Leslie George Pettet MBE 1931–2014
John Barker has passed on the following sad news regarding Les, who joined HMSO in November 1958.
Dear Reg, I would like to wish you and all HMSO Oldies a Happy New Year, and thank you for all you do to keep HMSO alive and kicking!
On a sad note, I left a message on Les Pettet’s answerphone just before Christmas. His daughter rang me just before the New Year to inform me that Les had died on Christmas Eve. He was 83 and born in 1931. He hadn’t been very well for a year or two now and had recently had a stroke. After retirement, Derek Eke and I used to meet up with Les in London to have a bit of lunch and talk over old times.
I believe Les started his career in HMSO in CEPA in Atlantic House and on promotion moved to St Stephen’s Parly Press to take over from Charlie Wanstall as Parliamentary Liaison Office. I was there for a couple of years with Les. He had a special phone which gave a direct link to the Clerk of the House at Parliament. It had a special ring, and if anyone but Les answered it the Clerk of the House was usually annoyed. He had a very deep voice and you had to be very brave to even think of picking up the phone if Les wasn’t around. Les was Treasurer of the IPCS (our trade union) in London at the time, and he persuaded Trevor Priddle and myself to be Secretary and Chairman. That didn’t go down too well as you couldn’t have three members from the same office being absent at meetings together. As a result, I got moved out to Atlantic House. Les was highly regarded by the House of Commons for efficiency and integrity and some years later was awarded the MBE for his service to Parliament.
Les then went over to Printing and Binding on promotion and had to deal with COI, one of PP’s most difficult and demanding customers. At their peak, we did over £21M’s worth of business with them so they were well worth looking after. Les was then promoted to SEO and moved from Nine Elms to Lincoln House to take over the Urgent Work Section. He retired from there and I took over from him. We then moved to the London Print Centre.
He had a very good career and was well respected by his staff, customers and printers alike. His funeral will be at 10 am on 13 January 2015 at St Alban’s Church, Romford RM12 SS. Any former colleagues and friends will be welcomed.
Regards to all and I hope that you get the web site going soon. We all miss it! John
Hello John, Sad news regarding Les, who I didn’t know well but remember as a helpful colleague when I worked with London Print in Lambeth. Your mention of being moved to Atlantic House brought back another memory: I think it must have been the time when you worked with Arthur Barham and I worked with Norman ‘Chester’ Willmott, who used to deal with you on Works supplies. All the best to you and yours for 2015 – hope to see you during the year. Reg
John Eveson adds: Reg, I worked with Les for many years, with him partnering Frank Hallett as Parly adviser to the Parly project. We all respected him and liked him. It’s so sad as we see our colleagues passing away.
Dave Burchell adds: Very sorry to hear this. I was involved with Les on the Trade Union Side of IPCS in my early years at SSPP and have fond memories of him. He was indeed one of the first Parliamentary Liaison Managers, a role I am happy to have followed him in. Sad news indeed. Regards, Dave.
Phillip Brooks adds: Really sorry to read about Les Pettet. I worked closely with him when I was in the Parliamentary Section at Atlantic House. As John Eveson adds – really sad to see close colleagues passing away.
Paula Middleton 1958–2014
We were shocked to hear, from friends Madeleine Daynes and Judy Sinclair, of Paula’s death on Saturday 13 December 2014, a day before her 56th birthday.
Paula joined HMSO Norwich (where her father Rex worked in Supply Division) in July 1978 and progressed to become Personal Secretary to Director of Print Procurement.
Judy has since sent this note regarding funeral arrangements:
Hi Reg – a message was put on Facebook this morning (23 December) from, I think, a relative of Paula’s. The funeral is on 8th January at 11 am at St. Peter’s Church, Buxton Road, Spixworth, NR10 3PR. A wake will be held immediately afterwards (approx 1230 hrs) at The White Horse, Crostwick, NR12 7BD. Donations to the Big C rather than flowers have been requested.
I am really sorry to say that I will be unable to attend as my daughter has an interview at Keele University at 9 am that morning so we will have to travel up the night before. I am so disappointed that I won’t be able to be there but I’m sure there will be a good turnout for Paula. I’d be grateful if you could let as many people as possible know the above arrangements?
Diane Margaret Buck 1947–2014
We were sad to read the notice of Diane’s death in the Eastern Daily Press dated 13 December 2014.
Diane joined HMSO Norwich in February 1970, working for much of her time in Establishments Division.
