T.G. Smith 1922–2013
Roy Plackett has passed on the sad news that Tom died, following a short stay in hospital, on 31 December 2013. Funeral arrangements have been made for Friday 17 January 2014, 1545 hours at Earlham Crematorium, Earlham Road, Norwich. The Wake will be held after the funeral at The Trafford Public House, Trafford Road. There is a notice of Tom’s death in the Eastern Daily Press.
Tom joined HMSO as a Printing and Binding Officer on 1 January 1957, and moved to Norwich upon dispersal, spending much of his time as HTO in CEPA. He moved to Poringland following his retirement, and remained active, enjoying the company of old colleagues at weekly meetings in The Trafford and elsewhere. The photo above shows him on the occasion of his 89th birthday.
Althea Wells 1932–2013
We received the following sad news from Lyn Scott on 25 November 2013:
Hello there Reg, I am Lyn, Althea Wells’ daughter. I know my mum worked at St Crispins, Norwich, for a number of years. She was on reception. Sadly she passed away 8 November 2013, three days before her 81st birthday. I wondered if you would like to add her to your obituaries.
Kind regards, Lyn
David James Reeve 1951–2013
We were sad to read, in the Eastern Daily Press dated 12 November 2013, that David has died at the age of 61.
David joined HMSO as a clerical officer in 1989. He spent most of his career in Supplies Office Machinery, where he was promoted and remained following privatisation.
Duncan Dawdry adds the following appreciation: I worked with David almost continuously from 1989 to 2011, the last few years as his manager before he was made redundant (against his wishes) in 2011. I suspect that for him work was his social life but he refused to stay in touch with us so we had no idea how he was until this notice appeared. He was not a gregarious man, particularly in his later years but I counted him as a friend and I’m in shock about his early passing, although he was a lifelong very heavy smoker and wasn’t in the best of health when he left.
Dave Pelham adds: Hi Reg, Just to add my condolences over the death of David Reeve. I took over from him on the section (S5) dealing with franking machines and remember the last evening he was in that post he turned to me and said “Well I guess I better show you what’s what”. That was about 5.45 pm on the Friday evening! Despite that, I always found him a decent bloke and I am sure he will be missed by many.
Merle Lee 1932–2013
We were sad to read in the Norwich Evening News dated 16 October 2013 of the death of Merle Lee.
Merle joined HMSO in March 1975 and worked as Administrative Officer in Supplies Division and in PS.
Angie Marshall adds: Hello Reg, I spoke to Jitu today about Merle and he put me onto your website. I used to work at HMSO in Supply (1985–89). I remember that you knew my husband’s uncle very well – Jock Barr. I was a close friend of Merle’s and was pleased to see that she has been remembered on the website. I would appreciate you including these funeral details: The Funeral Service will take place at Woodland Hall, Colney Wood on Tuesday, October 29th at 2 pm. Flowers to Gordon Barber Funeral Home, 317 Aylsham Road, Norwich by 12 noon, please.
Here’s a photo of Merle sporting rather dashing headgear when she came over for Christmas in 2009.
Kind regards, Angie Marshall
Hello Angie. Thank you for your note regarding the sad news about Merle. I certainly remember you at HMSO, and of course Jock – wonderful company: I can still remember many of his stories. He died so relatively young – must be over 20 years now – exchanged letters with his son Dennis at the time. The sad thing about HMSOldies is that we increasingly have to write about people in the past tense. I worked with Jock in London in 1967, with Chester Willmott, John Stanger, Ernie Millington – all of them wartime ex-servicemen – another world. Anyway, on a more cheerful note, I can picture you aged around 25, always cheerful, a lovely head of hair – bet you haven’t changed a bit! All the best. Reg
Ronald H George 1923–2013
Ron at work in 1973, Cornwall House probably.
On 12 October 2013 Brian Puplett (past Deputy Manager of OMTS) passed on the following sad news:
‘Sadly I have just heard from Ron’s wife Iris that Ron has passed away. The funeral is arranged for this Friday 18 October. She was a little evasive regarding the funeral, saying that she did not expect anyone to attend and understood the distance and difficulties for anyone from Norwich getting there.
I have many fond memories of Ron. He was always positive, never had a bad word for anyone and enjoyed a wonderful sense of humour. He never gave bad advice and was highly regarded by those who worked with him as well as suppliers.
