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March 2005 — George Travell



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23 March 2005 — George Travell
On 23 March the Eastern Daily Press carried the announcement that ‘George Travell, sadly passed away on Saturday March 19 2005 at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. . . . the funeral service will be held at St Andrew’s Church, Eaton, on Wednesday March 30 at 1.30 p.m. followed by interment at Eaton burial ground.’ George was born on 28 August 1925 and joined HMSO in July 1943. He worked in many areas of print, becoming a Technical Officer in 1959 and retiring from the office as SEO.


March 2005 — Social Diary
So who was found treading the mean and frozen streets of Norwich (and elsewhere) during the month? Bill Burberry (ex Internal Audit and scion of Tooting) for one. Also Alison Womack (Pubns), Mike Mahoney (Finance with HMSO; Office services with CCTA) wearing his gloves but not smoking his pipe; Terry Soutar (Technical Services) and Ivor Hosgood (PP — he tells me that his book, I’ll take you where the music’s playing is published on 10 July. Also Chris Harkins who obviously has a Dorian Gray style pictures in his loft, that young does he look. Don Ray, Chris Penn and Terry Harwood were seen (separately) in the same shop: planning an undercover Management Meeting? Jack Palmer tells me that he has just sold his boat (this will mean something to those people to whom it means something. Sorry about the waffle — must be that mention of Management Meetings).
And who would drive a car with the numberplate J7 CHH? Cecil Hedley Hughes (PP) and Angela Brandish-Hughes (HR), that’s who. Peter Lince (another Printer — are they the only ones tough enough to brave the East Anglian frost?) spent some time in Turkey. Now he is back, he still meets Colin Harris and Ray Dineen, but has not recently encountered David Poole (who returns from his home in Spain for the odd vat of Marmite and cartridge for his trusty Heidelberg printer). More Printers (many still employed by Astron, so names withheld in case of retribution — and sorry to miss you, Arthur — were you on o/t?) were seen on Licensed Premises. Among them was Don Dunkin (my old Staff List shows his name associated with those of Bill Robinson — still seen in the classier venues of Norwich Society, Terry Burchell and more names than I am inclined to mention without a small donation to my personal charity (Guinnessaid, where it’s always Red Nose Day).
An informal early farewell for Gill Johnson saw Sharon Higenbottam (not her husband Dave — doubtless off playing squash to keep fit for his job in tSO), Paul Barnard, Peter Macdonald, Chris Penn, Terry McCrum. Also (but only through the window) Marion Maxwell, Dick Moore, Rory Quinn The following day spent partly in St Crispins (isn’t it quiet these days?) and sightings of Brian Daniels, Steve Ward, Phil Wilkes, Jim Marshall, Mike Yemm, Corinne Barker, Robin Kelly, Sean Cooper (who says that his father, ex Office Keeper Barry does not get about much any more). Peter Taylor was on the streets, despite recent medical attention, and Sue Ticktum certainly has not lost any speed (doubtless in an effort to escape from me). Neither have Roy and Win Osborne, seen along Magdalen Street. Also Derek Newton.
We have spotters everywhere. I hear of printers Len Hobbs (seen re-landscaping his front garden) and Alex Herbert (currently on a walking holiday with his wife Jean, in South Africa). What is it with ex HMSO people and South Africa? Was I away when the free airline tickets were handed out? Despite no longer holding the post of Lord Mayor of Norwich, Chris Southgate (and Jeanne Southgate) can’t keep out of the newspapers. This month it was a reception for the launch of Norwich in Bloom. And an email from Derek James (Norwich Evening News) who kindly passed on a message from TS (Tom) Harris — would he mind my saying he is 83? — who had hoped that HMSOldies was in hard copy, as he has the good sense to shun the frustrations of computery. Anyone interested in the project? Come on, Plackett, get the old Linotype out of the shed! Or perhaps John Rumball could negotiate the linotype machine they have in full working order in the John Jarrold Printing Museum (well worth a visit- Wednesday mornings 9-12.
