Rita Mary Ryan 1923–2015
We received the sad news of Rita’s death ‘some time ago’ from Phil Selby, who was contacted in June 2016 by a neighbour of Rita’s in late response to Phil’s Christmas Card. The neighbour went on to say that Rita’s sister Jay was in a home, in the Bramhall area, and her nephew and next-of-kin Denis Mangan was living in Ireland.
Rita joined HMSO in March 1939 and became Chief Supervisor in Reprographics, Basildon, going on to work closely with CRS.
John Eason adds: Sad to hear of Rita’s death. I knew her well from Basildon, and from several promotion boards that we sat on. Lovely is the only word to describe her, I think.
John Nash adds: Hi Reg & John, I was sorry to receive the sad news confirming the death of Rita. We did try to locate her whereabouts last year without success and felt then that she had probably passed away. She was a breath of fresh air on joining CRS and her operational experience much valued. As John Eason says Rita was indeed a lovely lady, with a wonderful smile and throaty chuckle. On Dispersal, she transferred to Basildon working closely again with dear old ‘Basil’ Radford. (The photo of the Mundesley Training Course brought back memories seeing the cast list – ‘Basil’ could never be parted from his pipe!). On retirement, Rita was able to return to her beloved Manchester and unfortunately, our contact was lost.
Norma Groom (in South Africa) adds: Dear Reg, Just tuned into HMSO Oldies and was sad to see Rita Ryan had died. What a ray of sunshine she was, she was always cheerful and extremely helpful to everyone.
Hope all in UK are well. It does not seem possible that we have been in South Africa for over 17 years now, we are still enjoying life here particularly the weather and wine. Best regards to everyone. Norma
Excellent to hear from you . . . it’s been a while. And, as you say, everyone has a good word for Rita. Makes you realise that we worked with some lovely people!
Good to hear that you are still enjoying South Africa. Your wine is very popular over here these days, and this week we have been enjoying some of your weather as well. Far cry from the odd pint in the Bullseye, Basildon, looking out at the rain breaking its way through the mist . . . happy days. Best wishes. Reg
William ‘Bill’ Burberry 1920–2015
Mike Betts has passed on the sad news that Bill has died. He joined HMSO in 1965 and moved to Norwich as ITW1, later to become Head of Internal Audit. His late wife, Barbara, also worked for HMSO.
His funeral will be held at Earlham Crematorium, Earlham Road, Norwich at 1115 on Friday 8 January 2016.
The Norwich Evening News 24 notice can be seen here.
Audit paraded outside Sovereign House, with Bill holding onto the rail in the front row.
Mike Betts adds: Bill was waiting to go to university when war broke out and so he joined the RAF. He became a rear gunner and wireless operator in Blenheim bombers, and subsequently in Douglas Havoc bombers. Bill was promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader and involved in the Battle of Britain, and he was one of the few of his generation of aircrew who survived the Second World War. Bill liked to tell the story of how he soon learned to sit on his tin helmet rather than wearing it on his head, as more rear gunners died as a result of being shot by enemy fighter aircraft from below rather than from above!
Bill met his beloved wife Barbara in the Sampson & Hercules in Norwich, during one of his periods of annual leave, and they married and went on to have four children.
After the war, Bill became a Secret Agent working for MI5/MI6 in West Africa and Spain, and was a senior wireless operator and member of the Civil Service of Ghana, before returning to GCHQ in the UK. It was only in more recent years that Bill was able to reveal this to his close friends. Bill was also fluent in several languages including French, Spanish and Russian.
Bill was eventually posted to HMSO in Norwich, initially as an HEO, and subsequently promoted to Deputy Director as Head of Internal Audit. Bill was the author of a highly regarded ‘Internal Audit Manual’, and he was very proud of the achievements of his internal audit team, as they became the benchmark throughout the Civil Service.
Because of his intimate knowledge of Africa – Bill even drove his Mercedes car across the Sahara desert! – during his holidays he became a part-time tour guide for a few years on Cruise Liners working for Salen Lindblad Cruising! Bill also loved hill-walking with his friends, and he knew the geography of the Lake District like the back of his hand.