Whenever anyone thought or mentioned him the words ‘Good Old Ron’ immediately came to mind: very fitting.
I have expressed all our sincere condolences to Iris. If anyone would like her address just email me and I will send it.
Brian’
Having worked with Ron through the eras of KL Beak, Dan Farquhar, Les Crawford and David Eaglestone, I heartily endorse Brian’s comments. Ron worked alongside Arthur Pannell on Machinery Testing when I knew him first, and he was always cheerful and extremely helpful. I last saw him at the annual reunion in The Ship, Borough Road, some years ago and he maintained his cheerfulness despite various discomforting operations.
Ron joined HMSO as what was then known as an OMRS Mechanic in 1948 and worked in Cornwall House and Britannia House upon promotion to Foreman and Senior Foreman.
Eric Bone adds: Thanks, Reg. It is sad news. Brian’s words here cannot be bettered. Fitted my own recollections very well. RIP, old comrade.
Bernard Johnson adds: I always looked upon Ron as a quiet thoughtful gentleman who would deal with the AM’s business with OMTS in a professional manner. That was even when confronted with the ‘problems’ of Briggy & Eric Insley! Another good man gone; it must be something to do with age. Kind regards, Bernard.
Denis Moloney adds: My recollections of Ron will be the same as many. A true gentleman, with a ready wit, twinkle in the eye and a very kind word for those deserving of it. Sad news indeed.
JLE Bishop 1937–2013
We were sad to hear that Joe died early in October 2013, following a long illness. His funeral will be held at Earlham Crematorium, Norwich, at 1200 hours on Tuesday 22 October 2013. See also Norwich Evening News dated 14 October 2013.
Joe joined HMSO Print (the legendary Room C44, Atlantic House) in September 1962. He transferred to Norwich upon dispersal, remaining in the Print area until retirement.
When his name is mentioned the first reaction is usually that he was excellent company – and then that he was an exceptional amateur footballer. Not a bad way to be remembered by old colleagues.
John William Elderton 1928–2013
We received the following sad news from Margery Kraszewski, who left Norwich to live in France with John several years ago:
Bonjour Reg
John has finally lost his battle with Parkinson’s Disease, and after a brave fight he died on Tuesday 27th August 2013. He was admitted to hospital on the 13th and his daughter and her husband came from Australia and we were all with him at the end, which was very peaceful after several weeks of misery.
The cremation was carried out on 30th August: a very simple affair which he would have approved of. He never did like a fuss!
As he said in his last message to HMSOldies, he did intend to enjoy time in our garden and he got his wish, I am attaching a picture that I took in June.
He is already sorely missed. Margery
John joined HMSO in 1957, and worked in Establishments, Rep Basildon, Supplies Division (Norwich) and other posts before taking retirement and moving to Mouais, in the Loire-Atlantique, a much-loved corner of France.
Margaret Crawley 1924–2013
We were sad to read, in the Eastern Daily Press dated 25 July 2013, of the death of Margaret Crawley.
Margaret was a significant presence within HMSO, starting her career in December 1946 and moving through the office until her retirement from S5, the Supplies Machinery section she managed both in London and following dispersal to Norwich.
Any memories or photos of Margaret that readers of this email may wish to add will be welcome.
Tony Smith adds: I saw the sad news in the EDP. Margaret worked for me in my office machinery SEO days for a while. She was definitely a ‘one-off’. She was ever so popular with the suppliers. I recall that, when she wasn’t well on one occasion, one of the suppliers (was it Wally Wood of Olivetti?) went all the way out to Shipdham with a bouquet of flowers for her! On several occasions when the work piled up, she would lock herself in her office (before open plan) and put a notice on the door that she wasn’t to be disturbed until lunchtime!
Thanks Tony. Yes, that would have been Wally Wood, who also died this year. As you say, Margaret always threw herself vigorously into Supplier Negotiations. I think some companies used to use her as a test as to whether some of their junior representatives would make the grade. All the best, Reg.
John Butler adds: I worked for Margaret for several years in the 1960–70s over two separate periods. She could be quite demanding at times but was always generous and sociable. I can still well recall many convivial business lunches with her and John Stewart of Olivetti, Bob Judges of NCR, Eric Blackmore of ADDO, ? Gibbs of Muldivo and with her staff in the Victoria. She came to see me in my office on one of her visits to Sovereign House just before I retired and we had a very pleasant chat about times past. She had a strong personality for sure but was well respected by colleagues and contractors and I will always remember her.