It seems that the Electronic Publishing Christmas dinner is a moveable feast, in that it was held in March (no jokes about three months late with delivery, please). Alan Pawsey, Steve Carruthers, Lynda Marshall, Philip Marriage, Jayne Wilkinson, and Dave Martin (the event had been delayed by Dave’s recent trip to New Zealand. How far does he have to go to avoid the Long Stratton bypass demonstrations?) all enjoyed the evening, and so would have John Saville had his electronic diary not let him down. Gordon Robbie had a better reason for absence: the birth of his latest grandchild.
Spotted in a cellar in Tombland — that socialite and man-about-Heartsease Don Warman; also Susan Curran and Paul Simmonds (time for a reprint of one of his SO Review film reviews yet?) and Gerry and Margaret Lucioli (Gerry has been in BUPA for some months, but luckily they are paying him). And on Norwich station the ever-tanned and youthful John Balls, about to travel to Amsterdam with his wife for a few days. Denis Moloney was only going to London to buy an old man a few pints (thanks Denis) and Danny Burns was obviously on an away day from St Crispins. Ken Rhodes had not been sighted lately, apart from by the Carbonari or whatever the local rozzers call themselves, as he has been in Italy. So that’s why he hasn’t been on to me criticising all this waffle.
I wish I could have been at the surprise farewell for Gill Johnson on 22 March, but I couldn’t slip my tagging device. I am told that a few dozen of her many friends made it to Delaney’s in Norwich, and heard warm words from o2o (not Lymswold — that’s next year’s name) Chief Executive Ray Peck. Karen Hutchinson organised the event with effortless skill — the hardest skill there is — and old beneficiaries of Gill’s excellent secretarial work, Penn, Cole and Barnard were there. Steve Forde made it (the earliest he has left St Crispins for nine years — that thing up there in the sky is the sun, Steve) Mark Cunningham, Danny Burns, Alex Winstanley, Robin Kelly, Neil Brooksby, Duncan Dawdry also featured, as did many more, but my Cub Reporter was trying to get the shamrock shape off the top of his Guinness with a Foldback 1414 (bulldog clip — do you remember nothing?) by then. Gill is going to spend more time with her garden. Lucky garden.
Doug Chinnery probably finds his Staff Side experience useful in dealing with stroppy pupils at his school and Edgar Gibson probably found that having worked with Ernie Downs was useful when he worked for a while in the Norwich Magistrates Court (where most of them play golf — what did you think I meant?). Nodge Carnegie looking cheerful, and he is still employed by tSO. Phil Leach tells me he sees Shaun Struthers regularly at his Nursing Home in Hellesdon, and also sings with Reg Andrews who is an incredible 83 and has a strong tenor voice (because he still smokes St Bruno in the same Falcon pipe?) Phil has also seen Valerie (daughter of Viv) Knowles, Ruth Vivian and Vic Morley. When he was in North Elmham he met Nick Moore, who used to run the Sovereign Singers and worked in Training (seconded from English Heritage).
Easter Monday and the annual visit to Fakenham races, where I support sick horses (I don’t know they are sick when I back them) but not a sighting of a single ex HMSO person — all too sensible, no doubt. But wait! In the distance, what is this I see on the board of an on-course bookmaker? ‘Honest Mike Lynn.’ Now, he’s the man to take my bet. But no — a closer inspection showed that he was ‘Honest Mike Murphy: King’s Lynn.’ As the late Patrick Campbell would say, you couldn’t make it up.
And finally, on the last day of the month, some fashion advice for Denis Moloney, spotted filling his executive Audi at the non-executive Bowthorpe Sainsbury’s in full (and I mean full) Tottenham strip, including shorts. Do I have to say more?

