Burns, Rodney Wade (sorry I couldn’t help with the cases on Thorpe Station lads — the hands were full of essential supplies); Steve Shingles walking past the station, and word of James P Wilson having celebrated the marriage of his son in advance with British Rail champagne (or was it Scotch Mist?). I understand that Derek Regnier eventually made it out the door, which is where I am about to find myself.

So that’s it for June-1119 words — you can have the 19 for nothing (I pay 10p per 100 to get the other 1100 accepted — apply now and you can get the same rate).

 

 

11 June – HMSO Roll of Honour by Stuart McLaren

Following the publication of my book, Somewhere in Flanders, my next project is to research and make available online details of the staff of His Majesty’s Stationery Office who lost their lives in the First World War, 1914-1918. The website www.roll-of-honour.com has kindly agreed to host this roll of honour in their Norfolk pages.

I have been helped by staff at HMSO (or OPSI as it also now called) at St Clement’s House, Colegate, Norwich, who allowed me to photograph the HMSO Great War Roll of Honour brass plaque (some may remember it in the foyer of Sovereign House or, before the disbursement, in Atlantic House).

I am posting my interest in this topic to HMSOldies with a list of the names on the plaque, with the hope that there may be people out there with information about these men (I assume they are all men!).

Here’s the list of 35 brave souls:

1. W. Aldridge, Laurence Bedworth, Percy E. Bowden, James C. Buck, John Callaghan, William Cavill, James R. Colley, Arthur L. Cross, C. F. Davies, Michael Dobbin, Percy H. Elkin, G. H. Flemming, John Ford, Henry Franklin, John Hall, William Hann, Arnold H. B. Harman, Roland H. Harris, Henry L. Harrison, William Hogan, Leonard Jamieson, Frederick T. Kennett, Charles W. Law, John Marshall, Samuel J. S. O’Connell, Arthur L. Paine, Edward Roberts, William Robinson, Alexander Salmond, Ernest Shaw, Joseph H. Sheppard, Sydney E. Silver, William C. Smith, Sydney Smith, and A. Strutt.

 

 

3 June – Civil Service Retirement Fellowship – Norwich Meetings 2005

A clarion call from Cecil H. Hughes (Chairman) to all East Anglia ex HMSO people! The Civil Service Retirement Fellowship meets on the second Monday of each month in the lounge of Doughty’s Hospital Golden Dog Lane (adjacent to St Crispins) at 10 am. Members mardle, blether, chat together or just enjoy a cup of coffee for the first 15 minutes, then the speaker of the day takes over and entertains us for around the next hour. A free raffle is then drawn and prizes can be unusual or mundane. Group outings are held to places of interest during summer and a Christmas lunch is organised each year. The speaker on Monday 13 June is Neil Haverson, the well-known author of ‘Fortress H’ published each Saturday in the EDP. Come along and renew acquaintance with ex-colleagues. Non civil service friends are welcome to the meetings. Programme for the rest of the year is: 11 July ‘Experiences of a driving examiner’; 8 Aug ‘Norfolk Wild Life Trust’; 12 Sep ‘Gilbert & Sullivan’ talk & slides; 10 Oct Inter Group Quiz vs. Sprowston; 14 Nov Music & quiz from the shows; 12 Dec Christmas party.

 

 

Somewhere in Flanders: Stuart McLaren launches first book

Stuart joined HMSO in 1987, initially in Supply and then Publications. He writes as follows: ‘My former colleagues at HMSO/tSO Publications might like to be warned to avoid the bookshops of Norfolk for a few weeks where my first book is even now disgracing the shelves, scandalously over-priced at £6.95. Mischievously entitled Somewhere in Flanders: Letters of a Norfolk Padre in the Great War, it purports to be the letters of a Norfolk curate working as an Army Chaplain on the Western Front in the First World War (see lurid cover). Reviews in the Norwich Evening News this Friday (3 June) and in the Eastern Daily Press on Saturday (4 June) will further compound this error of judgement on my part. To add insult to injury I will be blowing my own trumpet on Radio Norfolk on Sunday 19 June during ‘Maggie’s Brew’, no doubt spoiling post-Sunday lunch snoozes all over the county.’

 

 

May 2005 – Social Diary

A quick walk around the streets early on, and all the usual suspects doing their rounds. Plus Penny Poole, Sheila Blowers, Jitu Raithatha on their way to work; Ray Fox, Cynthia Kerry, Keith Riley, Alex Birks, Alison Upton, Debbie Matthews, Keith Champ, Ian Maunders, Christine Hawthorn, Ian Hatfield, Jim Houston, Alison Womack, Alex Smith, Neil Storey, Dave Ruffles, Dick Laundy on their way to somewhere else (Dave and Dick in Wymondham — is there no distance we won’t travel to spot A-list celebrities? We also employ ‘stringers’ — Rod Durkin recently saw Maureen Wickham (Maureen Riley to those who remember her working with Maureen Whitehorn in the Cornwall House Registry) at the Theatre Royal. And an anonymous correspondent encountered Frank Hallet back in London for a spell

A note from Roy Plackett, recently returned with a party of eleven from Dublin (proudly proclaimed, as a result of a survey in the Irish Independent, ‘the world’s second most expensive place to visit’ (after Norway, since you ask). He writes as follows: Featured in a picture [see Picture Gallery ] taken after an intrepid boat trip (not in Ireland — too expensive) with some just making it back to dry land are Eric Davie (ex CCTA) Peter Bradbury (ex Tubby Isaacs’ Winkle Stall), Allan Reid (excellent cricketer) Glyn Jones (exiled from Cardiff) Roy Plackett (ex certificate) Cecil H Hughes (excellent head of hair) Jack Sayers (reluctant millionaire) and Tom Smith (even more reluctant self-proclaimed Pauper of Poringland). Out of frame: Roy Marchant (in the brig) and Paul Cornelius (taking the p…p…p…picture).

The day after the General and Local Elections, where Sue Whitaker was successful for Labour and Susan Curran less so for the Green Party, a day in London encountered old customers (Roger Pudner, Land Registry, Dave Stoten, lately Land Registry Rep Manager) and Suppliers (Jack Costelloe, Schleicher, and Bernard Johnson, ex AM and about to retire from Toshiba). Then an email from new grandparents Gloria and John Flynn (John joined HMSO in 1966, working mainly in Audit and Supplies). They write: ‘Just back from America . . . LA and the Grand Canyon are a must but if you want a real taste of life in America, visit Kentucky and Louisville. Famed for the Louisville Lip, Fort Knox (free samples available 31 April each year) and Bourbon, including Woodford’s Distillery (Mike Betts to note). The motto for the Kentucky Derby is ‘Famous for Fast Women and Beautiful Horses’ or some such. The Derby is on 6 May and is the biggest event of the year with an airshow and fireworks over the Ohio River. As with most of US, the car rules the freeways, expressways, ringroads and bypasses. Few people can be seen walking the streets in the suburbs, although all of the many malls are busy. Everyone is polite, including drivers and shoppers, who say ‘excuse me’ if they think they might be in your way. There is plenty to do and to see — countryside, shooting, museums and history. There is a casino over the border in Indiana. It is on a stationary river boat which is sometimes moved a few feet to satisfy state laws requiring gambling to be carried out on the move. The State is happy to rake in a few million dollars in taxes. We managed to make a few dollars on the 50 cent machines. Have a nice day.’

Philip Marriage exchanged emails with his old Graphic Design boss John Westwood and received the following reply from John’s trusty Amstrad machine: ‘My goodness, did you have to keyboard all of those emails re HMSOldies yourself, to get them to that lazy old so-and-so at Goring? . . . Five minutes’ walk from here, Goring Library could introduce me to http://www and all that jazz, so I really ought to stop my bookbinding and Meccano activities, so as to save you the trouble! Must awa the noo, the Morris Dancers are performing shortly at Goring Lock on our beautiful Thames here . . . Regards.’

My meanderings through the pile of old SO Reviews occasionally produce some examples of what would have been Social diaries from the Sixties and Seventies. Atlantic House Gossip from December 1969 starts with the words ‘Congratulations to Mr Robert Stutely among the first five students to be awarded a Bachelor of Science (Hons) Degree in Printing Technology. His thesis was called ‘Computer Assisted Mathematical Composition.’ (I’m going away soon — wonder if Robert has a copy to spare — sounds like ideal beach reading). Also: ‘Mr Alan Lusher and Mr Phillip Brooks have both passed the written part of the limited EO examination, have been interviewed, and are anxiously awaiting results.’ Does anyone know what happened to Mr Lusher? I seem to recall that Mr Brooks finished up in Publications with a job where he twiddled his thumbs and wondered how to fill in his 10-4 day. Anyway, ‘Mr Arthur Holland has become engaged to a girl from his rambling club. The wedding is to be in Scotland in June 1970.’ The cover of the May 1970 edition featured ‘Review Cover Girl 1970’ concerning which the following edition claimed ‘had been the subject of unprecedented response.’ Who could it be? Step forward Corinne Barker (nee Lovett) who is currently still with tSO and, if I may infringe some sort of correctness law, would still grace the front cover of any magazine sold by decent newsagents. By the way, in response to dozens of questions, I can tell you that the Sovereign Club was officially opened by Deputy Controller William Donaldson on Walpurgis night — sorry, 30 April 1970. In March 1971 we learnt that Jim Stokes (Supplies Paperkeeper of happy memory — he was the last man I saw with quart bottles of Charrington’s Light Ale — joined HMSO in 1945) ‘recently fell off a bus and has been away for a long time. He is now recovering, looking extremely fit, and has put on a lot of weight.’ I think that was a good thing in pre-fast-food 1971. Under the (satirical?) heading ‘All the Nice Ones are Going’ we learned that ‘Clive Almond, formerly CRS, called in after his period of duty in Ghana and before a three year spell in Paris. Miss Irene Allen is now an HEO in Patent Office’ (she swapped, pre-dispersal, with my old friend Stan ‘We should never have left Barnet’ Adams, now sadly in a place even more heavenly than Barnet, leaving his widow Pat Adams to look after one remaining Cat in Drayton. Or was that Rat in Catton? It all gets so confusing. Anyway, Irene ‘now has a staff of 56 to control.’ Good grief, when in HMSO she worked as EO to the saintly Charlie Lloyd and had the charismatic Tommy (Edinburgh Golfer and Woolwich Granada Bingo Caller) Taylor, Gordon ‘even for a Scot I’m aggressive’ Stein, Johnny ‘even for a Scot I’m a great bloke’ Muir and Reg ‘have I died and gone to heaven, working with all these Scots?’ Walker, she still had all her sick leave and ours as well. But I am getting deeper into the sludge . . .’ Frank Francis is retired in Exeter . . . Ron Reddick played badminton for Ireland against Scotland. In June 1971 we were told that ‘with the end of the three year moratorium on transfers from Norwich in sight, we have seen several transfers of Norwich staff taking place, with a number on promotion back to London including Terry Morgan, Brian Ekers, Derek Lees, Frank Grigson, John Brunton (to Basildon — soon to be on the end of the ‘phone from David Robertson?), Andrew Baptie for Gateshead, Andy Hunter and Dave Walker for Manchester and John Latham for SSPP. Speaking of which, the Secretary of IPCS at St Stephen’s, Trevor Priddle, married Miss Judith Williams on 1 May at Hinkley Wood (well, that’s what they printed — perhaps they were using Readers from The Guardian and it was meant to be Hinchley Wood).