Bill was forced to retire at the age of 60 when new regulations came into force; He was frustrated by this decision as he was very enthusiastic about his job and felt that he still had so much to offer.
A few years ago his wife Barbara died, and two years ago Bill’s health started to deteriorate, and he left his bungalow at Stocks Hill in Bawburgh, and moved to Brooklands Care Home in Drayton where at the age of 95 he died at 0700hrs on Christmas Day 2015.
‘Bill Burberry, a very special man’
Information supplied by Mike Betts and John Betts
Elizabeth Ivy Osmond 1928–2015
We have received the following sad news from Maggie Vaughan-Lewis:
Betty Osmond was employed during the 1970s by the HMSO at the Gore in Basildon (‘Confidential Section’) before she was married in 1981 (rather late in life). She had moved to Norfolk some years ago and died this year. I never met her but have been helping a distant relative of hers sort out some things and then came across your website.’
The 1973 Staff List records Betty as having been born on 30 December 1928. She joined HMSO in July 1963 and was promoted Duplicator Operator Grade 1 in 1964. No doubt she knew Mrs Norma Ellis, who was Superintendent of Typists at the time – and Rita Ryan, Chief Supervisor.
Raymond Angell 193?–2015
We were sad to hear from Bob Thompson, via John Eveson, that Ray died, peacefully at home, on 4 December 2015. There will be no funeral, at Ray’s request, and his body has been donated to medical science.
Ray was well known within the London Presses, both as an operative in his younger days, and as a personable Industrial Personnel Officer in his later career.
Reg.
Brian Ekers adds: Reg, My earliest contact with Ray Angell was in the mid-50s when he was a monotype operator and I was an apprentice at the old Drury Lane Parliamentary Press. He was, at that time, the senior union official among the number of unions employed at the press and, as such, enjoyed the grand title of ‘Imperial Father of the Chapels’. Much later, in the early 70s, we met again when I managed the old Foreign Office Press and Ray was the senior monotype operator and also, of course, ‘Imperial Father’.
Industrial relations, at that time, were much strained at the larger presses. I was very lucky that the strict security constraints, placed upon the FOP, were recognised by the unions in the press as carrying special privileges. This was largely due to the influence of Ray, combating the more militant elements and recognising where the best interests of his members lay.
At this time a post was advertised for an Industrial Relations Advisor within HMSO. I encouraged Ray to apply but he was reluctant at first. In the end, he agreed and I forwarded his application with a strong recommendation. As good fortune would have it the Controller at that time, Cliff Bayliss, paid an official visit to the FOP and, during his tour, was impressed by inter-personal skills that Ray possessed – in spades! I told Cliff that, in my view, he would be a great asset within Industrial Relations Division. Ray got the job and the rest is history.
Ray later achieved promotion within IR and I am surprised you are unable to locate him in your Non-Industrial Staff lists. Ray was a great guy and an absolute gentleman. My wife is also saddened by the news, she got to know him all those years ago when she worked in the office at the Drury Lane Press.
Roy Waterlow adds: Ray Angel I worked with at the Foreign Office, he worked tirelessly for the union and for women’s rights. He was never at his workplace, being on union business, and kept a huge tub of cash for anyone collecting money to help themselves to. Roy Waterlow HMSO 1965–1994
Alec J Watts 1934–2015
We were sad to read, in the Eastern Daily Press dated 9 December 2015, that Alec has died.
Alec joined HMSO Supplies in Norwich in March 1973 as a Clerical Assistant and moved to PP upon promotion. His wife Gill worked in CCTA Gildengate House. Funeral arrangements are shown here.
William Davison Bissett 1920-2015
I was sad to hear a telephone message left by Bill’s son Mike, saying that Bill had died, at his home in Ealing, on 20 August 2015. He had been housebound for some time, but the last letter he sent, in 2014, showed that he was in good spirits, and enjoying his new status as great-grandfather. His son kindly mentioned that his father always spoke warmly of old colleagues and that he had got to the age where he had been retired longer than he had been employed by HMSO.
Bill joined in 1948, and worked through various posts, including Senior Works Manager and eventually, in 1977, Director of Technical Services.