31 March 2005 — Frank Grigson
We are sad to report that Frank Grigson died, at the age of 69, in March 2005. He joined HMSO as a Print Apprentice in February 1951, progressing through various Works Division posts until finishing with HMSO in Publications. Brian Ekers and Derek Lees attended his funeral in Bishops Stortford.


13 April 2005 — Susan Hoadley
On 13 April the Eastern Daily Press contained the sad news that Sue Hoadley had died in Norwich on April 3, aged 46. The funeral is to take place at St Faiths crematorium on Thursday 21 April (no flowers by request). Sue joined HMSO in 1976 and worked in IT. She had also worked with the Accounts Payable team.


28 April 2005 — Eric Bone’s ‘World’s Shortest Books’ Competition
We have received the following entries. In fact, we have received more, but many are perilously close to cruelty rather than parody, so they are being kept in the Vault (for the present at least).
A Soldier Erect by Peter Macdonald
The Big Sleep by Ken Kemp
A Rude Awakening by Ken Kemp
A Woman of Substance by Mrs DNG Rust
Erskine May on the Public Accounts Committee by Mike Lynn
Zen and the Art of Ring Cycle Perseverance by Ken Rhodes
The Hireling by John Norman
My World and Welcome to it by Eric Bone
Wuthering Heights by Derek Rutherford
Ever Decreasing Circles by Dickie Dunn
The 39 Steps: BSI 9002 for all by Anne Eason
Still Life: Energy Efficiency in Action by John Eason
Tea and Sympathy by Rod Durkin (Out of Print)