Back to the present. Paul Radbourne bravely showed his MD our comments, and was told that ‘as a senior person at Conquest Business Media I should dress more appropriately as I looked like Rumpole of the Bailey in his younger days.’ He wants to know of any charity shops specialising in Men’s Petite sizes. He also suggests a ‘Where are they now?’ column, and wonders about the whereabouts of Mike Seppings (I can’t repeat the comment on pigs as I’m writing this before the watershed), Dee Reeve, Jill Weatherburn, Dorothy Daniell and Valerie Burling. So if any of you are reading this — watch out, he’s after you. Ann Claydon was not so lucky, but her dog saw him off. A short-cut through Norwich Cathedral grounds encountered a huge crowd involved in the worship of Mammon (how else would you describe the recording of BBC’s Antiques Roadshow? ) only relieved by the sight of the ever-youthful Stella Moore with something old and badly packaged under her arm. She told me that she had queued for two hours, only to be told that it was in quite good condition for its age, despite a couple of bits where the moth had been, but there wasn’t much call for it these days. So back on the hook in the parlour goes Dick. Stella sees the three graces (Rusty Howlett, Jean Lawrie, Carol Bullock) for lunch occasionally, and they are in good form. She has also seen Olive Monton. I also encountered the only man in Central Services willing and able to interpret some of the impenetrable Management Initiatives to the weak of will — Julian Rogers — who is now a Director himself with Astron.

Norwich’s local daily newspaper, the Eastern Daily Press — often contains reference to ex HMSO people, although the appearance of Chris Southgate is less now that he is no longer Lord Mayor of Norwich, although he did make it to their coverage of the end-of-year civic reception at Norwich City Hall, as did Jeanne Southgate and Neil Hacker. Adrienne May and Norman Brooks occasionally get letters published in the paper, and Marguerite Finn is given full exposure in a column all of her own. During May, there was an interesting article on a local personality of days past — Billy Bluelight. ‘Five years of work on the Wherryman’s Way was finally unveiled to the public . . . at the launch, a statue and wind-up recording, paying tribute to Billy Bluelight, was unveiled at the Woods End pub at Bramerton by his great nephew Andrew Cullum. Mr Cullum, a Broads Authority navigation ranger, also provided the voice for his distant relative, who tells a tale from the days of the Wherries.’ So if you want to hear the voice of the man who masterminded Publications Publicity in the early 1990s, you know where to go.

 

 

28 May 2005 – News from Belfast

A well-received note from Brian Watt (HMSO Belfast Print, 1976-1999 and (the last?) Editor of SO Review 1984-86). He writes:

‘I was just reading up on the I/Cs — perhaps you would like to include something from Belfast? Banner, formerly Supplies Section, is still operational (managed by Fiona Gunning) and is based at the Old Gasworks site. Make up your own jokes and comments please. The old Print Procurement bunch meet every year shortly after Christmas for a meal and a chat. Jim Martin is still complaining, Michael Hughes has moved to tSO Books, just around the corner. Larry Gould is still trying to get his handicap below 30 (only joking), George Taggart is now employed (I purposely did not use the word ‘working’) in the NI Housing Executive and Jackie Purdy is in the NI Civil Service in DSS (as is Peter McAuley. On a personal note, I was employed for a while by Universities Press (where Willie Smith is currently working as a Rep.) but is starting a job in Belfast City Council in June. I am also keeping the remaining brain cells working by studying Spanish, and have just passed my GCSE in the subject.

‘Elaine Moody was working in a local call centre, and is now expecting her second child. I believe the two facts are unconnected. For any old-timers, Walter Roberts has finally retired from his ‘wedding service’ business. John Straghan is working in the NI Civil Service. I met Dan Connor in a restaurant where I was tinkling the ivories recently. He was working as a Director in a conference centre but has now retired. Michael Blair was at another event where I was playing piano — his health was not to good but he was in his usual good spirits. I have not come across Norman Armstrong or Maura Fitzpatrick. Johnny Belshaw is currently working in Halifax Building Society, just around the corner from Banner. He is in an office full of lovely girls. ‘Died and gone to heaven’ comes to mind.

‘The big news in Belfast was the demolition of IDB House, the home of Belfast RO. What was a fairly large six-storey building is now a fairly large hole in the ground. This time it was demolished by legal means after a few attempts by the IRA had failed.’

 

 

Meeting of ex HMSO Finance Division staff, Mon 6 June 2005

The next in a series of evening social meetings is to be held in The Glasshouse, Magdalen Street, at 2030 hours on Monday 6 June. In attendance, among others, will be Linda Lenton, Judy Sherwood, Viv Jones, Katherine Marley, Alf Wiggins, Derek Carter, Ian Billings. All old Financiers welcome — there is no agenda, and you can leave your calculators at home.’

 

 

23 May 2005 – from Bob Barnard

You wanted to know about meetings with ex HMSO staff so you may be interested to know about some informal get-togethers. Valerie and I keep in regular touch with Sid Brooks and Kay Griffiths (Kay left Pubns for the Dept of Employment with Maud Rix as neither wished to relocate to Norwich). We are meeting them for lunch at the Civil Service Club next week. We met on 4 May.

I saw Paddy Epstein and his wife Rose (Neilson) recently. Paddy will be remembered most as the Cashier at Atlantic House but I first knew him in the Costings Section at Shepherdess Walk in 1951. He will be 89, or maybe 90, in October and is more frail than when I last saw him several years ago. Mentally he is still quite alert and his usual argumentative self. Within the last few years he has been to Cuba several times, to China and more recently, Paris.

Rose was a supervisor in charge of the Photostat and Mircofilm Sections at Shepherdess Walk until the move to Basildon when she took charge of the London Rep Unit under Alec Gravatt, at Cornwall House. She is now over 90 and although suffers a number of health problems is still quite remarkable for her age. Paddy heard from Fred (Eric) Brent, formerly P2, before he left HMSO to join the Society of Civil Servants to say that Frank Wright (ex Finance Divn) had died. Paddy, Eric and Frank used to go skiing together. I introduced Paddy to skiing in Norway and he continued to ski well into his 80s.

Paddy and Rose share a house in London with Rose’s sister, Lil (Bowen Powis) previously an Assistant Supervisor in the Reading Section of D and D Division at Bainbridge Street and then Bunhill Row before she was promoted to CO and worked in S3D under Norman Parker.

I also hear from Barbara Widdocks Con 5A (how many remember Contracts Division?). She was transferred to the Crown Agents in the 1970s. Barbara sees Joan Organ (ex Pubns) regularly. I hear from Ivor Annetts too, who has recently retired from fund raising for the Salvation Army. He now lives in Verwood in Dorset. I shall write to him shortly to give him details of the web site. I see Peter Wall in Waitrose from time to time. His wife has had major heart surgery and has had to take medical retirement from the old Dept of Employment. We also hear from Betty Coleman (ex Welfare) and Connie Ralph ex Pubns (P6A?) each Christmas.

 

 

17 May 2005 – HMSO Replaced By New Body Shock!

The Daily Mail dated Tuesday 17 May carried the dramatic headline on page 10 ‘Now the republican tendency march into the stationery office.’ It went on ‘Labour was accused of treating Britain’s royal heritage with contempt last night as it replaced Her Majesty’s Stationery Office with a new body. Ministers tore up 219 years of tradition by downgrading HMSO into a subordinate of the newly-created Office of Public Sector Information . . . critics claimed the move was another example of New Labour’s creeping republicanism . . . the Cabinet Office said that HMSO will ‘continue to exist’ but it will be reduced to performing core activities, such as publishing Bills and managing Crown copyright. The downgrade was underlined by the decision to appoint HMSO’s boss, Carol Tullo, as the director of the new body.’

We can’t remember all this fuss in the Daily Mail in 1996 . . .

Stop Press. Those of you sent into a panic by the article above may be relieved to know that Carol Tullo, Queen’s Printer, HMSO, wrote to the Daily Mail on 20 May 2005 as follows: ‘Her Majesty’s Stationery Office isn’t being downgraded by the formation of the Office of Public Sector Information. HMSO continues in its traditional role while OPSI takes on a new remit to help release the commercial potential in public sector information. We conducted public consultation on the proposal and Buckingham Palace gave its approval. There is no question of HMSO being abolished.’

 

 

14 May 2005 – AwayDay by Dave Martin

29 assorted HMSO/TSO Oldies and some still-serving plus wives, partners, friends, and including a contingent from OGC, joined the chartered coach on Saturday 14 May for the tenth such trip to Boulogne. Leaving Norwich at 5 am, the coach stopped 15 minutes later at Wymondham to pick up South Norfolk stragglers (plus Sue Whitaker and Mick Hardy who live in the City but like to race the coach to Wymondham!) Then it was a couple of hours doze to Thurrock for a breakfast stop, after which on to eventual check-in at the Eurotunnel terminal for the 10.06 am shuttle.