Thank you John. You ably sum up my own memories of Margaret. When I joined Supplies in Atlantic House in 1965 – S6b, with Tommy Taylor and with Charlie Lloyd as S6 –Margaret was S5 in the next room, with you, Messrs Butler, Shutler, Almond, Wilson, Holtom at different times. She was more than a match for the poor SEO, Sam White, who soon left for another Department! All the best, Reg.
David Brusselen 1935–2013
The 10 July edition of the Eastern Daily Press carried the sad news that Dave died on 6 July 2013.
Dave joined HMSO in July 1966. He moved to Norwich during the main dispersal and spent most of his working life in Personnel Services, from which he retired as HEO in 1995.
Walter H Wood DSM 1922–2013
I was saddened to receive a telephone call from Theresa Wood today, informing me that her husband Walter died peacefully following a stroke on 1 July 2013.
Walter was not employed by HMSO, but he was a trusted and particularly well-liked representative of British Olivetti for many years. His monthly visits to office machinery sections, often as not accompanied by his old friend Peter Atkins, were always a pleasure. Walter was always a man of his word and appreciated by HMSO staff and customers alike.
In fact, he was so well thought of that when he retired from Olivetti in July 1987 we gave him lunch in The Maids Head Hotel and presented him with a medal for long service and good behaviour!
E Sidney Brooks 1922–2013
Gavin Turner has been in touch with the sad news that Sid died in hospital on 24 May 2013. He leaves his wife, Joyce. Funeral arrangements are expected to be made for 14 or 17 June: details will be confirmed later.
Sid joined HMSO on 11 November 1946 and was promoted EO in Publications four years later. Most of his career was spent in that division, where he rose to Assistant Director, and Leader of the Publications Distribution Project Team, which led to the move from Cornwall House to Nine Elms. He enjoyed his retirement, and regular lunches with Gavin Turner, Leon de Brunner and other HMSO colleagues.
Funeral arrangements were published in The Argus, published 5th June 2013.
Sid’s widow Joyce has sent some further pictures of Sid and colleagues involved in the construction of the Publication Centre, Nine Elms, in the 1970s.
Gavin Turner adds: Leon de Brunner, Bill Greenaway and I appeared to be the only HMSO people at Sid Brooks’ funeral on Friday [14 June 2013], although there was a group of very elderly civil servantish-looking gents who kept themselves apart from the family and other friends, who may or may not have been HMSO old codgers that the three of us did not know. It was standing room only at the crematorium with a mix of people representing Sid’s wide range of interests: film people, from his film club, BFI, and BAFTA days, and the faded glamour of a bevvy of Joyce’s former ice-dancing colleagues predominated. The family included a range of Joyce’s relations and Sid’s grandchildren – there is apparently at least one great-grandchild, and Sid had just missed the wedding of another of his grandchildren. We also met the husband and wife who ran the local chippie that Sid patronised – just to confirm his man of the people credentials. It was a well-planned non-religious ceremony, with upbeat reminiscences, poetry-readings and music; not quite the songs from the shows of Ken Rhodes’ obsequies (let alone the Wagner), but leaning that way. The main eulogy was delivered by an old film buff friend, who appeared to be gay, and had a little joke about Sid’s friendship with ice-dancing queens and other plain old Brighton queens. Sid had told us years ago that practically every time a flat in his block was sold by some old couple, it was snapped up by one of the Brighton gay fraternity. Not really knowing anyone else, we chatted briefly to Joyce and Sid’s son Peter at the wake at the Seattle Hotel in Brighton Marina, and then made our excuses and left. I just made it back to North Norfolk by 6.30 pm in time for the arrival of my weekend guests, having rushed onto the platform at Liverpool Street at the last minute and only just got a seat on a packed 3.30 pm Norwich train.
June Minter 1931–2013
We were sad to read, in the Eastern Daily Press dated 17 May 2013, of June’s death:
June joined HMSO in June 1967 and worked in PS and Finance Divisions.
Eric Porteus 1924–2013
We were sad to read of Eric’s death, reported in the Norwich Evening News on 16 May 2013.