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




April 2005 — Social Diary
Was I the only retired-and-emotional HMSO employee to receive a letter, dated 1 April, telling me that to continue to receive my pension I must shape up in the St Crispins Atrium and collect the nine years worth of documents from my neglected In-tray for action? How long does it take to deal with 2713 editions of the Financial Times, a complaint from Tony Smith and a seventy-five page list of suggestions from Brian Whitefield? Worth it, I think.
On the streets this month — the pipe-smoking Security Officer who was known as Jim (but we know his name is Vernon) cycling through Sovereign House car park — soon to be redesigned as the Lymswold Holiday Inn — nearly running into Sheila Blowers (still with tSO and the keeper of some nice old documents which may be coming our way soon). Then other current staff rushing in to St Crispins . . . Bob King among them. Internet contact from Sue Whitaker, Les Crawford, Cecil Hughes, Harry and Dorothy Teedon (she is still playing the organ; he is getting to grips with the computer keyboard. If only he had had the Internet when he was TUSGS . . . ) and Danny Loftus HRC who works as part of the Banner/o2o Ministry of Defence Customer care team with Gina Lumber (ex Bristol) Colin Docker, Bob Groves, Linda Verrechia (ex Edinburgh), Laurence Wade (ex Northern Ireland) and Ray Payne (ex MOD — customer turned gamekeeper, or whatever the phrase is).
David Holt was about, and asked me not to mention that he was in the Ribs of Beef with a newly purchased towel rail, wondering where to put it (he knows how to buy a present). Same place, on another day, a group of grandees — Peter Macdonald, Jim McDonald, Alec Smith, Mike Lynn, Chris Penn, Paul Barnard, John Saville, all having been elsewhere, and encountering Alan Pawsey and Linda Marshall (both still with HMSO residual body. ‘Orange and lemon, and a Bells for St Clements’ was the drinks order, I think). By the way, I was asked if I had seen the charismatic Albert Reginald Horatio During lately (my answer was ‘not lately’) and well I’m blessed, it was only the elegantly suited man himself who motored past me with a toot on the horn on the Dereham Road as I walked home that very afternoon. And who was it who told me he had recently seen Bob Dwyer at a Tottenham FC match? On the bench, I think — they might have done better had he played. Di Ward was seen showing friends around the byways of Norwich and Tony Bishop showing his shopping trolley how to handle several bags of garden composting material. Good to see that Ernie White is looking as fit as ever — he started with HMSO in Keysign House and came to Norwich (despatch section) via Shepherdess Walk, Alperton and other palaces of variety.
To London for a meeting with two graduates from HMSO Northern Ireland — Terry McCrum (currently with Banner) and Peter McAuley (now Deputy Principal with DHSS Northern Ireland). Peter has seen several ex HMSO Belfast stalwarts — John Strachan, Willie Smith, Roy Dubois, Walter Roberts and many more. He passed over some ‘action’ pictures, taken in the office in around 1990. Does anyone remember his stint as Peter ‘Bamber’ McAuley at the second annual general knowledge quiz organised in Belfast in December 1984 when Danny ‘the Harp’ Lavery (and I quote directly from SO Review February 1985) thought that a Troglodite was ‘something which grows up in a cave.’ Not surprising, therefore, that the PP1 team (Larry ‘Hurricane’ Gould; George ‘PC99’ Taggart — occasionally aided by Norman Armstrong and Roy Plackett) won the day. By the way, the cover of that SO Review carried a 1972 photograph of ‘Pauline Barrow, Oldham Carnival Queen and at the time CO in Rep. Manchester. Where is she now, I wonder?
Deep scrutiny of the list of guests at the Royal Wedding showed a surprising nil return of ex HMSO staff (or did Joanna Lumley once work an Adrema machine in Shep Walk?). There were lots at the Coronation Street wedding, however. At least, to these southern ears, their voices sounded just the same as those in the Chadderton Rep Unit.
Our roving reporters have come back, expense forms in hand, with the news that Ivor Hosgood (who sends thanks for the publicity for his forthcoming book) has been in contact with Peter Staples (doing very well after his horrific road accident) Brian Lambirth (who was, with Pat Tate, at the funeral held for George Travell), Tony Riordan (Print from 1988) and J Melvyn Clayton, of whom Ivor reports ‘for those with long memories, Melvyn served briefly in P&B Atlantic House in the early 1960s, and eventually found his way to Norwich to teach at the City College. He has now retired.’ Ivor also exchanges Christmas cards with Donald O Barford, another old (Print) colleague and fellow organist from the 1960s. On dispersal he decided to return to Northampton to take up a post with Clarke and Sherwell and (as organist) at the City’s Christ Church. Donald was also a friend of fellow musician Kenneth Picton Sandford (Works Division from 1948) whom, says Ivor ‘I believe I glimpsed at the Harlow Garden Centre a few weeks back.’ Ken was, as Director of General and Security printing, one of the ‘hosts’ of the 1982 HMSO Old Boys’ Lunch (no truck with old gels in those days). Peter Mahoney (who moved to buy print for Metropolitan Police in London after leaving HMSO) expects to retire this year and devote more time to watching Watford FC. Peter has in the past mentioned The Annual Dinner of the St Stephen’s and Parliamentary Press Old Colleague’s Association. The last event, organised by Bob Allder, was held at The Old Sessions’ House, Clerkenwell Green in December 2004, and Ken Wanstall has sent me the list of attendees: Bob Allder, Bob Avery, Dan Cole, Alan Crawley, John Davies, Michael Davies, Michael Edwards, John Eveson, David Forbes, Tony Ford, George Gordon, Martin Grant, Frank Hallett (back from his home in the Far East to pick up his OBE.), Geoff Hooper, Fred Howe, Bill Lack, Trevor Lock, Gordon Parfitt, Ron Reddick, Tony Riordan, Denis Rose, Graham Smith, Ken Wanstall, Norman Warbis and Peter Watts.