On unadjusted watches it was around 10.45 am when, after about 30 minutes of undersea shuttling, we headed out from the Coquelles terminal. For those who had adjusted to French time it was 11.45 am locally. We arrived in Boulogne at 12.15 pm. Jim Marshall’s lunch group (about 12 of us) headed for La Petite Bouffe where we swiftly settled and got the pre-lunch beer orders under way. In keeping with tradition, lunch was leisurely, noisy and washed down with plenty of wine. After lunch, a couple of hours for individual exploration of Boulogne shops and other cafés before we rejoined the coach at 5.15 pm to head for Boulogne’s Auchan hypermarket. Here an hour and a half was spent productively in selection of various wines, beers and even one or two food items. It was back on the coach at 7.15 pm to catch the 8.30 pm shuttle.

Safely back on M20 tarmac, Brian Daniels held the raffle draw. On joining the coach in the morning each passenger was given a ticket for this draw. As this was the tenth such trip, there was a bumper selection of prizes, most of which were, unsurprisingly, alcoholic. Steve Carruthers, formerly Pubns and now House of Commons (staff, not elected) won the top prize bottle of malt whisky but for follow-on prizes there seemed to be endless bottles of wine handed out all round the coach! Did Brian train as a magician?

The journey continued without interruption apart from a brief ‘comfort stop’ (several alternative but rather more colourful descriptions were heard) until we reached Wymondham around 11.45 pm, where the South Norfolk contingent left the coach. Our stacks of wine and beer boxes unloaded from the coach luggage spaces made an impressive sight on the pavement at The Windmill car park!

Like its nine predecessors, this trip was greatly enjoyed by all who went. These trips would not have happened without organisation by Brian Daniels and Jim Marshall so sincere thanks again to them both. We are already looking forward to next year’s outing and there is room for a few more to join us. It’s always in mid-May that the trip takes place. If you would like to know more or maybe register a potential interest, Brian or Jim would be happy to help. You can reach them at:

Brian Daniels [email protected]

Jim Marshall [email protected]

 

 

5 May 2005 – Edinburgh news from Jim MacCallum and Andy Baptie

The Edinburgh contingent were indeed delighted to see that someone had had the courage to create a website because we like to hear about old colleagues. The Scottish Mafia do not want to be forgotten and we decided to let you know that we are still alive and kicking — but not scoring many goals! Over twenty years ago we ‘all’ wanted to keep in touch and decided that we would meet once a month for lunch. Eventually the Prestonfield Golf Club was our ‘home’ and we are still meeting there on the last Friday of every month (December excluded when an earlier date in the month seemed more sensible). We were made so welcome that the staff at the club gave our group the name of ‘THE LAST SUPPER’ and put a printed notice on our dining table to that effect. Sometimes we wondered which one of us they were not expecting to appear the following month! On that note it might be appropriate to mention that, sadly, during those twenty years we have lost but three members — Gordon McGowan, who was Deputy Director, John Rome who was HTO in the Printing Section and Jack Towe who, on his return to live in Edinburgh, was with us for some years.

Our current Oldies are Ben Pearson, Andy Baptie, Alex Morris, Norrie Veitch and John Hamilton who were all of the printing fraternity and these five are aided and abetted by Dave Currie, Willie Ross and Jim MacCallum. Although not giving away anybody’s age suffice it to say that five of those mentioned are receiving 25 pence extra on their old age pension! Perhaps, here, a plea could be made for anyone who may have a free spare ear trumpet to get in touch with Jim MacCallum!

Finally we would like to send fraternal greetings to all our ex-colleagues and to extend an open invitation to any of them from south of the border to join us for lunch on the last Friday of any month (except December) at Prestonfield Golf Club. Of course you will have to pay! This final comment on payment was made, of course, by no one else than Jim MacCallum.

 

 

April 2005 – Social Diary

Was I the only retired-and-emotional HMSO employee to receive a letter, dated 1 April, telling me that to continue to receive my pension I must shape up in the St Crispins Atrium and collect the nine years worth of documents from my neglected In-tray for action? How long does it take to deal with 2713 editions of the Financial Times, a complaint from Tony Smith and a seventy-five page list of suggestions from Brian Whitefield? Worth it, I think.

On the streets this month — the pipe-smoking Security Officer who was known as Jim (but we know his name is Vernon) cycling through Sovereign House car park — soon to be redesigned as the Lymswold Holiday Inn — nearly running into Sheila Blowers (still with tSO and the keeper of some nice old documents which may be coming our way soon). Then other current staff rushing in to St Crispins . . . Bob King among them. Internet contact from Sue Whitaker, Les Crawford, Cecil Hughes, Harry and Dorothy Teedon (she is still playing the organ; he is getting to grips with the computer keyboard. If only he had had the Internet when he was
TUSGS . . . ) and Danny Loftus HRC who works as part of the Banner/o2o Ministry of Defence Customer care team with Gina Lumber (ex Bristol) Colin Docker, Bob Groves, Linda Verrechia (ex Edinburgh), Laurence Wade (ex Northern Ireland) and Ray Payne (ex MOD — customer turned gamekeeper, or whatever the phrase is).

David Holt was about, and asked me not to mention that he was in the Ribs of Beef with a newly purchased towel rail, wondering where to put it (he knows how to buy a present). Same place, on another day, a group of grandees — Peter Macdonald, Jim McDonald, Alec Smith, Mike Lynn, Chris Penn, Paul Barnard, John Saville, all having been elsewhere, and encountering Alan Pawsey and Linda Marshall (both still with HMSO residual body. ‘Orange and lemon, and a Bells for St Clements’ was the drinks order, I think). By the way, I was asked if I had seen the charismatic Albert Reginald Horatio During lately (my answer was ‘not lately’) and well I’m blessed, it was only the elegantly suited man himself who motored past me with a toot on the horn on the Dereham Road as I walked home that very afternoon. And who was it who told me he had recently seen Bob Dwyer at a Tottenham FC match? On the bench, I think — they might have done better had he played. Di Ward was seen showing friends around the byways of Norwich and Tony Bishop showing his shopping trolley how to handle several bags of garden composting material. Good to see that Ernie White is looking as fit as ever — he started with HMSO in Keysign House and came to Norwich (despatch section) via Shepherdess Walk, Alperton and other palaces of variety.

To London for a meeting with two graduates from HMSO Northern Ireland — Terry McCrum (currently with Banner) and Peter McAuley (now Deputy Principal with DHSS Northern Ireland). Peter has seen several ex HMSO Belfast stalwarts — John Strachan, Willie Smith, Roy Dubois, Walter Roberts and many more. He passed over some ‘action’ pictures, taken in the office in around 1990. Does anyone remember his stint as Peter ‘Bamber’ McAuley at the second annual general knowledge quiz organised in Belfast in December 1984 when Danny ‘the Harp’ Lavery (and I quote directly from SO Review February 1985) thought that a Troglodite was ‘something which grows up in a cave.’ Not surprising, therefore, that the PP1 team (Larry ‘Hurricane’ Gould; George ‘PC99’ Taggart — occasionally aided by Norman Armstrong and Roy Plackett) won the day. By the way, the cover of that SO Review carried a 1972 photograph of ‘Pauline Barrow, Oldham Carnival Queen and at the time CO in Rep. Manchester. Where is she now, I wonder?

Deep scrutiny of the list of guests at the Royal Wedding showed a surprising nil return of ex HMSO staff (or did Joanna Lumley once work an Adrema machine in Shep Walk?). There were lots at the Coronation Street wedding, however. At least, to these southern ears, their voices sounded just the same as those in the Chadderton Rep Unit.

Our roving reporters have come back, expense forms in hand, with the news that Ivor Hosgood (who sends thanks for the publicity for his forthcoming book) has been in contact with Peter Staples (doing very well after his horrific road accident) Brian Lambirth (who was, with Pat Tate, at the funeral held for George Travell), Tony Riordan (Print from 1988) and J Melvyn Clayton, of whom Ivor reports ‘for those with long memories, Melvyn served briefly in P&B Atlantic House in the early 1960s, and eventually found his way to Norwich to teach at the City College. He has now retired.’ Ivor also exchanges Christmas cards with Donald O Barford, another old (Print) colleague and fellow organist from the 1960s. On dispersal he decided to return to Northampton to take up a post with Clarke and Sherwell and (as organist) at the City’s Christ Church. Donald was also a friend of fellow musician Kenneth Picton Sandford (Works Division from 1948) whom, says Ivor ‘I believe I glimpsed at the Harlow Garden Centre a few weeks back.’ Ken was, as Director of General and Security printing, one of the ‘hosts’ of the 1982 HMSO Old Boys’ Lunch (no truck with old gels in those days). Peter Mahoney (who moved to buy print for Metropolitan Police in London after leaving HMSO) expects to retire this year and devote more time to watching Watford FC. Peter has in the past mentioned The Annual Dinner of the St Stephen’s and Parliamentary Press Old Colleague’s Association. The last event, organised by Bob Allder, was held at The Old Sessions’ House, Clerkenwell Green in December 2004, and Ken Wanstall has sent me the list of attendees: Bob Allder, Bob Avery, Dan Cole, Alan Crawley, John Davies, Michael Davies, Michael Edwards, John Eveson, David Forbes, Tony Ford, George Gordon, Martin Grant, Frank Hallett (back from his home in the Far East to pick up his OBE.), Geoff Hooper, Fred Howe, Bill Lack, Trevor Lock, Gordon Parfitt, Ron Reddick, Tony Riordan, Denis Rose, Graham Smith, Ken Wanstall, Norman Warbis and Peter Watts.

Back in Norwich, Isobel Williamson was all of a rush (obviously not to cash in her Everton season ticket) when she encountered Peter and Ceanne Wilde, Marilyn Nisbet, and Stella Moore on the streets of Norwich. She also keeps up with Sherry Mitchell and has especially asked me to mention that William F Robinson (Print, class of ’61) is her ‘twin.’ They know what this means. Graham Churchyard seen wheeling his bike in Anglia Square and Ian Macfarlane wheeling his bin out of his front garden. Marguerite Finn produced an impressive journalistic column in the Norwich Evening News. Alan Low as cheerful as ever (I’d like some of his memories for my own) and Jim Wilson looking as fit as ever on his way to work. Devon and Sonya Williams and children passed over some intriguing pictures of Publications Division parties, retirements etc. Must clear one or two with m’learned friends (are Michael Jackson’s people free yet?) before release. Diane Johnson still keeps up with fellow typing managers Beryl Deane and Mary Robinson. Also Rep Manager Muriel Larke.