Susan Grindley Finn 1945–2014
Philip Marriage writes: There will not be many HMSOldies who will call to mind Sue Grindley as she was only with HMSO in Atlantic House from 1970 to 1973 but she will be fondly remembered by those of us who worked alongside her in the graphic design studio. I recall her lively buoyant personality, sense of fun, strong convictions always delivered with a broad smile coupled with plausible tales of why she regularly arrived late. “Well I was at my Bus Stop and the chap in front of me collapsed, he must have been a drug addict, so we rang for an ambulance and well what could I do – I had to go with him to the hospital … ”
Quite unexpectedly Sue emailed me last year – she’d seen some of my photos on the ‘Spitalfields Life’ web-site – so we arranged to meet on my next trip to London. When she didn’t show up as planned I wasn’t unduly surprised, remembering from old her sense of punctuality, and curious what the reason would be – but when she emailed a few days later I was shocked to learn that she’d been taken into hospital for a recurrence of ovarian cancer.
However we finally did meet earlier this year, in March, had lunch together in Spitalfields and spent an enjoyable afternoon catching up with the intervening forty years. She told me that after leaving HMSO she and her husband John Finn (another graphic designer) had had two daughters, taught typography at the London College of Printing then undertook a MA in Landscape Architecture. About fifteen years ago she developed a passion for writing poetry and that now consumed all her time. As we parted she asked me to give her best wishes to everyone who might remember her, adding she ‘had lost touch with a very important part of my life and reconnecting means a great deal to me’. I left that meeting impressed by her bravery, heartened that she hadn’t lost any of her spirit and that her lovely broad smile hadn’t changed a bit.
Sadly we’ve just learned that Sue died on 4 December in St Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney. In her memory ‘The London Column‘ published one of her poems taken from her collection ‘New Reader’, published by Rack Press.
Sue (in the centre in purple), in happier times, at Christmas 1970 in Atlantic House, wrapping up (the blurred) Adrian Young, our Australian designer.
Surrounding them can be seen at the back Nodge Carnegie and Philip Marriage, Len Lawrance on the left with Dee Smallridge behind, David Challis next to Sue with Caroline White on the other side, John Saville behind with Reg Vine and ‘Bobbie’ Westaway on the right.
Albert George Calvert 1919–2014
On 8 December 2014 Dave Burchell passed on the following sad news: ‘I noticed in the Worshipful Company of Stationers Newsletter over the weekend that Albert ‘Bert’ Calvert had passed away on 3 Sept. Bert was Production Manager at Foreign Office Press when I first met him in the late 70s and before that he was at SSPP in ‘S’ Dept. I believe he lived in Norfolk and was 96 when he passed away.’
Bert joined HMSO in February 1946, and in 1971 was promoted to Grade III Overseer (Comp) in the Foreign Office Press.
Donald Owen Barford 1934–2014
Dear Reg, I have been advised, by his son and his wife, Andrew and Helen Martin, of the death on 23 November 2014 of my long-time musical friend, Donald.
Sadly, Donald’s wife (who was a priest) predeceased him many years ago.
He served briefly in the then Printing & Binding Division in HMSO Atlantic House, London, in the 1960s. Donald was also an accompanist to the HMSO Singers, which was directed by the then Assistant Controller, Rowland Owen.
On returning to his home town, Northampton, he worked with Clarke & Sherwell Printers(?). He was also appointed organist and choirmaster of the town’s Christ Church – the family church of Barratt’s Shoes – a post he held until quite recently. He was an Usher at our wedding in Great Grimsby Parish Church on 10 September 1966. We maintained our friendship mainly through exchange of correspondence, and our meetings were infrequent. We met most recently at the Hilton Northampton in 2009, when on a Forward Promotions tour of Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire.
Donald’s funeral is on Monday 8 December 2014 in Christ Church, Wellingborough Road, at 12 noon. Whether he is survived by his brother, Derick, is not known.
He leaves a daughter, Helen.