Although Eric was not on HMSO staff, many will remember him over the years in Sovereign and St Crispins when he undertook a variety of cleaning and maintenance jobs with his late wife, Olive, who was Contract Cleaning Supervisor for whom I had the honour of making a retirement presentation some 20 years ago.
Kathleen Lavinia Truscott 1920–2013
The Eastern Daily Press dated 6 April 2013 has reported the sad news of Kath’s death as follows.
Kath joined HMSO in October 1968, following the move from London to Norwich with her husband Eddie. She worked as Messenger and Paperkeeper in Publications Division.
George Charles Billson 1929–2013
On 5 March 2013 we received the following sad news from John Parfitt:
Dear Reg, I am sorry to have to let you know that I have just heard from Janice, George Billson’s daughter, the news that George sadly passed away last Friday following a brain tumour. George’s funeral is being held at 11am on Thursday 14th March 2013 at St Paul’s Church, Swanley Village in Kent.
Family flowers only, but any donations in George’s name to Ellinor Lions Hospices and should be sent via the Funeral Directors:
Welham Jones
31 Station Road
Swanley
Kent
BR8 8ES
Janice has agreed that I let you know for the HMSOldies website.
I was with HMSO from September 1969 to being made redundant in 1998 and worked with George (who joined HMSO in 1954) both at The British Museum Bindery and later at Hansard Press.
Sincerely, John Parfitt
Cedric J Dann 1931–2013
We are sad to report the death of Cedric Dann, as reported in the Norwich Evening News dated 16 February 2013:
Cedric joined HMSO in 1973 where he worked in PP as Administrative Officer.
Funeral details as reported in the Norwich Evening News dated 23 February 2013.
William Alfred (Bill) Ford 1925–2013
Brian Whitefield has written with the following sad news:
‘Just in case other lines of communication have failed, this is to inform you that Bill Ford died on 5 February. There is to be an announcement in the EDP. Alan Marrs and Cecil Hughes have been approached to arrange an informal wake in Norwich.
After his return to Scotland he was a fairly regular visitor to Norwich, staying with Ruth Vivian and we usually met up with him at some stage. In latter years there he suffered painful and debilitating complaints, really suffering as he would do nothing about them.’
Bill’s daughter Vivienne has also been in touch, recalling her father’s happy times spent in HMSO Training, Staff Inspection and Supplies Division.
Bill joined HMSO in January 1948. I first remember him as a regular companion of fellow Scot, Frank Payne, in the Sovereign House canteen in the early days of dispersal. He was always cheerful, helpful, and above all good company.
John (JGH) Hamilton 1934–2013
On 10 February 2013 we received the following sad news from Norrie Veitch:
‘I have just heard that John Hamilton died on Thursday 8 February 2013. John was my deputy when we retired on 18 December 1992 and we had been good friends since our apprenticeship days when we met at day release classes at the Heriot-Watt College in 1951.
We met up again in 1967 when John joined P & B Edinburgh when I was promoted to TO. He was promoted and served in the Gateshead Press for quite some time before he returned again to Print Procurement Edinburgh, and again served in various sections with me for the rest of his career in HMSO.
He was one of the Old Boys who met on the last Friday of every month at Prestonfield Golf Club and was a regular attender. John was a computer buff and loved to discuss computers and photography with Andie Baptie, another Gateshead and Edinburgh worthie.
He was a regular ‘ski’ holidaymaker (Spend Kids Inheritance) going on lots of cruises until bad health eventually forced him to stay at home. We shall miss John a lot. I haven’t been informed of any funeral arrangements yet but will keep in touch.
Norrie’
Hello Norrie, Thank you for passing on the sad news about John. I remember John as a great man to have a conversation with when I used to visit Edinburgh at the time when Jim McDonald was head of print buying and the BT contract was being set up. The Staff List tells us that he started with HMSO in 1966. All the best to you. Reg
Ernie Downs adds: I heard that John was not too good health-wise but news of his death came as a bit of a shock. I remember John from my days at Gateshead, from what I remember he was very active in RNVR. There was a ship called HMS Calliope moored on the Tyne and he was involved in the running of it. I can’t remember what his rank was but from his appearance, Petty Officer of some kind comes to mind.