The sale of Astron to US-based RR Donnelley (didn’t they do telephone directories?) for £520m did not see the 50 Norwich-based staff (Print Procurement to we greybeards) dancing in the streets, although Chief Executive David Mitchell expected that ‘our employees will benefit from increased opportunities . . .’ Trebles all round, then. But not from some of the current Astronauts, seen in the company of Alan Hynes. Gerry Lucioli would have been there, but it was brain surgery day at BUPA and his professional talents were needed.

I know he didn’t work in HMSO, but Pete Turner (past Landlord of the Golden Star, Duke Street) helped many a Sovereign House employee back to work, let us say, more contentedly in the afternoons. He has not paid me to say that his newish venture, a Pub/Brewery, The Cock at Barford serves excellent and idiosyncratic food and drink. While on the subject of Pubs (don’t get me started) the White Lion in Oak Street, Norwich — home of many a PP-inspired Christmas singalong — has closed, presumably for ever. Have to go in the other 250 left in Norwich, then, including The Shed — a Colin Keatley enterprise due to open on the site of the Wherry, Lawson Road, in May 2005. I told you not to get me started. Lets get on to something else — John Nash, for instance, Squire of Newport (Isle of Wight) rang to say that he still keeps up with Bob Barnard (we will mention the cover of the January 1959 SO Review on another occasion) and his old CRS colleague George York, who entered into Established Service in 1938.

Back to sobriety. Emails received include those from Dave Martin who, when employed in P5B Cornwall House in the early 1960s worked three lovely women: Moira Turnbull (now Moira Martin), Margaret Duggan (who he has seen recently as Margaret O’Leary) and Deidre McVeigh, Cornwall House’s answer to Julie Christie, who is currently teaching English with a Newry accent in Germany. John Grundy is going to see how many ex Publications people he can contact for a gathering in the Birmingham area (he is in contact with Mike Chevins, who in turn contacts Peter Fudge, who in turn can no doubt raise John Smith and Mike Trigg. John suggests that John Hudson is still a publisher at BMJ. John Westwood contacted us on his Amstrad Emailer and Ken Wanstall (Tech London, HMSO from 1978. He took early retirement from the Electricity Industry in 2003). Vic Kefford produced some good stuff for the Memories feature. Gerry Aldus just wants to know what people are up to (no reminders of ‘work’ please) and Phillip Brooks has some pictures of a young Kate Adie which we may feature on Page 3.

Gerry Lucioli tells me that Derek Regnier is retiring from Astron (where he works with Barrie Harper) towards the end of May, after 44 years service (one of the longest serving still there?). He was apprenticed in HMSO and worked in Manor Farm Press before moving to Norwich (CEPA with Mike Taylor) in the early 1970s. Robin Duhig also worked in Print and now runs the Wymondham Folk Club (see him on Wymondham Buskers’ Day, Saturday 28 May). Ernie Downs looking very fit for a man who joined HMSO in 1961, but (despite continuous exercise looking for golf balls) not fit enough to escape until he thought of an excuse (going to the dentist, indeed). He has recently mixed with the Spixworth intelligentsia — Jayne Ward (happy birthday for 25 April, Jayne), Rosemary and Frank Lynch. Also Dave Higenbottam. Al Hynes is obviously keeping out of the way (he still owes Ernie a copy of his List of Duties).

Linda Lenton organises occasional meetings of ex-Finance staff in Norwich, the last bring 18 April. Circumstances resulted in a relatively small turnout. Viv Jones had to cancel due to a family bereavement; Kath Marley was unwell; Alf Wiggins had only just travelled back from Portsmouth that day. So it was left to Linda, Judy Sherwood, Derek and Christine Carter and Ian Billings. Derek is virtually blind now, and often meets Larry Doyle and a few other retirees for a lunchtime drink. Len Ellis, John Betts, and KJ Coleman were surprised by the guest appearance of Don Warman at the meeting of the Pipe Club of Norfolk. He handed over more treasures from the Jim Curtis archive.

 

 

28 April 2005 — Eric Bone’s ‘World’s Shortest Books’ Competition

We have received the following entries. In fact, we have received more, but many are perilously close to cruelty rather than parody, so they are being kept in the Vault (for the present at least).

A Soldier Erect by Peter Macdonald
The Big Sleep by Ken Kemp
A Rude Awakening by Ken Kemp
A Woman of Substance by Mrs DNG Rust
Erskine May on the Public Accounts Committee by Mike Lynn
Zen and the Art of Ring Cycle Perseverance by Ken Rhodes
The Hireling by John Norman
My World and Welcome to it by Eric Bone
Wuthering Heights by Derek Rutherford
Ever Decreasing Circles by Dickie Dunn
The 39 Steps: BSI 9002 for all by Anne Eason
Still Life: Energy Efficiency in Action by John Eason
Tea and Sympathy by Rod Durkin (Out of Print)

Stop Press: Eric has scrutinised the entries, and the item to strike the funny bone most severely is Still Life: Energy Efficiency in Action by John Eason. As Eric says, ‘advice I wish I had followed.’

 

 

March 2005 – Social Diary

So who was found treading the mean and frozen streets of Norwich (and elsewhere) during the month? Bill Burberry (ex Internal Audit and scion of Tooting) for one. Also Alison Womack (Pubns), Mike Mahoney (Finance with HMSO; Office services with CCTA) wearing his gloves but not smoking his pipe; Terry Soutar (Technical Services) and Ivor Hosgood (PP — he tells me that his book, I’ll Take You Where the Music’s Playing is published on 10 July. See Links ). Also Chris Harkins who obviously has a Dorian Gray style pictures in his loft, that young does he look. Don Ray, Chris Penn and Terry Harwood were seen (separately) in the same shop: planning an undercover Management Meeting? Jack Palmer tells me that he has just sold his boat (this will mean something to those people to whom it means something. Sorry about the waffle — must be that mention of Management Meetings).

And who would drive a car with the numberplate J7 CHH? Cecil Hedley Hughes (PP) and Angela Brandish-Hughes (HR), that’s who. Peter Lince (another Printer — are they the only ones tough enough to brave the East Anglian frost?) spent some time in Turkey. Now he is back, he still meets Colin Harris and Ray Dineen, but has not recently encountered David Poole (who returns from his home in Spain for the odd vat of Marmite and cartridge for his trusty Heidelberg printer). More Printers (many still employed by Astron, so names withheld in case of retribution — and sorry to miss you, Arthur — were you on o/t?) were seen on Licensed Premises. Among them was Don Dunkin (my old Staff List shows his name associated with those of Bill Robinson — still seen in the classier venues of Norwich Society, Terry Burchell and more names than I am inclined to mention without a small donation to my personal charity (Guinnessaid, where it’s always Red Nose Day).

An informal early farewell for Gill Johnson saw Sharon Higenbottam (not her husband Dave — doubtless off playing squash to keep fit for his job in tSO), Paul Barnard, Peter Macdonald, Chris Penn, Terry McCrum. Also (but only through the window) Marion Maxwell, Dick Moore, Rory Quinn The following day spent partly in St Crispins (isn’t it quiet these days?) and sightings of Brian Daniels, Steve Ward, Phil Wilkes, Jim Marshall, Mike Yemm, Corinne Barker, Robin Kelly, Sean Cooper (who says that his father, ex Office Keeper Barry does not get about much any more). Peter Taylor was on the streets, despite recent medical attention, and Sue Ticktum certainly has not lost any speed (doubtless in an effort to escape from me). Neither have Roy and Win Osborne, seen along Magdalen Street. Also Derek Newton.

We have spotters everywhere. I hear of printers Len Hobbs (seen re-landscaping his front garden) and Alex Herbert (currently on a walking holiday with his wife Jean, in South Africa). What is it with ex HMSO people and South Africa? Was I away when the free airline tickets were handed out? Despite no longer holding the post of Lord Mayor of Norwich, Chris Southgate (and Jeanne Southgate) can’t keep out of the newspapers. This month it was a reception for the launch of Norwich in Bloom. And an email from Derek James (Norwich Evening News) who kindly passed on a message from TS (Tom) Harris — would he mind my saying he is 83? — who had hoped that HMSOldies was in hard copy, as he has the good sense to shun the frustrations of computery. Anyone interested in the project? Come on, Plackett, get the old Linotype out of the shed! Or perhaps John Rumball could negotiate the linotype machine they have in full working order in the John Jarrold Printing Museum (well worth a visit- Wednesday mornings 9-12. Website mentioned in Links ).

It seems that the Electronic Publishing Christmas dinner is a moveable feast, in that it was held in March (no jokes about three months late with delivery, please). Alan Pawsey, Steve Carruthers, Lynda Marshall, Philip Marriage, Jayne Wilkinson, and Dave Martin (the event had been delayed by Dave’s recent trip to New Zealand. How far does he have to go to avoid the Long Stratton bypass demonstrations?) all enjoyed the evening, and so would have John Saville had his electronic diary not let him down. Gordon Robbie had a better reason for absence: the birth of his latest grandchild.

Spotted in a cellar in Tombland — that socialite and man-about-Heartsease Don Warman; also Susan Curran and Paul Simmonds (time for a reprint of one of his SO Review film reviews yet?) and Gerry and Margaret Lucioli (Gerry has been in BUPA for some months, but luckily they are paying him). And on Norwich station the ever-tanned and youthful John Balls, about to travel to Amsterdam with his wife for a few days. Denis Moloney was only going to London to buy an old man a few pints (thanks Denis) and Danny Burns was obviously on an away day from St Crispins. Ken Rhodes had not been sighted lately, apart from by the Carbonari or whatever the local rozzers call themselves, as he has been in Italy. So that’s why he hasn’t been on to me criticising all this waffle.