Yours sincerely, Ivor
Ivor R.Hosgood MBE
Tony Barker adds: I have no connection with HMSO but once chanced upon a cartoon of the young Donald in your ‘HMSOldies’ website which was very recognisable, while idly googling. I have known Donald for some 60 years, first as a deputising young organist when I was a choirboy at S. James Church, Northampton, and some years later when I joined his choir at Christ Church, Northampton. We became good friends, and he told me that he had worked in HMSO, and then moved back to Northampton, the town of his birth, to work for Clarke and Sherwell (gravure printers). Playing the organ and choir training were always important parts of his life. Later he left printing and retrained as a schoolteacher, specialising in Music. I eventually moved with my family to Petersfield, Hampshire, to take a teaching job, and so had less contact with him for the last 30 years. He died, after prolonged illness, aged 80, on Sunday 23 November 2014, and I was able to attend his funeral, and form part of a choir of his friends, on an uplifting (and musical) occasion. Others (with whom I might be able to connect you) would be able to give you a more complete account of his life but I am writing in case you have no other report of his death.
Mary Bernadette Farr 1938–2014
We were sad to receive the following note, on 5 October 2014, from Bernadette’s daughter:
‘Hello, I’m writing to inform you of the death of Mrs MB Farr. She was SEO at HMSO Chadderton. Her funeral is provisionally planned for Thursday 9th October at St Herbert’s Church, Chadderton for all those who knew her.
Louise Lee (daughter)
Later: Brian has asked that people let him know directly if they intend to go to the funeral for catering numbers. His number is 0161 652 9168. The time has changed slightly to St Herbert’s Church at 1.30, Crem at 2.30. Brian is still arranging the venue for the sandwiches afterwards. Louise.
Bernadette joined HMSO in October 1972 and was the mainstay of the Personnel, and later other sections in which she worked. She will be remembered by many as lively, helpful and a pleasure to work with.
George Rokahr adds: Bernadette worked for me from around 1980 onwards (except for the period when I looked after OMTS and Commercial Maintenance) and I got to know her very well. She had an abundance of energy and threw herself into any task that was given to her. She had that rare gift of getting on with everyone. She was fun, easy to work with and always immaculately turned out.
Over the last 3 years or so, I saw Bernadette once or twice a year. It was awful seeing her gradually going downhill. The last time I saw Bernadette was in July this year. Although she couldn’t speak and she was very thin, she recognised me and smiled at me. I shall never forget that smile.
David Ernest Crump 1923–2014
We received the following sad news from Dave’s daughter Kathryn on 5 September 2014:
Dear Reg, Mum has asked me to contact you to let you know that very sadly and suddenly dad died yesterday, he had been unwell for a few weeks but it is still very much a shock. She would like to keep the funeral quite low key and mainly for family but if anyone would really like to attend please can you ask them to contact me at [email protected]
With very best wishes, Kathryn
A notice was published in the Eastern Daily Press
Jean and John Nash add: Hello Reg, Thanks for letting us know about Dave Crump – another item of very sad news. Dave was one of the early members of CTB when they set up in Norwich and was a very accomplished and well-regarded tutor. Our condolences to Stella and the Family.
Peter John Bradbury 1935–2014
Peter died at home, surrounded by his family, on Sunday 24 August 2014. The end came quickly, following the onset of lung cancer.
Peter’s funeral has been arranged for 3.30 pm on Friday 12 September 2014 at St Faith’s Crematorium, Norwich, followed by a reception at The Red Lion, Drayton – Peter’s local pub.
Full details are given in the Norwich Evening News
Peter joined HMSO (P&B London) in 1961 and moved to Norwich, living in Drayton. He was a lovely man and a good friend.
Norman Armstrong adds: Really sad to hear that Peter Bradbury had passed away. In many ways, it is thankful that he has not had a lengthy period of suffering. I found him such a great source of help and encouragement when I first arrived in Norwich, “a stranger in a strange land”.
Pat Tate adds: I was so saddened by the news of Peter’s death, although relieved he did not suffer for months. I met him in 1961. He joined HMSO a week after me and we sat next to each other in Jobwork in CEPA. Although since we retired I did not keep in touch with him on a regular basis we still enjoyed a very warm friendship. We worked together several times in our careers in HMSO and I found him a great colleague, completely trustworthy and reliable. He taught me lots of things – firstly regarding his diabetes. I was not really aware of it until I met him and his attitude, while reckless, was admirable: he virtually ignored it. I am sure other colleagues will remember getting extra sweet cups of tea off the trolley or Mars bars!
We also worked together outside the office in the early sixties when we were impoverished Printing Officers, when we started a window cleaning venture in Peckham. It was fun, and boy, could he work. I will miss him very much, he really was one of the good guys.