Robert Stutely adds: Sorry to read of Bill’s death. It stirred memories in my old brain of my early days in Tech. As I remember him, Bill was a kindly person although I was far down the hierarchy in those days and did not see him frequently. It is excellent news that his retirement was longer than his employment by HMSO. Something that we all aspire to, I guess.
John Eveson adds: This is awful news. I was very fond of Bill. I first met him when he was Manager of St Stephens. We started the Parly project with him. That was in 1975 or thereabouts. I think he then became Director of Works 2 with Ken Allen as DW1. I assume that was Ass Sec level. Thoroughly decent man. I am very sad.
Bob Dwyer adds: Great memories of Bill, he was Staff Side Gen Sec when I was IPCS Secretary, and then when he was promoted I was elected to follow him. Another point: I bought my first car, a Ford, off him. He was a gentleman.
Thomas Shorrock Harris MBE 1922–2015
We were sad to read, in the Eastern Daily Press, that Tom died in the Sunnycroft Care Home, Norwich, on 17 October. Funeral arrangements can be found here.
Tom was born on 30 November 1922 and joined HMSO Manchester Office 8 August 1939, as a 16-year-old Clerical Officer and moved to Norwich upon dispersal, becoming Deputy Director of Establishments. He was a keen cricketer, pipe-smoker and socialiser outside the office.
Tom can be seen in this photo, from his old friend Les Birch, which shows them both, with Harvey Wild, playing their part in defending Britain in 1941.
Bob Barnard adds: So sorry to hear about Tom Harris’s death. Another of that era who will now no longer be with us. I believe that mentally he had deteriorated in the last couple of years. I took over from Tom as DDPS2 in October 1982 when I was transferred back from Belfast and he retired at the end of November that year. So he had a good retirement. I hope I can match that. Tom was also quite a keen crossword doer, working on The Times crossword with Les Birch when they arrived at work.
Jack Peter Daniels 1927–2015
In September we heard from Alison Womack, who had successfully tracked Jack down after a period of non-communication. Now Alison has passed on the sad news that Jack died in October:
‘Jack’s daughter has just phoned to say that he died in his sleep last week, after yet another chest infection. There will be obit announcements in the EDP on Saturday and EEN next week. Anyway, it is a good thought that on Oct 8th Jack was able to return my call and so we did get to have a chat: he was rather deaf but as cheery as ever, very happy with Brooke House, and particularly chuffed to hear that we had all been asking about him!’
Jack joined HMSO in April 1978 and became Support Grade 2 (the old Senior Paperkeeper grade). He was always thorough and helpful, and had a wry sense of humour, which was needed when Director Ken Rhodes, and some others, insisted on calling him ‘Jim Beam.’
The EDP funeral notice can be seen here.
David Silver 1929–2015
We were sad to receive an email from Susan Silver to say that David died on 14 October 2015. His funeral will be held near Melbourne, Australia, where he lived for many years following retirement from HMSO. Details can be found here.
David was a popular, friendly and always helpful senior accountant in Publications Division in Norwich. He can also be seen here enjoying a lunchtime with old colleagues at The Eagle pub in Norwich.
Derek James Wintle 1931–2015
We were sad to hear, following a telephone call from Shirley Wintle to Glyn and Anne Jones, that Derek died this week.
Derek joined HMSO London in 1960 and in time became Manager of Harrow Press. He moved to Norwich, living in Drayton, and took the post of Director of Industrial Personnel. He had suffered ill-health for some time but kept in contact with several former colleagues.
The NEN Family Notice can be seen here.
Derek in happier times, enjoying the evening reception at the wedding of George James some years ago.
George James adds: I was sorry to learn of Derek’s death on return from holiday. I first met Derek in1977 when he transferred to Industrial Personnel Division from Harrow Press. The Division had gone through a lot of turmoil at senior level and Derek and Archie Foote were brought in to get some stability prior to it’s re-location to Norwich. He was a major influence on me staying with HMSO at the time and not joining others leaving for the private sector.
Having spent much of his earlier career in Tech Division and Harrow he had much to get to grips within this new environment. However his appetite for hard work, long hours and an ability to learn quickly held him in good stead. It was no surprise that on Archie Foote’s promotion to Assistant Controller, Derek became the Division’s Director. We spent many hours in negotiations with Trade Union representatives at all level and he proved to be a tough negotiator.