I wish I could have been at the surprise farewell for Gill Johnson on 22 March, but I couldn’t slip my tagging device. I am told that a few dozen of her many friends made it to Delaney’s in Norwich, and heard warm words from o2o (not Lymswold — that’s next year’s name) Chief Executive Ray Peck. Karen Hutchinson organised the event with effortless skill — the hardest skill there is — and old beneficiaries of Gill’s excellent secretarial work, Penn, Cole and Barnard were there. Steve Forde made it (the earliest he has left St Crispins for nine years — that thing up there in the sky is the sun, Steve) Mark Cunningham, Danny Burns, Alex Winstanley, Robin Kelly, Neil Brooksby, Duncan Dawdry also featured, as did many more, but my Cub Reporter was trying to get the shamrock shape off the top of his Guinness with a Foldback 1414 (bulldog clip — do you remember nothing?) by then. Gill is going to spend more time with her garden. Lucky garden.

Doug Chinnery probably finds his Staff Side experience useful in dealing with stroppy pupils at his school and Edgar Gibson probably found that having worked with Ernie Downs was useful when he worked for a while in the Norwich Magistrates Court (where most of them play golf — what did you think I meant?). Nodge Carnegie looking cheerful, and he is still employed by tSO. Phil Leach tells me he sees Shaun Struthers regularly at his Nursing Home in Hellesdon, and also sings with Reg Andrews who is an incredible 83 and has a strong tenor voice (because he still smokes St Bruno in the same Falcon pipe?) Phil has also seen Valerie (daughter of Viv) Knowles, Ruth Vivian and Vic Morley. When he was in North Elmham he met Nick Moore, who used to run the Sovereign Singers and worked in Training (seconded from English Heritage).

Easter Monday and the annual visit to Fakenham races, where I support sick horses (I don’t know they are sick when I back them) but not a sighting of a single ex HMSO person — all too sensible, no doubt. But wait! In the distance, what is this I see on the board of an on-course bookmaker? ‘Honest Mike Lynn.’ Now, he’s the man to take my bet. But no — a closer inspection showed that he was ‘Honest Mike Murphy: King’s Lynn.’ As the late Patrick Campbell would say, you couldn’t make it up.

And finally, on the last day of the month, some fashion advice for Denis Moloney, spotted filling his executive Audi at the non-executive Bowthorpe Sainsbury’s in full (and I mean full) Tottenham strip, including shorts. Do I have to say more?

 

 

13–26 March 2005 – Diary

We cover the Waterfront. At least, the waterfront from Melton to Melbourne, from North Walsham to North Wales. So much easier than sending a letter (especially now they have shut half of the Post Offices. Grumpy old men? Grumpy old women? They ain’t seen nothing yet).

First of all, sad news I’m afraid. Over the years, many of us dealt with the select band of Government Reprographic Managers. Some may have been present at the retirement of the larger-than-life Tom Daniels at DSS, Elephant and Castle, 18 or so years ago. Tom was resplendent, as ever, in bow-tie and Vauxhall Car Society badge, and the retirement party lasted all afternoon, overspilling into the Firkin over the road. Sadly, Olga Daniels telephoned Peter Colman (ex DTI Rep Manager) and Les Crawford (the last surviving M/OMTS) to say that Tom died suddenly on the evening of Friday 18 March. He will be sadly missed at the annual reunions still held in The Ship, Borough, London SE1.

Back to the working classes. Sorry, back to the classy workers. Terry McCrum is one of the three McCrums left in St Crispins (will they never find their way out?). At one time there were five. There would have been six, but he couldn’t persuade Robin Kelly to hire their dog as Security. Anyway, Terry still receives copies of FOCUS (‘the most widely-read MOD publication . . . 67% of the service and civilian personnel . . . read the newspaper, which targets readers across the forces and defence Civil Service’). Page 22 of the March 2005 issue contains a review of a book entitled The Civil Service Rifles in the Great War: All Bloody Gentlemen by Jill Knight. Published by Pen and Sword, £19.99. John Pitt-Brooke’s review refers to the ‘Territorial Army Regiment made up of gentlemen in the clerical establishments of HM Government Offices’ and includes the following paragraph: ‘ . . . the regiment found itself in Palestine, fighting the Turks for control of Jerusalem. Sergeant ‘Bulldog’ Harris (of the Stationery Office, no less) died leading a counter-attack with bayonets under severe shell fire against superior Turkish force . . .’ Anyone with more information on this HMSO hero is eagerly invited to submit. Are you out there Neil?

Steve Adcock joined HMSO in 1970. RS2b. Must have been one of Norman Parker’s lads. Or one of Vi Wilson’s. Then he went to Finance. Then he went to South Norfolk District Council. Then in 2004 he got married (my mum always said everything good is worth waiting for. I’m still waiting for my 1951 Festival of Britain badge, but that is an entirely different story). Then Toni Warden (also ex HMSO Supplies) told him about HMSOldies, so now you know what he is up to. Easy. Why doesn’t everybody do it? (No correspondence will be entered into by the management etc.) Well done Steve. Debs Green worked in HMSO. 1985-88, Publications. Some of you might have known her as a Taylor. Clue: daughter of a London-exile printer — she was the one without the pipe and golf clubs. Now with the Norwich Prison Service, so I hope we never meet up professionally. Is writing rubbish on a website an imprisonable crime yet?

Janice Sowerbutts joined the SPICE (Supplies Project for the Improvement of Clerical Efficiency or some such strangulated acronym) as Janice Colk in 1978. She is currently living in North Walsham with two young sons and sees Sue Ellis, Adrienne May, Roma Fairweather and others wandering the streets of North Norfolk. She remembers Brian Cockram. Which is more than he does (sorry, Brian. Was it you who came to work with one black shoe and one brown shoe, ‘having got dressed in the dark’? Those were the days — when you could afford two pairs of shoes).

Helen George joined HMSO Supplies Machinery as Helen Bryant in 1987. She rejoined OGC (the latest but by no means last acronym for CCTA) once weapons of mass destruction were found in HMSO in 1996, as did Fran Pomlett, Tony Brown, Rob Chapman. Kevin White is now Senior British Officer there (I remember having a glass of Burgundy with his mother-in-law in the wine bar under Hepworth’s in Gentleman’s Walk. Now that was a year or two ago). Helen is currently off on sick leave for several months, but still sees Gordon Harrison (84 and proud to be so) Jane Burgis (48 and wishes it was so), Sue Whitaker (just how many photographs can you get onto an A4 election leaflet?) Janet Grimes (moved to Swainsthorpe and still ringing those bells), Geoff Sinden (is he still on the egg round?). But doesn’t see anything of old ADS1 Rod Durkin (60 on 19 March 2005) so things aren’t all bad.

You thought I was making it up about Melbourne? Mary Robinson has lived in Airport West, ten minutes from Tullamarine Airport, for 15 years, close to her youngest son Paul. My 1968 Staff List shows her as a Typist Grade 1, in the same list as Miss P Gordon-Foxwell and Mrs E Regens but (then) yet to aspire to the heights of Mrs MK Lansdell (Grade I) and Miss R Hutson (Grade II). Mary finished as CST in Norwich and still keeps in touch with Beryl Deane, Jean Wilkin, Diane Johnstone. She has also seen Derick Moore and his wife when they were on an Australian visit, and is due to return to England for 8 weeks on 15 June, so watch out for her wandering the streets (she is a practised Outback walker) looking for somebody to take into the Golden Star for a few stubbies and a grilling on what’s happening here these days. Perhaps we could employ George Rokahr as a bagpiping kissogram?

Several contacts, some of whom (including Brian Puplett and Phil Leach) we have turned into short biographies in the ‘People’ section. All contributions are welcome. Why not incorporate a subtle advertisement for your latest concert, invention, election onto Big Brother or court appearance?

Paul Radbourne is keen to organise a Norwich reunion — Golden Star? — and is, by the way, complimentary about his two Supplies division EOs Sue Ellis and Sue Lea.

Hugh Chatterton joined HMSO Publications Division in Nine Elms in 1990 and left tSO in December 2004. He wonders whether the site was open to post-privatisation staff. Certainly — we are always interested to know what the new buyers have done with the old house (thrown out the Adam fireplace and replaced it with Ikea; put decking over the Palladian mosaic in the back yard etc). Bob Barnard (school of ’51; Publications and Belfast among other posts) was complimentary about HMSOldies — ‘just what is needed.’ He is in touch with E Sidney Brooks (school of ’46; Post and Trade before the move to Nine Elms and in charge of the original team which included Leon de Brunner (who moved to DTI) Gavin Turner (who became Director of Furniture) and John Tunbridge (who left for the Court Service).

 

 

10–12 March 2005 – Diary

And still they come. I don’t pretend to understand these analytical websites which log how many pages have been ‘hit’ over the past week (sounds more Sopranos than Software) but the site we use claims that there have been 8083. A proportion of accessees (alright, so why can’t I make up words? Everybody else seems to. ‘I texted him a message’ Did you ever hear such slovenly talk? Whatever would Mrs Rust have said?) seems to have only accessed one single page, which suggests one or more of three things: (a) people logged on by mistake — possibly looking for a pornographic site allied to a different sort of Oldie; (b) they had a quick look and thought that the ‘Welcome’ page was too trivial for them to look further (goodbye Ken; goodbye Brian); or (c) they were not paying attention when their five year old grandson told them how to use the computer (‘damned nonsense gadget-overblown adding machine — only got it so your grandmother could use it to play patience’) and think that the first page is the only page. That’s alright then — I’ve turned off most of the audience now, so it doesn’t matter what follows. Just like the old Monthly Reports.

In no particular order, I have had another note from Fred Stubbs (GD) who writes ‘along with John Rumball and Duncan McEwan and others, I am a member of the John Jarrold Printing Museum. We have just announced a web page www.johnjarroldprintingmuseum.org.uk which is a link with HMSO, as one of HMSO’s Linotype machines is on display and many books have been donated by HMSO.’ Michelle Favell (Isobel is pleased you still have the duck) writes again to remind us of the differences between our old Public Service grind and the land of milk and honey which embraces the lives of Astron/TSO/o2o/Lymeswold workers ‘Last year I was lucky enough to accompany my husband Julian to Dubai, along with various other employees who won their places . . . I have deleted the names to protect the ecstatically happy. I once won a place to spend a month in Park Royal warehouse, and if it wasn’t for a kindly old cleaner who let me out and gave me the tube fare home, I would be there yet. God bless you, Tom Kingsley.