Philip Marriage adds: All of us working with PP in St Crispins knew Peter – he was one of those ‘characters’ who you couldn’t help thinking about without an inward smile. In recent years I’d occasionally bump into him on a Friday evening in the bar of the Bob Carter Centre at Drayton where I still play badminton with Maddy Daynes and Steve Johnson. Peter would go out of his way to come over and have a few words, regaling us about his latest escapade which typically ended in a laugh. A special chap, a real natural – it’s sad to think he’s gone.
Brian Ekers adds: I joined HMSO on the same day as Peter in 1961 and he has been a special friend ever since. As those that were fortunate enough to know him will readily testify he was a one-off, cheery in the extreme, right until the end and without a devious bone in his body. Pat Tate’s memories above were great, particularly concerning the Peckham window cleaning business that I have forgotten about entirely! Peter was one of the band of HMSO stalwarts that regularly braved the stormy north sea during off-shore sailing adventures from the 1960s onwards. He was also a founder member in 1974 (and never missed a performance) of the vintage choir that has graced a wide variety of licensed premises during the past 40 years. For his many, many friends memories of a great guy will always remain fresh.
Roger Nash adds: During my involvement over a number of years with Drayton, I often came in contact with Peter, usually at the Bob Carter Centre. We mainly spoke about our work time in HMSO, about what’s going on in general in Drayton, and our close ages (I was two months older than Peter). Peter always had time to chat and made that interesting. How sad another member of the Advance Party (May 1967) has now gone. He will be much missed.
Andy Bradbury (Peter’s son) adds: I have just spoken to Roy Plackett and Glyn Jones, two fantastic friends spanning over 50 years, Roy told me about your website and it was wonderful and sad to read peoples thoughts about my dad, thank you. As so many people have already said he was such a special man, he would talk to strangers and within in 5 minutes, they would be friends for life. Everything he did was funny, he never had a down day and was a great husband, father and grandfather throughout his life. He would be pleased to have had a good innings and will be smiling knowing that he missed buying the beers on his birthday for the Friday Club.
Andy Bradbury adds (following Peter’s funeral): Hi Reg, Nice to see you again last Friday all be it under very sad circumstances. It was a huge turnout to bid him farewell and a great help to us close family. I would have liked to thank everybody personally but there were just too many. Please thank all the “oldies” on our behalf for all their kind words and thoughts, we miss him dearly. I’m putting together a little book for our daughter to read one day and would really appreciate any old stories – they would be a great addition. Many thanks, Andy
Hello Andy, Thank you for your kind note. Your father would have been proud of you all – especially of his grandchildren, as I think they had the most difficult job (possibly along with the very brave and impressive pall-bearers!). He really was a lovely man, and I still get people coming up to me with stories etc. We’ll certainly remember him and raise an appropriate glass on suitable occasions. Best wishes to you all. Reg
Peter Bradbury: Donations in his memory
We have been asked if arrangements have been made to disperse donations in Peter’s memory. Roy Plackett has made enquiries of Peter’s daughter, who has said that it was his wish to sponsor both Macmillan Nurses and Save Syria’s Children.
Should you wish to donate to these causes, either at the funeral or beforehand, the funeral director to whom cheques etc. should be made payable is Gordon Barber – details as per this link.
Bernard William Patrick Downing 1928–2014
We were sad to learn, from Tony Ivett via Cecil Hughes, of Bernard’s recent death.
Bernard joined HMSO in October 1951, as a Technical Clerk in Inspection and Transport. He moved to Norwich with dispersal and was promoted to SPGO, mainly working in the Contracts area.
Funeral arrangements are given in the Eastern Daily Press.
Brian Keith Perry 1935–2014
We are sad to report that Brian died on 8 July 2014. He lived in Buxton, Norfolk, with his wife Margaret, having joined HMSO in March 1968, where he worked in Production, Finance and Print Procurement. Funeral arrangements have been made for 22 July, as reported in the Eastern Daily Press.
Phyllis (Randlesome) Harber 1933–2014
We are obliged to Robin Kelly for passing on the sad news that Phyllis has died, following illness. The Eastern Daily Press notice appeared on Saturday 7 June 2014.
Phyllis joined HMSO Sovereign House as Messenger in 1974 and was promoted to Senior Messenger in 1978. She was Mrs Randlesome when at HMSO, remarrying following her retirement.
Ron England 1949–2014
John Fox has notified to HMSOldies the following link to the sad news of Ron England’s death reported in PrintWeek.