There are many funny stories I could tell about the period we worked together but the strangest is the complaint from his wife Shirley not to put a draft to him immediately before going home. It transpired that he liked to read and correct them in bed.
My thoughts go out to Shirley and their family at this sad time. Derek had been unwell for quite a while and the last few weeks must have been very emotional for them.
Roy Waterlow adds: I have just seen that Derek Wintle has died. He was my Director when I worked in Industrial Relations, I liked Derek because he didn’t care how many enemies he made treated everybody equally. If you took a draft to him for approval he would reach for his red pen before looking at it, and then make changes, but he would always give you the finished version. I remember on a pay review meeting in London I accidentally handed out all our pay plans to the National Officers, I was expecting the sack; but Derek just shrugged it off. Made to leave at 60, Derek loved his work. Roy Waterlow, HMSO 1965-1994
13 October 2015 – Jack Carpenter 1918–2015
We have just heard the sad news, from his daughter, that Jack died in April.
Jack joined HMSO in 1948. He subsequently rose to become Deputy Director of Publications. He is remembered with affection from his work both in Contracts Division and Publications.
Phillip Brooks adds: That is really sad news. I liked and respected Jack – he was in Pubns when I started. A real gentleman.
Les Birch adds: Sorry to have the news of Jack’s passing – I worked with him in Pubns and always got on with him very well. He was a very likeable chap with as you say a great sense of humour. And he did like his pipe.
William George Wickham 1928–2015
We are indebted to Ivor Hosgood for passing on the sad news that Bill has died, after a short stay in Mead Lodge, Buxton, Norfolk and in hospital.
The EDP Family Notice can be seen here
Bill joined HMSO in June 1960. I first knew him when I worked in ITW, Cornwall House, in the next room to Alec Gravatt and A4d – a section mainly comprising well-experienced people such as Les Fancett, Harry Whittingham, Ted Combie, Len Gray, Roger Chalk, Sheila Bunn – and Bill, the smartest of them all. No wonder he was able to win the prize of the Beauty of the Cornwall House Registry, Maureen Riley!
They moved to Norwich upon dispersal and Bill transferred to CCTA, from which he retired to live peacefully with his family and listen to his large collection of Jazz recordings.
Joyce Welburn Parsons 1937–2015
We were sad to hear, from Annette Conn, that Joyce died, in the Norfolk and Norwich hospital, on 9 August 2015.
Joyce had broken her leg, and this was followed by a major heart attack on 10 July. She was taken to hospital, and her son and daughter were with her at the end.
Joyce had been in the Messengerial service and was the widow of Ron Parsons, who had been a Printing Officer in Norwich until his death some years ago. One of her pastimes in later years was Yoga, as evidenced by this photo previously published (see 25 July 2013) which shows from L to R : Valerie Knowles, Margaret Perry, Annette Conn and Joyce.
W. Norman Frost 1930-2015
We were sad to learn from Steve Adcock that Norman died recently. He had been a regular attendee at the church in Great Moulton, Norfolk, where Steve (lately of HMSO Finance) is a Reader.
See Family Notices.
Norman joined HMSO in November 1953. Among other posts, he had been in charge of the technical Systems Analysts at Bunhill Row, where he is remembered with affection by Brian Ekers as ‘a Gentleman: a good boss, and liked by all.’
He worked as AD Tech, and had been General Manager at Gateshead Press. As John Eveson recalls:
‘I am very sad indeed over this news. Whilst I have not seen Norman for ages I was very fond of him. He was such a nice man. He was, to my recollection, the first senior technical man to leave the HMSO for private industry – he went to William Clowes of Beccles as Production Director. He was Director of Parliamentary and Classified Printing, holding the post before Ed McKendrick. I reported to him on the Parliamentary Project’s early years around 1981/2. He was Senior level, I believe, reporting to Ken Allen alongside Ken Sandford. After he left I visited him a few times at Beccles, as he helped us with a few issues on the project.’
Philip Marriage adds: I often travelled into London with Norman on the train from St Albans when we were both commuting to Atlantic House and like John and Brian above I remember him as being such a friendly and nice chap – no pretensions. Sad news.