Another repeat correspondent (just how much do I have to insult them before they lay off?) Ian Billings puts me to shame — an easy target, I know — with his two websites www.norvic-philatelics.co.uk and www.norphil.co.uk/catalog and his determination to continue working post-HMSO . . . ’some weeks as a relief postman in the village, followed by a six month contract at Shipdham Post Office delivering by van to outlying farms and villages etc.’(This is a local postal service for local people. We’ll have no trouble here). ‘After that I had some intermittent delivery work for an agricultural oil depot in Dereham, delivering as far away as south of Ipswich to Wisbech and Spalding. Then, when Tesco started delivery from Dereham, I did 21 hours a week delivering to single mothers in Sheringham, pensioners in Wells, and plutocrats in big houses all over the area in between; also to shift workers and holidaymakers who were trying to find their cottages at the same time as I was. Oh, the fun! . . . in the end I got fed up with bad management and left.’ So, Jim, there is useful life beyond Management Accountancy, but not as we know it. By the way, Eric Bone’s HMSO’s Shortest Books’ idea is taking momentum, I’m afraid, but nothing publishable yet. Who do you think I am — Kenneth Tynan? Speaking of which — and this has just occurred to me — did you see that article in the paper recently where Ash Attallah (comedy scriptwriter, The Office etc) casually asked his readers to meet him in a certain Pizza Express in London. Loads turned up. Should we do that? Any ideas of location? My first choice is Café en Seine, Dawson Street, Dublin. Despite the name, it’s a real Dublin pub and big enough to take — oh, 250 of us? So both of us, you and me dear reader, should have no trouble getting in. But I digress.

John Fox took the trouble to write to me on his 51st birthday. He worked in PP (MOD section) and is at present Commodity Buyer for Jaguar/Land Rover. John Grundy ‘started in Publications in February 1993 as part of John Smith’s sales force, leaving TSO in August 1998 . . . a colleague at the time was Mike Chevins, Bookshop Co-ordinator, and I currently work with him again at Shropdoc Out-of-Hours Medical Company in Shrewsbury.’ Geoff Woods also worked in Pubns, in the Controller’s Library in Norwich. He is now devoting his time to stained glass work (the occasional owl motif, perhaps?) but life has not been all tinted frames: he is just back from a cruise in the West Indies. My dear, the heat! The steel drums! The lack of decent beer! Only one Macdonalds to choose from! All that rum, fish, cigars, erotic dancing. Glad to be back, I can tell you. Sorry, Geoff. I don’t get out much. John Hopping is back again with his reminiscences of Pubns names (are ex-Pubns people the only ones with computers/electricity/time to spare?). Hats off for P9, Cornwall House. George Finch, Dennis Smith, Jack Daly DFC, DFM, Will Halloran, Brian Minett, Bill Stowe. And another Cornwall House hand, Les Crawford (from Mech, to Manager, OMTS) says hello. Hello Les, the only surviving M/OMTS. Got any WD40 and Swarfega to swap for a ream of copy paper and box of biros?

Away from the London-Norwich corridor, praise be, with a note from Malcolm Jones (‘Bristol . . . outstaying Malcolm McNeill, Sandy McCabe, and probably my welcome as well. Before that I had been ten years in Norwich after joining at Harrow Press and moving to Atlantic House in preparation for dispersal.’ And finally — a welcome note from a current St Crispins employee who I remember from golden times in that building. I will respect his anonymity, but Anthony (not his real name), you know who you are. And I will pay top rate for Certain Photographs which I know to be in your possession. Why should Richard Desmond have all the good stuff?

And, to what I am sure must be intense relief to all who worked with him, John Cripps (world class athlete first, Accountant second) reports that he is ‘just as good-looking and modest as ever.’ Phew.

Note to Webmaster: with all the padding, I make it just over 1000 words. Can I go home now?

 

 

7–9 March 2005 – Diary

First of all, just because my name is on the site, it doesn’t mean that the credit for its creation is mine. It isn’t. Honours go to Robert Stutely and Philip Marriage. As usual I came along late, didn’t put into the kitty but went home with the raffle prize.

One of our technical experts, although delighted with offers of pictures, has asked me to say that if people want to provide good scans on CD rather than releasing their valuable original photographs, then this saves ages over sending them as Email attachments and downloading them. I am told that a good standard is 300dpi, with each picture 9 inches wide or 9 inches deep. Don’t let that put you off copying pictures to me in the usual way if that is all you have at your disposal. Personally, the only thing I have tried to copy to CD is Ellington at Newport 1956. The result was more like a famous work by John Cage.

We mentioned the sad loss of Bob Carey on 14 February. Bob’s grandson, Stuart, has written to ask us ‘to please pass on our thanks to all those who sent messages of condolence and those who attended the funeral on 14 February.’

This week I had the great pleasure of entering St Crispins (a pleasure I ration — there is more noise in the Co-op funeral parlour, and I find it unnerving compared with the old days when Tony Smith, Stan Smith and Dick Smith (among many other Smiths) could be heard crooning softly into their stenographs. Anyway, Robin Kelly presented me with the original Sovereign Staff Club Visitors’ Book for 1973. The names bring back some memories. More of this later. Can I tempt you with CH ‘Frankie’ Day?

I will continue to include the names of people who write in (after all, that’s what it’s all about) but in an effort to get the entries down quickly, I will summarise. Vic Kefford is a name from the past. Although he started in Atlantic House in 1966, he went to CSD in 1972. He remembers many of the HMSO cricketers we pictured, and supplied a photo.

I received a lovely note from somebody I have never met. Angie Rennie, of Norwich, wrote to say that her mother used to live at 152 St George’s Street, and our photo of the Sovereign House site brought back many happy memories. I know that Stan Smithson, one of the early messengers, used to live in what became the MS2/1 and MS2/2 room on the first floor. Sometimes we would wake up in the afternoon and swore his old mum was rattling the dolly against the copper. Or was that Frank Payne trying to get us to work? Christine Hawthorn (still with TSO) was enthusiastic, as were Peter McAuley (ex Pubns Belfast, now doing well in DHSS (NI). And Maureen Wickham, who I first remember in Cornwall House Registry in 1963 (alas, she didn’t know I was there in ITW1c, and only had eyes for the urbane Bill Wickham of the prestigious A4d section. Bill finished his office life in CCTA and Maureen in MOD. They have lived in Buxton, Norfolk, for many years. Chris Ladbrooke still works in Banner (Office2Office they want me to call it now. What next — Lymeswold?) with Julian Favell, Jason Groves, Karen Nash (what news of father-in-law John Nash, the man with Isle of Wight engraved on his bunion?). Chris recalls happy days in The Golden Star (why does no-one recall happy days in Quality Council?) and tells me that Jane Helgerson is working in NCC Library and Jeremy Goodchild is back from Argentina (grief, even I didn’t know that the Director of Business Supplies had the authority to deport). A nice picture from Duncan Dawdry (also still with Lymeswold – sorry o2o) which will cause some head-scratching. We might even use it as a game of Pelmanism — match the pairs (it’s a BS Sales Conference, so could be any number of combinations). Jo Flint stopped handling our sick records in 1995 and now contents herself with cruises. If we had all been sent on cruises, we might not have been sick so often. Another professional websiter (and philatelist, along with Larry Lewendon and Chris Southgate) wrote in — Ian Billings. I think I may have been overtired (George Brown, 1965) when I replied to Jill Speed of the PC. Something about Nine Elms Lane makes me all wobbly. Sorry. Thanks. John Hopping also sent me rushing for the tablets (nothing to do with his role in CPSA) when he mentioned Maurice Patrick Shipp Epstein. Paddy to his victims (as he liked to call them on Pay Duty, Atlantic House. He is 90 this year, I hope. John also intrigued by saying that a book entitled Random Abstract Memories contains a chapter about HMSO and various staff. It is by Hattie Hayridge, comedian who also played the part of Holly in the TV programme Red Dwarf. She was Carol Bayford when she worked with HMSO.

Ron Sims was always Ron Sims, as his wife Iris and daughter Hilary Goreham would attest. He has just had Papworth heart surgery, but is a tough old stick and will be about to keep me minding my manners for years to come. Malcolm Jones (Bristol) and Joy Kinsley (Finance) have made contact, and Paul Radbourne has been back to say that his old Supply colleagues Trevor New and Dave Jones are working in a poultry firm and a Diss florist’s respectively. I hope its OK to say this, and they are not under a Witness protection programme following the great Tea Trolley Scandal of 1993 . . . Julia Martin worked in Supplies Machinery Maintenance once. She became a Quality Manager and left during the reign of Tactica. Jane Henderson (o2o Quality Manager) told her about the site, and she writes to say how she is enjoying her job working for Meltemi Clothing, Bowthorpe. She keeps contact with Ann Eason. Also a note from Michelle Favell (nee Coman) who mentions various people she worked with in a favourable light, not least Isobel Williamson and, incredibly, Denis Moloney. Can’t wait to tell his boss at Neopost — that’ll destroy his hard-man credibility. She and her husband Julian (working with o2o) have a six year old son. Finally, a compliment from Fred Stubbs (GD). I like it when a GD/IT professional says something good. When I was ‘working’ it was always followed by the word ‘… but …’

 

 

Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 March 2005 – Diary

What’s this? Weekend overtime? Surely this is only authorised for annual stocktaking (‘I’ve got Orsman Road. Oh bliss!’) or when somebody up the line had really got it in the neck from HM Treasury? No, it seems to be ‘Smothering Sunday’ (that’s what my 1986 HMSO pocket diary says: (you remember the 1986 — the one with 16 March twice?) so I am hiding from the washing-up. If I ever find out who it is that does all that cooking I’ll have them out of this house as quickly as Brian Ekers out of a Quality Council. But for now, more Dispatches. Back from the Front:

First off the blocks, and especially to spike the guns of the ‘it’s all for you lot up Norwich’ brigade, the shouts of ‘Letsby Avenue’ seem to have reached the Hermitages of France, John Elderton and Margery Kraszewski send warm regards. If I were to say that, when I was in Supplies, John gave me infinite challenges as S13c, and Margery gave me infinite points in our lunchtime game of HMSO Surname Scrabble, you would say that I was far too emotional to continue this Sunday overtime and should report to E. on Monday morning. Shan’t. I get my pension from some ninth-hand sell-on from the Paymaster General’s Office, so it could take twenty years to get me sacked from this job.