Robert Martin Grant 1946–2014
We were sad to hear, from Carmel Grant via John Eveson, that Martin has died following admission to the Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamstead.
Martin joined HMSO in 1975, working in Production HQ (Harrow) and in Industrial Personnel Division.
John has forwarded funeral details. Please advise that anyone intending to attend the buffet emails Carmel asap. She will be welcoming and hoping that as many attend as possible: after all Martin was a sociable, likeable chap and a good turn-out is to be expected. Thanks, and remembering Martin.
We have now confirmed arrangements for the funeral service which will be held on Tuesday 27 May at 11.45 at Amersham Crematorium which is just outside Amersham on the road to Wycombe. We would be delighted if you could then join us for a buffet lunch at the Hit or Miss pub in Penn Street. I will need to know how many to cater for so would be grateful if you could confirm numbers to me over the next few days. Thanks for all your kind words and we are looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible on the day.
Kind regards, Carmel
And later: We are having family flowers only at the funeral – if you wish you can make a donation to The Hospice of St Francis at Berkhamstead in memory of Martin. The care they gave him in his last week was so special.
Carmel
Martin is far right in this photo from Harrow taken in the GM’s Office in 1980/81 while Gordon Parfitt was in post with, (from left to right) Trevor Priddle (Personnel Manager), Ken Jagelman (Production Manager), Rosemary (Secretary to GM), and John Eveson (Admin Manager).
Peter James Wright 1934–2014
On 12 April 2014 we received the following sad news from John Nash:
‘I have just learnt that Peter has died in a Hospice in the Salisbury area. Although in essence a “printer” Peter enjoyed a very good spell in Training Branch – constantly devising well-regarded programmes, matched by a vibrant personality. He worked up excellent partnerships with other trainers, notably Eddie Perry, Tony Powell, Sue Morgan and of course Ken Elphick. I am sure there will be a number of P&B and Works chums who will also be saddened by this news. I have no further details at present but will forward them on if any are received.’
Peter joined HMSO in December 1966 and moved to Norwich with dispersal. He was promoted to HEO (PS Training Branch) in 1985.
Funeral details can be found here.
Peter here with Christine Hanny-Saville, and Ann Eason
Brian Ekers adds: This is very sad news. I spoke to Peter in January and he, as ever, made light of his advanced cancer – so much so that I did not appreciate how far advanced it was. I made a follow-up call less than a week ago and Betty told me he was in the hospice but was still hopeful: I intended to phone again this weekend.
Peter and I worked in partnership for a couple of years in the early 70s running the Foreign Office Press, forging a close relationship that would have remained closer had he not moved from Norwich to Torquay many years ago. We still maintained contact, and I had the highest regard for Peter as an organiser. He had a wonderfully dry sense of humour. We had some great battles with the trades unions during our time together at the FOP: I think the NGA, in particular, found our approach refreshing – to say the least!
John Butler adds: I was very sorry to read of his death. Peter quite often came to my office at lunchtime for a chat and a laugh. We worked together with Sue and John for a while in the 1980s to introduce the revised staff reporting system issued by the Cabinet Office. I expect John Nash still remembers the training sessions with staff around the country as I certainly do and the discussions which often ensued with some staff afterwards! Peter was a very friendly and outgoing personality with a fine sense of humour and good company. A valued colleague and sad to hear of his passing.
Tom McNeill adds: Dear Reg, I have just seen the sad news of Peter Wright’s death. I have warm memories of Peter. In particular when I was on a management course in the Brudenel Hotel in Aldburgh. He approached me one morning and asked me to turn up late for the training session when he would then slate me off. This was to show how not to discipline people by doing it in front of others. I was reluctant but went along with it. In the event when I arrived late Peter got stuck into me and said how I had let down everyone by being late and lots of other negative remarks. Everybody in the room seemed to find it necessary to sharpen pencils or do other things to avoid accepting what was happening. A young CO, Derek Hands, who worked on my section and was due for promotion burst out laughing. Peter rounded on him genuinely angry and asked what he was laughing about. He said this is a setup or “he would have thumped you by now.” This was actually a real learning exercise for me because it had never occurred to me that the people working for me viewed me so.
Harry Martin 1931–2014
On 28 March 2014 we received the following sad news from Harry’s daughter, Sandra Green:
I am writing this email to inform you of the sad passing of my father Harry Martin (1931–2014). Harry worked for the HMSO at Nine Elms for 18 years between 1975 and 1993 when he finished due to his arthritis. If anybody does still remember Harry then my Mother would be happy if they would like to attend his funeral which is to be held on 10 April 2014 at Eltham Crematorium, SE9 at 3.30 pm.