Back in Norwich, Isobel Williamson was all of a rush (obviously not to cash in her Everton season ticket) when she encountered Peter and Ceanne Wilde, Marilyn Nisbet, and Stella Moore on the streets of Norwich. She also keeps up with Sherry Mitchell and has especially asked me to mention that William F Robinson (Print, class of ‘61) is her ‘twin.’ They know what this means. Graham Churchyard seen wheeling his bike in Anglia Square and Ian Macfarlane wheeling his bin out of his front garden. Marguerite Finn produced an impressive journalistic column in the Norwich Evening News. Alan Low as cheerful as ever (I’d like some of his memories for my own) and Jim Wilson looking as fit as ever on his way to work. Devon and Sonya Williams and children passed over some intriguing pictures of Publications Division parties, retirements etc. Must clear one or two with m’learned friends (are Michael Jackson’s people free yet?) before release. Diane Johnson still keeps up with fellow typing managers Beryl Deane and Mary Robinson. Also Rep Manager Muriel Larke.
The sale of Astron to US-based RR Donnelley (didn’t they do telephone directories?) for £520m did not see the 50 Norwich-based staff (Print Procurement to we greybeards) dancing in the streets, although Chief Executive David Mitchell expected that ‘our employees will benefit from increased opportunities . . .’ Trebles all round, then. But not from some of the current Astronauts, seen in the company of Alan Hynes. Gerry Lucioli would have been there, but it was brain surgery day at BUPA and his professional talents were needed.
I know he didn’t work in HMSO, but Pete Turner (past Landlord of the Golden Star, Duke Street) helped many a Sovereign House employee back to work, let us say, more contentedly in the afternoons. He has not paid me to say that his newish venture, a Pub/Brewery, The Cock at Barford serves excellent and idiosyncratic food and drink. While on the subject of Pubs (don’t get me started) the White Lion in Oak Street, Norwich — home of many a PP-inspired Christmas singalong — has closed, presumably for ever. Have to go in the other 250 left in Norwich, then, including The Shed — a Colin Keatley enterprise due to open on the site of the Wherry, Lawson Road, in May 2005. I told you not to get me started. Lets get on to something else — John Nash, for instance, Squire of Newport (Isle of Wight) rang to say that he still keeps up with Bob Barnard (we will mention the cover of the January 1959 SO Review on another occasion) and his old CRS colleague George York, who entered into Established Service in 1938.
Back to sobriety. Emails received include those from Dave Martin who, when employed in P5B Cornwall House in the early 1960s worked three lovely women: Moira Turnbull (now Moira Martin), Margaret Duggan (who he has seen recently as Margaret O’Leary) and Deidre McVeigh, Cornwall House’s answer to Julie Christie, who is currently teaching English with a Newry accent in Germany. John Grundy is going to see how many ex Publications people he can contact for a gathering in the Birmingham area (he is in contact with Mike Chevins, who in turn contacts Peter Fudge, who in turn can no doubt raise John Smith and Mike Trigg. John suggests that John Hudson is still a publisher at BMJ. John Westwood contacted us on his Amstrad Emailer and Ken Wanstall (Tech London, HMSO from 1978. He took early retirement from the Electricity Industry in 2003). Vic Kefford produced some good stuff for the Memories feature. Gerry Aldus just wants to know what people are up to (no reminders of ‘work’ please) and Phillip Brooks has some pictures of a young Kate Adie which we may feature on Page 3.
Gerry Lucioli tells me that Derek Regnier is retiring from Astron (where he works with Barrie Harper) towards the end of May, after 44 years service (one of the longest serving still there?). He was apprenticed in HMSO and worked in Manor Farm Press before moving to Norwich (CEPA with Mike Taylor) in the early 1970s. Robin Duhig also worked in Print and now runs the Wymondham Folk Club (see him on Wymondham Buskers’ Day, Saturday 28 May). Ernie Downs looking very fit for a man who joined HMSO in 1961, but (despite continuous exercise looking for golf balls) not fit enough to escape until he thought of an excuse (going to the dentist, indeed). He has recently mixed with the Spixworth intelligentsia — Jayne Ward (happy birthday for 25 April, Jayne), Rosemary and Frank Lynch. Also Dave Higenbottam. Al Hynes is obviously keeping out of the way (he still owes Ernie a copy of his List of Duties).
Linda Lenton organises occasional meetings of ex-Finance staff in Norwich, the last bring 18 April. Circumstances resulted in a relatively small turnout. Viv Jones had to cancel due to a family bereavement; Kath Marley was unwell; Alf Wiggins had only just travelled back from Portsmouth that day. So it was left to Linda, Judy Sherwood, Derek and Christine Carter and Ian Billings. Derek is virtually blind now, and often meets Larry Doyle and a few other retirees for a lunchtime drink. Len Ellis, John Betts, and KJ Coleman were surprised by the guest appearance of Don Warman at the meeting of the Pipe Club of Norfolk. He handed over more treasures from the Jim Curtis archive.