Sorry, John and Margery. How dare I use your space for all this rubbish. Start again. If I can find the delete you won’t even know. No wonder you went to France.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch. Margery was kind enough to say that ‘John and I just spent a nostalgic time going through the pictures and other memorabilia — so many names that took us back in time. We have just celebrated our tenth anniversary of living in France, and we have enjoyed every minute of it . . . we recently saw a letter in French News from one Roy Arscott.’ (the same Musical Mundesley Roy Arscott, who joined HMSO in 1970 and spent time in Basildon, PS Training and Pubns? – Enough clues?) ‘We are going to Australia soon to visit our families in Perth and Sydney . . . and return at the end of April . . . thank you again.’

John Flynn (another Supplies survivor) writes from Norwich ‘. . . what a good idea and a good website . . . ran into Phil Storey a few days ago (Phil was in Supplies for years around the ‘60s-‘70s and still rushes around in his braces and his ‘80s). We are off to Kentucky shortly and will contribute when I return’.

Talking of Supplies, Frank Lynch was there (you remember him – mean, moody, and something else beginning with M. Miserable, that was it. If the tea trolley ran out of lemon, they got him round to frown at the milk), and then there was that beautiful, young, free ray of sunshine among the clouds of F4c2ac(t/ac), Rosemary Lynch (surely they are not related?). They sent kind words and sightings of Muriel and Roy Keavney in Lanzarote Airport in January (surely Robin Kelly could have found them a Security job nearer home?). The last time I saw their daughter, Samantha Lynch – now Watson, her husband, being the Holmes to her – oh good grief I can’t find my way out of this. Come on Ian, you’re 35 now. Surely you can come up with a punchline. Just think of Durkin. (Enough to make you want to punch anything.)

Back to sanity. David Roberts (mainly Supplies in the 1960s/70s but a long and varied career) promised to send news of the site to former colleagues abroad. He also sent in the most wonderful reminiscence of his work with HMSO in the late 40s-early 50s. When we print it, everyone is in for a real treat. He paints a picture of Post War HMSO to which we can all add our own colours. Lovely.

Enough of being nice. Who can I have a go at? Eric Bone (my 1968 Staff List squeezes him between Noel Warr and Stan Thompson — they were all boys from CS in those pre-decimal days) comes unbidden to front of tabs. His first email was courteous and just testing the ground. Old pro that he is, he waited for my rejoinder, and blasted me with a series of seriously libellous ideas (all of which will be taken up, even if we have to go to a Dutch ISP, for sure). The ‘HMSOldies List of the Shortest Books In the World’ (eg ‘The Peter Macdonald Guide to Giving Up.’ Karen! Where are my fags? Karen!’ (Sorry, I made that up. Eric’s were much worse). Seriously, though – and one I like personally – is ‘Affectionate Obits’ (Memories of the lamented departed). Robust souls such as Joe Delaney, Stan Smith might be candidates (among many HMSO-wide) but we need to be aware of sensibilities.

So who does that leave us? Dave Crump sent a lovely message. Memories of his double-act with the late SA (Digger) Dungate on the Fat Training Course (well, it made me fat) then a name from years ago – John Morgan who was very complimentary and added ‘it was SO Review 1979-82 that started me out on what has since passed for a . . .journalistic career . . .(John was in various locations from Pubns through Supply to Training 1975-82, and sometime Staff Side DGS. Now hiding in Cromer).

Malcolm Dunsdon (E&E Norwich; Edinburgh; Supply Machinery; PMA2A, P&T Bookshop replacing Gerry Gold (who, incidentally, was born in 1918. Now that was a job). Currently with Norwich Union as UK Health and Safety Manager, and still has to visit St Crispins occasionally (if my spare teeth are still on fifth floor, trap two . . .). Nice reunion to coincide with the birthday of Bill Scott (forget the teeth — Bill will have pawned them to buy a round). Good to see John Wild, Olive Monton, Keith Smith, and the ever-young John Galley. Malcolm’s current NU colleagues include Ann Clancy, Sheila Crowe, Pauline Kirkpatrick, Penny Poole, and others who have paid to remain anonymous.

Connie Burgess (with whom she worked in PS with her late husband Don) is still involved with the local Women’s Institute, and gets all her Glad-to-be-Gonners news from John and Ann Eason. Come on, we can do better than that for her. Who wants stories based around Mansfield FC, Milwall, and the fact we can’t get a decent pie for lunch? Alright, it’s John. And me. Without Manswall and Milfield or who?

Marguerite Finn has given me more pleasure standing up fully dressed than any cultured Irish person would ever admit, and has ‘LOADS of HMSO photos, all of which she will send me, and most of which could embarrass plenty of you. Blackmail is a dirty word. Let’s call it Soap. That’s a clean word. Sorry, it’s getting late. Last one coming up.

Advertising. Thorny chap that. Do we or don’t we. My opinion (and I see nobody looking over my shoulder) is that if somebody is doing it for a decent cause, and I don’t personally despise the ground on which they sashay, then why not?

So Ivor R Hosgood (PP, Music etc) is first under the net as follows, mainly because he is a decent soul, the cause is good, and he wrote a literate note with which I didn’t have to mess about. Viz.:

 

 

I’ll Take You Where the Music’s Playing.

The book will be launched with a Champagne party at my home on Sunday 10 July at noon. Copies will also be available by post. Its 256 page content is a mix of autobiography and essay and includes contributions from the Poet Laureate, four more poets, and three Churchmen. All have East Anglian connections. The East Anglian poems from the estate of John Betjeman are also included. There is also an 80 minute compact disc containing some of my favourite music.

Production costs have been generously donated by Xerox (UK) Ltd. and all proceeds from the sale will be donated to The Norfolk Youth Music Trust — a registered charity with origins going back to 1977. The cost is £10.95 (only £9.95 for all orders placed on or before 10 July 2005) plus packing and postage where applicable.

Please contact: Ivor R Hosgood, The Norfolk Youth Music Trust, Wahnfried, 4 Church Close, Buxton, Norwich, NR10 5ER. Tel/Fax 01603 279742 email [email protected] website www.norfolk-youth-music-trust.org.uk

Thought for the Day Brevity is the soul of wit.

 

 

5 March 2005 – Eastern Daily Press article by Cat Bartman

HMSO WORKERS CAN NOW REUNITE ONLINE If you want to find out what that person you fancied in school is up to now, you usually just tap away on Friends Reunited. But what about if you worked at one particular office block in Norwich? Now everyone and anyone who was involved with Her Majesty’s Stationery Office (HMSO) in the city will be able to log on and track down their long-lost friends and colleagues, whether they were employees, contractors, suppliers or customers.

The government department was established in 1786 to procure stationery “with economy, efficiency and the curbing of private gain” and was originally staffed with 15 men, two women, two horses and a cart. When its headquarters moved from London to Norwich in 1968, there were more than 7000 staff nationwide. The ground around Botolph Street was cleared to build the now disused Sovereign House as the HMSO headquarters.

During the 210 years of its existence, more than 100,000 people were employed by the organisation, which was privatised, in 1996, with up to 3000 of them in Norwich at one point. Around 540 staff opted for early retirement or voluntary redundancy in a reorganisation of the firm before privatisation. The website – www.HMSOldies.co.uk – contains information about what people are doing and where they are, as well as old articles from the circulars, and photographs.

Reg Walker, the website editor, who was director of customer care when he took redundancy in 1996, said: “Before we were privatised, we used to have an information circular which told everyone about who was getting married; who was leaving the department, and someone said, ‘Why don’t we do this on the web?’

“We mulled it over and there seemed to be a lot of local interest. It’s like a Friends Reunited for an office block.

“It’s just passing on information. When you get into your 5Os or 60s, you wonder what happened to people. Most of us are retired and it’s a means of passing on information and reminiscing.

“It will appeal to people not only from Norwich but around the country,” said 58-year-old Mr Walker, from Norwich, one of about 1000 people who moved up from London. “I would never have met my wife, if I hadn’t moved up here. A lot of us didn’t know anything about Norfolk. We found what a lovely place it was to live in. It was a lovely place to work, very friendly. Almost nobody moved back to London.

“There are still people who work in the privatised part of it who are interested in what it was like in the beginning,” he added.

In 1966, staff were even given the chance to vote on where the headquarters should move to, with Norwich beating off competition from Swindon and Basingstoke. (photo)

© Archant Ltd, Eastern Counties Newspapers

 

 

4 March 2005 It’s here (or do I mean it’s over?)

So launch day has been and gone with good publicity in the Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News, plus a welcome pile of complimentary Emails. But where are the criticisms, nit-picks and insults? Has the electricity gone down where Brian Lee lives? Has Gordon Robbie ‘forgotten’ that it’s his turn to put a shilling in the meter again? Has Peter Macdonald lost the Post-it note Karen Sullivan gave him, telling him how to switch on his computer? If that doesn’t provoke them, nothing will. And, just to let you know, not everything you think is written by a certain person is actually written by that certain person, if you know what I mean. Those of us who had to produce ‘drafts for senior management’ know exactly what I mean.

Anyway, back to those Emails, some of which have been summarised to protect the guilty. Editorial responses, where printable, are in italics, a sloping type introduced by Aldus Manutius of Venice c.1500. Did I ever tell you about the time that I was a Printer?

First off the blocks, all the way from the Bypass Protest Picket in Long Stratton, was AD (Dave) Martin, who struggled in just before the red pen appeared. Typically, he asked an awkward question before the Senior Paperkeeper had even got the kettle on: ‘Are we ex HMSO or former HMSO? When Nixon was impeached in the USA, they considered an ex President as being sacked, and a former President having had an honourable discharge.’ So we’ll stick with ex then.