Thank you, Sandra Green
Hello Sandra, Thank you for letting us know the sad news about your father. I did not know him personally, so have copied this note to some colleagues who may have worked with him, or may be in a position to inform other ex-employees. It is 17 years now since HMSO was privatised, and the more time passes the more people move away and lose contact. As you probably know, the old Nine Elms site is now part of the new US Embassy project. Please pass on our sincere condolences to your mother. Reg.
Norman Heaton Reeves 1922–2014
We have just been sent this news from John Nash:
‘I have received a card from Mrs Reeves with the sad news that Norman died in the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital on 15 February. He was 91.
Together with Norman and Trevor Wainwright, they were the senior COs when I joined the old Accounts Division, attached to P&B under Ernie Scarborough. We were based on the 5th Floor of the (then) old John Lewis building in Cavendish Square. The walls were paper thin and one could easily put one’s foot through them; portable heaters were constantly issued because the building – already bomb-damaged – was always bitterly cold.
In his younger days Norman was a motorcycle enthusiast and rode a fearsome and very high powered Triumph bike and to my cost, I never really recovered from a number of journeys as a pillion passenger! On promotion to EO in 1951, Norman served at both the D Division RBs in Nottingham and Newcastle, before moving to Norwich with ITW on dispersal in 1967. He spent some years in Supplies Machinery (dictation machine procurement) and retired from a post in Management Services.’
Sad news, John: thank you for letting me know. I’m surprised there was nothing in the local newspaper obits. I worked with Norman (as of course did ‘young Phil’) in Supplies Machinery, and he certainly came into the category of ‘character.’ I especially remember his singing a version of ‘The Bleeding Sparrow’ to Frank Payne and me in The Merchants on the occasion of his near-retirement: when he got back to the office he found that his pension was less than he had thought so he requested approval to stay on for another couple of years, hence the MS job. Reg.
John Dain 1926–2014
Hi Reg, I have just heard from John Dain’s wife, Marianne, that John passed away peacefully on 1 February last. Many will remember John as an accountant with Finance and Publishing Divisions (possibly others) spending some time at the Publications Centre at Nine Elms, as well as in Norwich. John and Marianne had moved away from Bressingham, where they lived for some years in the Old Rectory next to Bressingham Gardens, of which John was a trustee. He had been poorly for about three years with a rare form of Parkinson’s Disease and had recently become quite frail.
I am sure many, like me, will remember John as a very kind and generous man, a good friend always ready to help and advise. There will be a Service of Thanksgiving at St Peter’s Church, Arkley, near Barnet, Herts EN5 3FJ on Friday, 7 March at 12.30.
Kind regards, Geoff Lockwood
Hello Geoff, Sad news indeed: John was always helpful and cheerful in the various contacts I had with him over the years since he joined HMSO in 1981. A particular occasion involving a very large restaurant bill which had to be split several ways, in Belfast, particularly comes to mind: the man had the patience of a Saint! Thank you for letting me know. Reg
Nice obit in the Diss Express:
Michael Woodhouse adds: Thanks for the advice. I had lost contact with John several years and one always wonders. Long before his days at HMSO John and myself knew each other through our joint involvement with CIMA. A good guy and a gent, it was at his advice that I applied to join HMSO. I will pass the news on to the regional committee.
John Butler adds: John was my manager on the Accounts Payable System with Mike Cuming and Alan Low for two years from 1981. John was a quietly spoken and urbane person, very easy to work with and I am sorry to read of his death.
Dave Pelham adds: Hi Reg, I just saw the news about John and wanted to add my condolences. He was a really good man and when I lost my Mum he was especially kind to me and helped arrange special leave to go to Surrey and help my Dad. One of the nicest people I ever worked for. Dave
John Nash adds: I note with sadness the death of John Dain. We both worked closely with Derek Rutherford and Alan Davies on the creation of HMSO’s Accountancy Training Plan and much of its success was due to John by virtue of his long experience in the accountancy field.
Thomas Frederick ‘Derek’ Moore, 1934–2014
We were sad to hear, from Ernie Downs, that Derek died on 23 February 2014.
This link gives definitive funeral arrangements.