Tom McNeill adds: Dear Reg, I guess I should pay more attention to your website. I have just seen the news of John Hamilton’s death. My recollection of John was on a Christmas outing to an Edinburgh restaurant where he ordered a steak and the waiter asked how he wanted it cooked. His reply was “cut off its horns and wipe its a**e”. Was there something about HMSO that attracted characters? There certainly seems to be no shortage of them!
Dear Tom, Nice one! Yes, there were a few around. I learnt more from being on courses with Joe Delaney, Stan Smith, RG ‘Basil’ Radford, Dan Paul, Charlie Lloyd and many others than I ever did from the lecturers! All the best. Reg.
Peter Anthony Taylor MBE 1926–2013
Hi Reg, Just to let you know that Peter Taylor died last Friday peacefully at home. Funeral date to be announced. [see below above photo]
David Higenbottam
Hello Dave, Sad news indeed, Peter was a good friend in the old Sovereign House Accommodation days, in the early 1970s. He joined HMSO from the Post Office in 1965 and worked in the Registry with Sally Dyke, John Gardiner, Arthur Baptiste, Ian Hatfield among others. I used to see him for the odd lunchtime in the Fat Cat,with John, a few years ago but had fallen out of touch in recent years. Best wishes. Reg
David Higenbottam later notified the following funeral details:
Peter’s funeral is Wednesday 20th February at St Faiths at 11.45am.
The funeral notice was published in the EDP.
Robin Kelly adds: Hi Reg, I was deeply saddened to hear that P A. had passed away. As you know we were not only work colleagues for many years, firstly in the Registry and then the Accommodation Section, but became good friends that extended to our families, both he and his late wife Natalie were godparents to my son Neil.
I met him on July 29th 1968, my first day at HMSO, in Room F53, Atlantic House. I spent a month in London before the Registry staff moved to Sovereign House. As a 15 year old from the peaceful town of Wells-next-the-Sea it was a rather daunting experience. P. A. however along with another now long time friend J.T.P. Gardiner took me under their wing and I have always been grateful for their support at that time. Peter was instrumental in enabling me to finish work at 3.30pm each day so that I could travel back on the underground to my digs before the rush hour, typical of the man!
He soon realised I was sport mad and his similar interest meant our friendship soon grew. One of my early recollections of Sovereign House were the cricket matches that took place at lunchtime. P A was an excellent cricketer and he soon saw the opportunity for a bit of extra practice, the Registry was located on the 5th Floor North Wing, Rooms 5N 5-6, it was a very long room, virtually the whole length of the wing if I remember. Certainly long enough for a 22 yard cricket wicket and a few yards run up! Many an hour was spent along with I.C. Hatfield, B.C. Kirkland, J.T.P. Gardiner, P.A. and myself upsetting the ladies in the office as the ball, (a combination of rubber bands and Sellotape) whistled around their ears. The stumps were a red file box and the bat was a large strawboard tube and a smaller one joined together by packing tape. Eventually aggressive shots had to be banned to allow the ladies to eat their lunch in safety.
When we teamed up again in the Accommodation Section my outstanding memory was the remarkable organisational skills of P.A.T. during the move of staff from Sovereign House and Norvic House into St Crispins. Week after week of meticulous planning culminating in the weekend moves of 70-80 staff (ie furniture, boxes etc) It was demanding but most satisfying to see each stage completed so successfully. Learning off him stood me in good stead for the similar operation I undertook at the time of privatisation.
P.A. loved his cricket and he was an exceptional spin bowler in my opinion, the words wily and canny spring to mind. He became well known throughout Norfolk for his astute captaincy of Hellesdon C.C.
Even a serious illness in the late ’70s did not deter him and his strength shone through as he recovered amazingly well enough to continue his cricket career. After his early retirement our friendship remained strong and I have fond memories of the cold, sometimes wet afternoons he spent on the touchline at Wells and further afield chatting to my father and brother in law whilst supporting me and my team-mates.
The deterioration in his health over the past few years has been sad to witness, thankfully I have many memories of the happy times I spent with a generous, thoughtful man who I truly respected.
Hello Robin, Thank you for your poignant reminiscences of Peter Taylor. You certainly recall the man I knew – and I remember your first week in Atlantic. We thought Peter had brought his schoolboy son in to see where he worked! All the best. Reg