Paula Ronald wrote from Dublin (wipes away tear and reaches for stout friend) where she is doing well, working for a stationery company. Her husband Mike (one time Edinburgh Warehouse management) has won a work prize which will take them off to Puerto Rico (West Indies) for a holiday. She signs off with the name she had when she joined IDB House, Paula Love (HMSO 1984-1997). Stan Church (BS) copied his kind note to John Wilson, Terry Bligh, Ian Hatfield and Harry Currie to urge them to contribute, and we had better not take the eye off the Design ball as both Ken Arnoldi and John Saville are on the case. And Jack Palmer (PP, Tech, SO Review cartoonist) passed on the information that he has sold his boat at last. You can stop saving now, Brian.

Time for an unedited quote, from Paul Radbourne. If I change any of it, I will be hauled up in front of the Board for discrimination against residents of Cromer or somesuch. Anyway, he writes: ‘So far it seems mostly the more senior people who are contributing (well, who else has plenty of time on their hands?) so I thought you would appreciate something from someone who actually did some real work! (funny, up until then I thought I remembered him). I started with HMSO in 1988 as an ‘umble AA working with Hilary Goreham in Supply. The same year I became an AO, with the tremendous responsibility for ordering rubber stamps! I stayed after privatisation, joining the procurement team as specials buyer, but decided in late 1999/early 2000 that perhaps life in the private stationery industry was not for me, so I left and I am now research manager for British Industry magazine (and also now a qualified Doctor of Zoology since 2002). Ron Harper (ex PP) works alongside me. Plus I also see you occasionally at the traffic lights on Tombland. Kind regards, Dr. Paul FMC Radbourne M.A., F.R.Z.S.

Dear Paul. Thank you for your kind note. I remember the first time you spoke to me. I was about to make some sort of presentation to a retiring/sacked/pregnant/lottery winner in S4, proudly wearing a new (to Oxfam) Marks and Spencer suit. ‘Here he comes’ you said ‘in his Management suit: big checks for the guv’nors; small cheques for the workers!’ Took me ages to get you out but I managed it. I knew you would do well, but I’m genuinely impressed at how well you did. When I see you in Tombland with a bundle of newspapers I assume that you are just delivering, then sitting in The Close with a quart of White Lightning (sorry, that’s just me). I will tell Alan Cole, who I am sure will be pleased to hear of your advancement as a result of his benign management training. And yes, we all continue to take the credit for the work of others, long after ‘retirement.’ All the best to you, and to Ron.

The shy and retiring Marion Maxwell contributes: ‘Congratulations to all . . . do you take advertising, as I could offer free IT courses to the Oldies, giving them something to do in their retirement!’ and yes, I checked four times, she really does say FREE. ‘Seriously, I am hosting a meeting of the PCS retired members’ association here at St Andrews in Norwich (opposite Churchills Tobacconist, just down from Delaney’s Bar. Well, how else do you give directions?) on Monday, ably run by the veritable Vince Fitzgibbon. Would you like a photo? (Yes please, Marion. And one of Vince as well, if we have to).

I don’t know Rick Edwards well enough to insult him, but I’m sure that could change given the doubtful company he used to keep. I quote: ‘I joined HMSO in July 1979, in PP Atlantic House, as a CA working for Trevor Priddle and Eddie Sargeant. In 1980 I went to Hansard Press as a CO, moving to the Publications Centre as a Programmer six years later, and moved to Norwich with TSO in April 1999.’ Talking of printers, another current TSO employee John Eveson (currently doing things the Mandela Way) says ‘I have some old SSPP photos to give to Robert in the next few weeks. There is also one of a group of fine old (can’t make out this next word) at Harrow, including Ken Jagelman (who I see was born in 1922. Does anyone have any news of him for John?), Martin Grant, Trevor Priddle, and a very hairy me.’

Andy Taylor joined HMSO Norwich in 1975, and did well to survive in Office Machinery. It must have been hell trying to get an opinion out of those shrinking violets Burgis, Whitaker . . . sorry. He writes: ‘Glad to see you’ve got the site up and running . . . although there are one or two Oldies on the Friends Reunited site it’s great to have one that you don’t have to pay a subscription to — or will you be releasing the bad news on subscriptions later? (over my dead body- if you get paid, you have to take responsibility, and I don’t want to start at my time of life). After spending a couple of years with a local housing association, I am currently working for Plastic Building Supplies, near Norwich Airport. I keep bumping into Brian Puplett of DD Health and Safety Supplies (either on his way to the golf course or another booking as a Prince Andrew decoy?) and occasionally see Mike Betts but only if I get the chance to drink in the Fur and Feather. Good luck . . . I will forward a few photos . . . regards to everyone that knew me.’

So that’s about it for day one. Those of you thinking that this looks like a Norwich-based self-indulgence among a group of people who know each other too well now have the ideal opportunity to correct this. How about some articles about the early days of Gateshead Press? RB6? OMRS mechanic, Salisbury Plain? BIS (New York)? HMSO Cairo (or was that just CW Blundell?). Anyway, there’s news from further afield coming up . . .

 

 

4 March 2005 – Derek James column in the Eastern Evening News

FROM BUILDING SITE TO WEBSITE This [photo] was the scene in Norwich almost 40 years ago when this ancient part of the city was changing shape to meet the demands of the 20th century. The demolition men had moved in to pull down great chunks of the historic Stump Cross area – and Anglia Square was on its way. A major part of that development was the premises of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office (HMSO). And this was the way the site looked in November 1966 when the ground in Botolph Street had been cleared to build Sovereign House as the HMSO headquarters in Norwich.

This large office went on to play a major role in Norwich life – employing around 3,000 people at one time – for nearly 30 years before it was privatised in 1996. It had been established as a Government department way back in 1786 to procure stationery “with economy efficiency and the curbing of private gain”. It was originally staffed with 15 men, two women, two horses – not forgetting a cart. When its headquarters moved to Norwich, starting with an advance party in 1967, there were more than 7,000 staff across the country. Over the 210 years of its existence, more than 100,000 people have been employed by the organisation, many of them in recent times living in Norfolk.

Why am I telling you all this? Because there is now a website where ex-employees, contractors, suppliers and customers, from anywhere in the UK and overseas, can keep in touch with old friends and colleagues and indulge themselves in the harmless occupation of reminiscence.

‘There is no charge and all contributions will be welcome,’ said Reg Walker; of Norwich, who is the editor of HMSOldies.

An Evening News photograph of the office helped to inspire former workers to set up their own site. The website went live at 8.35 am this morning – in memory of the historic ‘signing on time’ at HMSO. All you have to do is log on to www.HMSOldies.co.uk and all will be revealed.

© Archant Ltd Eastern Counties Newspapers

 

 

4 March 2005 ­ Launch Day

In years to come, how will 4 March be remembered? The birthday of those media stars Patrick Moore, Chris Rea and Patsy Kensit? The day on which the Kray twins were found guilty of the McVitie murder (1969) or the day Charlie Chaplin was knighted (1975)? The day on which EM Forster set out on his passage to India (1921)? No. It will go down in history as the day on which the HMSOldies website was launched, at 0835 hours. If you are late, the signing on sheets will be in the HEO’s room with only red ink available.

 

 

February 2005 – Social Diary

Recent visitors to South Africa, including Peter Macdonald, Alan Cole, Isobel Williamson report Norma Groom (ex Basildon) and her husband, who moved to Cape Town several years ago, are in good form. Brian Ekers still commutes between Spain (for the rain) and England (for the rugby). A sighting of Chris Fuller (one time Supplies Office Machinery; retired from CCTA). Liz Stokes (currently with Astron) with her newly -born son Liam; Charlie Newcombe (ex PP and IPCS committee) striding down Chapel Field Road and Geoff Sentinella (Laboratory) sheltering from the snowstorm. And was that Mrs FB Clark (who worked in Supplies during the early years of Dispersal to Norwich) walking down Dereham Road? Larry Lewendon (Audit, E&E) was not walking but sitting in Norwich Station, doubtless cursing the cancellation of the 0900 hours to London (too little snow on the line). Word comes over the wires from Denis Moloney who, against all expectations, is making an excellent living as a wide-boy (sorry, senior sales executive).

Interesting article in EDP about Major David Back, weapons expert and lifetime soldier, concluding with the words ‘there cannot be a finer example of a true English gentleman, nor a more modest one’. He is the father of Simon Back, who retired from Office Services more than ten years ago. Clover Moore (widow of Alex, late of Marketing) on an extended visit from her home on the Greek island of Thassos.

 

 

January 2005 – Social Diary

So who was found wandering the streets and byways during the month of failed resolutions and the almost irresistible temptation to stay in and watch old Ealing Comedies on the television? Among those who braved the outside world were Barbara Crowley, Ernie White (who worked in the Sovereign House warehouse in 1968) and his daughter Ruth (still working in St. Crispins). Marie Blake (one time Sovereign House telephonist, as was her mother Molly Burgess). Rita Tuttle looking ageless. Pat Linehan and Derek Goddard looking fit.

Jayne Wilkinson surprised me with the news that, with the loss of a TSO contract, she had been made redundant. Steve Ward, Gill Johnson, Sheila Blowers and Robin Kelly still with tSO and Alan Low making sure the Royal Mail gets through. Mike Lynn spotted in Wymondham (he had recently seen Vic Bell and George Furn). Alan Justice retiring from Astron soon. Andrew Eeles still with HMSO (Colegate). Sandra Perry, Peter Bradbury, Gerry Lucioli, Tony Bishop (St. Crispins security), Ken Gooderham, Musa Pinnock, Gary Turner all spotted through the wrong side of a pub window. Brian Hayes (who worked in Edinburgh and Manchester Print) is currently back in Norfolk.

So where was everyone else? Staying indoors, no doubt (see above) or taking a few weeks out in South Africa/Spain etc. To fill up the space, then, there is a picture competition. Who can name any of the 14 people shown in this photograph? The only clue is that it was taken in London in 1964, and ten of those shown worked for HMSO.

 

 

4 January 2005 – Brian Currie

Unable to get to events nowadays, but always delighted to hear news of you all. Happy New Year!