A Northern Irishman, Derek joined HMSO in March 1968 and was promoted HTO (PP Norwich) in 1986.
Mary Robinson adds: Hello Reg, I would like to say a few words about my dear friend Derick Moore. I had a call from Ruth Vivian, Welfare Officer, asking me if I could take in a young Irishman joining HMSO: in her words ‘she was desperate’. I agreed to a trial of two weeks and that is how I met Derick. He came for the two weeks and stayed 4 years until he married Evelyn. He was like an older brother to my two sons Philip and Paul, taking Paul to football matches when he was home from school. He was a great Fixer and could repair or make almost anything. I don’t have any funny stories: he was a kind gentle giant and his last few years very patient and tolerant with his many illnesses. I don’t know if this is suitable for the HMSOldies just felt I had to put some thoughts to pen. Hope all is well with you and yours, I’m fine just a bit slower. Kind Regards Mary
Hello Mary. Thank you for your thoughtful note, which sums up the man nicely. I once told him that I intended to go to Carrickfergus, subject of the lovely Irish song. ‘Go if you like, but be warned: it’s a dump.’ Proper Irishman: didn’t want to be called by either of his forenames, Thomas or Frederick, so settled for the last six letters of his middle name. Good to hear from you, Mary. By the way, I saw Diane Storey in good form last week, and she asked me to pass on her regards. Best wishes. Reg.
Roger Nash adds: Obviously sad to hear about Derek – he was part of our Quiz Team up until December 2013 when he found it very difficult to get up and down the stairs at Royal Norwich Golf Club – even with a stair lift. He very much enjoyed the Quiz contests over a number of years and was very knowledgeable – particularly about Ireland. In spite of his illness, he never complained. Will be remembered and sadly missed.
Adrian McCrum adds: Hello Reg, Just looked on the Oldies site to see the sad news of the passing of Mr Moore. Never have I met a more warm and welcoming man than Derek when I joined the office in November 1988. I saw him a few times after he left the office and was always greeted with a smile and a handshake along with a beautiful Irish accent that reminded me of home. May he rest in peace. Adrian McCrum, Account Executive, Williams Lea, St Crispins.
Ernie Downs adds: I was extremely sorry to hear the news of Derek’s passing. I had known him since his first day in HMSO when he joined my section in Atlantic House prior to his move to Norwich. He was one of those rare people – extremely rare at the present time – who would put themselves out to help and support others.
If he was involved with any enterprise he gave it his full commitment. His interests were wide and varied, both within the office and outside. He served on the IPCS Committee, was minute secretary for the HMSO Golf Society, a stalwart of the PP Darts Team, and when he retired from HMSO was an active member in the Norwich Labour Party. He was a keen participant in various quizzes, sometimes organising them and setting the questions. For relaxation, he was an angler, golfer, woodcarver, and supporter of Norwich City. He always tried to see the good in people even if they were the opposition. There were two things that were beyond comparison, Norwich City and the Royal County Down Golf Course.
He was also generous with his time and expertise in the practical side of things, in particular DIY. I only had to say I was going to undertake some work at home and he would say ‘I’ll be round’. Sometimes when the job was finished, it owed more to his efforts than what I had originally envisaged. I shall miss him. I was looking for something a few days ago and thought I will have word with Derek, but I can’t now. Somehow Google does not have the personal touch.
Norman Armstrong adds: I have been reading the many tributes paid to the late “Derek” Moore by his colleagues in HMSO to which I concur and would like to add my condolences. Derek was a quiet and self-effacing person, blessed with many talents. He loved living in Norwich among his friends. I well remember the time the married Evelyn there was great jubilation as everyone was convinced he would be a “confirmed bachelor” and then this Irish colleen arrived on the scene.
When we lived in Norwich our families would meet and reminisce about home, he was a Co. Down man and I was from Co. Tyrone, so we had much to talk about.
Lately, I had been discussing with him about a remarkable coincidence when my son Paul, who is a Civil Engineer in Auckland, New Zealand met up with Derek’s son David, also a Civil Engineer. When they got chatting they discovered they had much in common, Irish background, lived in Norwich, and both parents worked in HMSO. Derek commented at the time the odds must be a million to one – he and I working together in Norwich and years later, our two sons working together in Auckland, 12,000 miles away.
James Holden 1921–2014
We were sad to hear, from his daughter Sue, of Jim’s death, in Norwich, on 5 February 2014.