John Barker adds: Dear Reg, I was very sad to see that Norman Frost had died. I would agree with all what John and Phillip have said about Norman. When I joined HMSO in 1964 as a young compositor, never having worked anywhere other than a small printer letterpress in Croydon, it was a huge shock having to settle into a huge organisation like HMSO. Norman was my first TO and he was a pleasure to work with. Right from the very first, he made me feel welcome, and some lunchtimes took me around and showed me the local sights around Pocock Street and Blackfriars, where St Stephen’s Parliamentary Press was situated. I was moved to Works HQ within a few weeks to work with Arthur Phillips and Freddie Pymm but I often dealt with Norman over the years and he was always very helpful. A sad loss when he left HMSO to join the printing industry. I feel he would have reached the top if he had stayed.
Barry Arthur Cooper 1942–2015
We were sad to hear of Barry’s death, in Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on 6 August 2015.
Barry joined HMSO Norwich in January 1976 and was promoted Senior Messenger in December 1978, subsequently taking the post of Deputy Office Keeper. He was always cheerful and helpful – a tradition steadfastly maintained by his son Shaun, who still works in St Crispins as a Domestic Services contractor.
Funeral arrangements – at St Faith’s on Thursday 10 September – are shown in this link to the Norwich Evening News dated 20 August 2015.
Kenneth Picton Sandford 1922–2015
On 27 June 2015 Jean Sandford contacted us with the following news regarding her husband Ken:
‘Could you please add an entry in HMSOldies noting Ken`s death: Joined HMSO February 1948; rose through the ranks to become Director Printing and Binding; retired 1982; died 6 April 2015. Funeral 21 April 2015 at St Margaret`s Church, Theydon Bois, Essex, where he had been a Reader.’
I do remember Les Birch and Brian Lee from my days as an EO in Pubns and contracts in the 1950s but life moves on.
Thanks again, Jean Sandford’
John Eason adds: I’m very sorry to hear that Ken Sandford has died. He was a lovely man. Always so helpful when providing answers for Parliamentary Questions when I was in the Private Office. I have many fond memories of him.
Les Birch adds: Very sorry to hear of Ken’s death and as you say we remember him with deep affection – as indeed I remember Jean with equal affection. He was a lovely man and Jean and he formed a wonderful partnership. It is now well over 60 years since Jean and I both worked in the same room in Atlantic House but I still recall her presence with absolute clarity. I am sure she will not mind if I think of her primarily as a very bright and intelligent young lady. Please convey to her my deep condolences – it is always sad when such a superb partnership such as they had comes to an end.
Alan Crawley 1933–2015
We have received the following sad news from Bob Allder, via John Eveson:
I recently had a phone call from Dennis Rose informing me that Alan Crawley passed away on Tuesday 19 May 2015. His funeral is at Croydon Crematorium, Mitcham Road, Croydon CR9 3AT on Friday 05 June 2015 at 3 pm (East Chapel).
Alan was Works Overseer (Linotype) at Hansard Press in the 1980s, having joined HMSO in 1965.
Edward Alfred Ashton 1929–2015
We were sad to hear, from John Fox, of the death of Ted Ashton, who had been Works Overseer at Gateshead Press, having joined HMSO in 1949.
Ted died on 14 May 2015 following treatment for bone marrow cancer.
The obituary notice on the BMDs Online website can be seen by clicking here.
Nora Alison Millar 1928–2015
Bob Simpson writes from Edinburgh: I golfed with Eddie Hendry this day and he said that he noticed the death announcement in The Scotsman of Nora Alison Millar on May 16 at Murrayfield Care Home. Alison had been at Sighthill in the reprographic section. Having joined in July 1944, she was there as Assistant Supervisor when I joined HMSO in 1972 and Les Birch was Director.
Regards, Bob Simpson
Alan McGilliwie 1931–2015
We were sad to learn, from John Rumball, that Alan died on 12 May 2015. He leaves Kath and his son Alan, who also worked for HMSO.
Alan joined HMSO in 1966. He was promoted HP&GO, Print Norwich, in 1972.