* * * * *




5 May 2005 — Edinburgh news from Jim MacCallum and Andy Baptie
The Edinburgh contingent were indeed delighted to see that someone had had the courage to create a website because we like to hear about old colleagues. The Scottish Mafia do not want to be forgotten and we decided to let you know that we are still alive and kicking — but not scoring many goals! Over twenty years ago we ‘all’ wanted to keep in touch and decided that we would meet once a month for lunch. Eventually the Prestonfield Golf Club was our ‘home’ and we are still meeting there on the last Friday of every month (December excluded when an earlier date in the month seemed more sensible). We were made so welcome that the staff at the club gave our group the name of ‘THE LAST SUPPER‘ and put a printed notice on our dining table to that effect. Sometimes we wondered which one of us they were not expecting to appear the following month! On that note it might be appropriate to mention that, sadly, during those twenty years we have lost but three members — Gordon McGowan, who was Deputy Director, John Rome who was HTO in the Printing Section and Jack Towe who, on his return to live in Edinburgh, was with us for some years.
Our current Oldies are Ben Pearson, Andy Baptie, Alex Morris, Norrie Veitch and John Hamilton who were all of the printing fraternity and these five are aided and abetted by Dave Currie, Willie Ross and Jim MacCallum. Although not giving away anybody’s age suffice it to say that five of those mentioned are receiving 25 pence extra on their old age pension! Perhaps, here, a plea could be made for anyone who may have a free spare ear trumpet to get in touch with Jim MacCallum!
Finally we would like to send fraternal greetings to all our ex-colleagues and to extend an open invitation to any of them from south of the border to join us for lunch on the last Friday of any month (except December) at Prestonfield Golf Club. Of course you will have to pay! This final comment on payment was made, of course, by no one else than Jim MacCallum.


14 May 2005 — AwayDay by Dave Martin
29 assorted HMSO/tSO Oldies and some still-serving plus wives, partners, friends, and including a contingent from OGC, joined the chartered coach on Saturday 14 May for the tenth such trip to Boulogne. Leaving Norwich at 5am, the coach stopped 15 minutes later at Wymondham to pick up South Norfolk stragglers (plus Sue Whitaker and Mick Hardy who live in the City but like to race the coach to Wymondham!) Then it was a couple of hours doze to Thurrock for a breakfast stop, after which on to eventual check-in at the Eurotunnel terminal for the 10.06am shuttle.
On unadjusted watches it was around 10.45am when, after about 30 minutes of undersea shuttling, we headed out from the Coquelles terminal. For those who had adjusted to French time it was 11.45am locally. We arrived in Boulogne at 12.15pm. Jim Marshall’s lunch group (about 12 of us) headed for La Petite Bouffe where we swiftly settled and got the pre-lunch beer orders under way. In keeping with tradition, lunch was leisurely, noisy and washed down with plenty of wine. After lunch, a couple of hours for individual exploration of Boulogne shops and other cafés before we rejoined the coach at 5.15pm to head for Boulogne’s Auchan hypermarket. Here an hour and a half was spent productively in selection of various wines, beers and even one or two food items. It was back on the coach at 7.15pm to catch the 8.30pm shuttle.
Safely back on M20 tarmac, Brian Daniels held the raffle draw. On joining the coach in the morning each passenger was given a ticket for this draw. As this was the tenth such trip, there was a bumper selection of prizes, most of which were, unsurprisingly, alcoholic. Steve Carruthers, formerly Pubns and now House of Commons (staff, not elected) won the top prize bottle of malt whisky but for follow-on prizes there seemed to be endless bottles of wine handed out all round the coach! Did Brian train as a magician?
The journey continued without interruption apart from a brief ‘comfort stop’ (several alternative but rather more colourful descriptions were heard) until we reached Wymondham around 11.45pm, where the South Norfolk contingent left the coach. Our stacks of wine and beer boxes unloaded from the coach luggage spaces made an impressive sight on the pavement at The Windmill car park!
Like its nine predecessors, this trip was greatly enjoyed by all who went. These trips would not have happened without organisation by Brian Daniels and Jim Marshall so sincere thanks again to them both. We are already looking forward to next year’s outing and there is room for a few more to join us. It’s always in mid-May that the trip takes place. If you would like to know more or maybe register a potential interest, Brian or Jim would be happy to help. You can reach them at:

Brian Daniels brian.daniels@tso.co.uk



Jim Marshall jim.marshall@tso.co.uk



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