Jim joined HMSO in October 1938, He was promoted HEO – Chief Officer, Cardiff – in 1955 and transferred to CS Norwich in 1968, moving to CCTA upon its formation.
The Editor has been advised that the information we were originally given for Jim’s funeral, and published on HMSOldies, was incorrect. The funeral will be held at 10.00 hours on TUESDAY 25 February at the Church of the Holy Apostles, Earlham. Other details are unchanged.
Cremation will take place at 1200 hours at Earlham Crematorium, and post-funeral gathering at the family home, 128 Greenways, Eaton.
The Eastern Daily Press notice is here.
Les Birch adds: Very sad to hear of Jim Holden’s passing. He and his pal Bob Norris were well established in Manchester when Harvey Wild, Tom Harris and I arrived in the following year. Being a year older than us they were both allowed to volunteer for the Forces in 1940 so to a large extent they missed the fun and games we had with the office Home Guard, fire watching and the like. They both joined the RAF and both got involved with radar. The RAF demobbed much more quickly than the army and by the time that Harvey and I got back both Jim and Bob had been promoted to EO. Harvey and I were both rejected on our first promotion boards and sour grapes said that it was because we had not been on this mysterious radar.
In his younger days at least Jim was very well grounded in English Lit and could rattle off reams of the Lakeland poets in the very broad Bolton accent that I do not think he ever lost. I think he enjoyed his time in Cardiff and, having at last succeeded in producing a son, immediately had the ambition for him that he should play rugby for Wales. But I saw very little of him after the war although Tom used to keep me in touch with his movements.
I look forward to hearing from you as always but we could certainly do with a break in the seemingly endless sad news.
Andrew Baptie 1921–2014
We were sad to receive a telephone call from Alex Smith to say that Andy had died during the night of 2 February 2014. This was a considerable shock, as the day before he had sent a characteristically lucid email recalling HMSO Print staff in the 1950s and 1960s in response to a nostalgic piece sent in by Sinclair Simpson.
We have subsequently heard from Paul Bathgate, Andy Baptie’s neighbour. Funeral arrangements have been made for Friday 14 February 1130 hours, at Warriston Crematorium in Edinburgh.
Paul has asked that we let any of Andy’s old Edinburgh colleagues know if we have contact details.
Andy joined HMSO on 14 November 1949. Among other posts, he was promoted to Deputy Senior Works Manager in 1971.
Gordon Parfitt adds: Hi Reg, Very sad news about Andy who was always a pleasure to be with and will be greatly missed. We all have happy memories of good friends and colleagues who made our time at work that much better by their presence. Regards, Gordon
Tom McNeill adds: I was so sorry to hear of Andy Baptie’s death. I worked at Edinburgh Press when he was manager and as he lived near me in Penicuik we frequently shared cars to work. As I recall he had a Hillman Imp, I had a Morris Minor. How things have changed. I recall later when I had a Vauxhall Viva and needed to change the clutch Willy Smith, who lived in Glasgow, helped me with this. On completing this, Willy wanted to get home to Glasgow, Andy came out at close to midnight to take Willy into the station. He was a kind and helpful man who will be missed by all who knew him. I have many fond memories of Andy.
Jim MacCallum adds: Hi Reg, I was sorry to hear about the death of Andy Baptie. We have kept in touch ever since we retired and had some good laughs together about our days in the Edinburgh Office. I am still alive but not only am I more or less confined to the house, I also need a walking stick to keep my balance! Old age does not become itself! Keep up the good work. All the best, Jim MacCallum.
Hello Jim. Good to hear from you, albeit under sad circumstances. And good to hear that you are coping with the inevitabilities of the ageing process with your customary good humour! Best wishes. Reg.
Arnold Mackenzie 1931–2014
We were sad to read of Arnold’s death, as reported in the Eastern Daily Press.
Arnold joined HMSO London in 1948, working in both Cardiff and Manchester before moving to Norwich.
Arnold on the right in 1976, with Jack Palmer and John Eveson
Fred Stubbs adds: I knew Arnold well. He moved from Brundall a few years ago to Felixstowe to be near to his son. My wife and I, along with Jack and Marie Palmer, used to meet Arnold and his wife Marian, about halfway between Norwich and Felixstowe. After Jack’s death, we still met with Marie about twice a year. A great person to be with, always very friendly, easy to get along with. He will be sadly missed. Arnold had worked in Manchester and had been in charge at our office in Cardiff.