Alan’s son has added the following: I am sad to inform you of the passing of my father, Alan McGillewie, on Tuesday 12th May 2015 at Priscilla Bacon Lodge, after succumbing to skin cancer (Melanoma). He was diagnosed back in October 2013 and in the last few months it had got the better of him. He died in his sleep, both peacefully and mercifully, in very little pain. His funeral will be held at Earlham Crematorium at 13:30 on Friday 5th June.
Yours, Alan McGillewie Jnr
See Family Notices.
John Fox adds: I was shocked to see that Alan McGillewie has died. I moved with him from Gateshead, along with Charlie Hartley and John Martin (the tall one). We had a great time at the Yarmouth Road b&b, and exploring the fleshpots of Norwich (well, the pubs and cafes, anyway). My condolences to Alan Jr. We will try and make the funeral.
Derek Newton 1929–2015
We were sad to hear, via Kevin Sullivan, of Derek’s death.
Derek joined HMSO in January 1953. He was promoted HEO in 1973 and spent most of his time in Publications and in Supplies – including a spell in Britannia House, where he worked with Tony Gummett and Bob McRobbie. He had been promoted to SEO in 1975, but voluntarily downgraded to EO upon reaching retirement age, working in Supplies Norwich.
His dress and demeanour were always that of the classic civil servant. After retirement, he enjoyed the Theatre, and he was often to be seen at Theatre Royal, Norwich, in the company of his son.
Later: Derek’s son Stephen has been in contact to say that his father’s funeral will be held on Friday 15 May at 1200 hours,St. Walstan’s RC Church, Costessey:
John Butler adds: Very sorry to read about Derek Newton. He was my mentor in S5b ordering computers when I came to HMSO in 1962. Derek was I remember very knowledgeable and supportive with a pleasant sense of humour. I am glad to have known him and sad to hear of his death.
Denise Kathleen Dukes 1919–2015
We were sad to receive the following note, on 27 April 2015, from Denise’s grandson Harvey:
‘My grandmother Denise Dukes sadly passed away on Sunday the 19th of April. There is a cremation service taking place on the 5th of May, 10:00 am, at the Honor Oak Crematorium, South East London.
For anyone who would like to attend, you are more than welcome.
Kind regards
Harvey Dukes
07949078632’
Denise joined HMSO in July 1947, working for much of her career in Publications, Cornwall House, where she gave invaluable assistance as Translator.
Anne Elizabeth Moore 1944–2015
We heard the sad news, via Marion Maxwell, that Annie died, suddenly, in February 2015.
She was at her home in Spain, which she shared with her husband Grant, who also worked in HMSO.
Annie joined Business Supplies in Norwich in 1989.
R J ‘Jamie’ Precious 1958–2015
Jayne Wilkinson has passed on the following sad news:
‘Sandy Winters has just emailed me to say that very sadly, Jamie died on Sunday 5 April in Addenbrookes – he had a recurrence of the brain bleed of three years ago.
I knew he had had another stroke, but rather hoped he’d recover as he did before. A sad day.’
A sad day indeed. Jamie joined HMSO on 30 July 1984 and was well known on ‘the second floor’ of St Crispins, a Publishing man from start to finish.
There is a memorial page for Jamie.
Janet Grimes 1932–2015
We were sad to read, in the Norwich Evening News, that Janet had died on 1 March 2015. She had been unwell for some time but had retained her sharp wit and verbal dexterity until well into her seventies.
Janet joined HMSO Norwich in 1980, initially with Glyn Hughes in the old Office Machinery records section.
Funeral details can be found here.
Later: Dear Reg, Hello, I’m Janet’s granddaughter. Just wanted to say thank you for your kind card of condolence which you sent to the family. I know that Janet had many happy memories of the people she worked with at the HMSO and the times spent together. Thank you for all you did for her and for the thoughtful obituary on the HMSO website. Kind regards, Daisy.
Simon Master 1944–2015
Jim Wretham has alerted us to the obituary for Simon Master in The Times dated 13 February 2015.
Although not strictly ‘an HMSO man’ he was appointed non-Executive Board Member, and had been Managing Director of Pan Books, and later Random Century.
His death was also reported in The Bookseller.
Cecil Horn 1915–2015
We were sad to read, in the Eastern Daily Press dated 9 February 2015, of Cecil’s death in his hundredth year.
He was born on 8 August 1915 and joined HMSO on 19 April 1948, spending some time as a Technical Officer in Edinburgh before moving to an HTO post in what was then Printing and Binding Division in Norwich. He lived in Taverham, and funeral details are given here.
Lydia Waller 1919–2015
It is with much sadness that l am writing to tell you Lydia Waller passed away on the 3rd January, after suffering a massive stroke on Christmas Eve. Mum who was aged 95, lived a full and active life up until her stroke. Lydia worked in the Print Room with Phyllis Stead, Sylvia, Gill and Muriel, from 1968 until her retirement in 1979.
Then Lydia worked with Madeline’s Mum in the Sovereign Club. Both my parents worked at HMSO. Dad (Bert Waller) originally came up from London in 1968, after working in Atlantic House, Holborn. They loved their time in Norwich and had some very happy memories.
Best wishes to you all, Sandra
Oh, Sandra. Sad news indeed – but 95: good for your mother. My father made 93: they were made of strong stuff in those days! As I have no need to remind you, your mother joined HMSO Norwich as a Duplicator Operator in September 1968 – when all we Londoners moved into Sovereign House. On a personal note, can I say that for the brief period in which I supposedly ‘looked after’ the Typing and Rep Areas (Vera Rankin, Mary Robinson) I remember your mother as a lovely lady. Best wishes, and thank you for letting us know. Reg.
Winifred Beryl Jenkins 1925–2015
The first definitive message regarding Winnie’s passing came from Brian and Jean Whitefield – old friends from Cornwall House days.
‘Last evening Jean had a phone call from a nephew of Winnie to say that she died on 8 January 2015. She had been feeling unwell for some time, but had not consulted her GP. She was found collapsed by a neighbour some time before Christmas and was admitted to St. George’s hospital. There she was diagnosed with lung and bone cancer. The family was very impressed with the care that Winnie and they received from the hospital: Winnie was kept comfortable and pain-free right to the end and the day before she died had a happy two hour visit from her sister who lives in Derbyshire.
Winnie had a large circle of friends and contacts. She was in regular contact with Jean, who phoned her in early December. Kay, Judy Tassel Jo Dobson and the Pawseys also contacted her. When in hospital she had two or three visitors every day except New Year’s Day.
The funeral will be at Lambeth crematorium at 1.15 on Monday 1 February. Donations are invited via the undertaker to St Barnabas Church Southfields that she attended for 80 years and where she met husband David. Details of the undertaker will follow when we have them.
Regards, Brian’
LATER: Update on Winnie’s funeral. The crematorium is not functioning on a Sunday so the the date is 2 Feb not as previously announced. Donations to St Barnabas Church (where Alan Pawsey was christened) to:
Mears & Cotterill Funeral Directors
169 Merton Road
Southfields
London SW18 5EF
Regards, Brian
Winnie joined HMSO in April 1943. She was promoted HEO in May 1977, spending most, if not all, of her career in Publications, London.
Richard Stanley Moore 1941–2015
On 9 January 2015, we received the sad news, via Norma Groom, that Dick had died suddenly, following an evening out from the home he shared with his wife Stella and their son David in Tonbridge, Kent.
A Londonderry man, Dick began his Civil Service career as a Clerical Officer with the GPO in London. He was promoted to the DNS in Durham, then moved to HMSO Norwich in 1978 as Head of Reprographics. In 1981 he was promoted to Director of HMSO Scotland, where he spent four years, then returned to Reprographics in Norwich, finally taking the new post of Head of Business Supplies Marketing.
Dick had been a keen table-tennis player and was a lifelong golfer. A popular colleague, as evidenced by the 34 messages (so far) of sympathy received by HMSOldies and passed on to the family.
Funeral arrangements, for Tuesday 27 January, can be found here.
LATER: Stella, Ian and David Moore and families would like to express their thanks for the many letters, cards, emails and phone messages we received following the sudden death of a dear husband and father. Your support helped us to cope at this sad time and has been appreciated more than we can say.