Return to 1970-1974

Vision 080

Three daughters of employees graced the
Mitcheldean Carnival held on August 12. Queen
of the occasion was Rosemary Davies, whose
father Harcourt Davies works in Accounts. Her
two attendants were (left) Susan Timms, daughter
of Darrell Timms (3600 QC), and Veronica Scott,
both of whose parents work at the Plant — Sadie
in Spares B- Sub-assembly and Jim in the Machine
Shop, Cinderford.
A flower-bedecked Rank Xerox lorry carried the
girls in royal style. Six other lorries from the Plant,
with an assortment of loads varying from
Henry VIII and his six wives to the Diddymen, also
took part in the float competition. Third prize
went to Rank Xerox apprentices disguised as
Dracula, a gory mummy and other horrors.
Contrary to appearances, their hearts were in the
right place, for they donated their award to the
funds of the Community Association who
organised the carnival. Ray Davies (Design),
chairman of both the association and the carnival
committee, told us that profits amounted to
around £150, the best ever.
THE PRODUCTION CHALLENGE
At the time of my appointment as General Manager
at Mitcheldean, Derek Portman referred in the
May,/June 1971 publication of VISION to the
start-up of the 4000 machine production. Since
that time this model has been released
progressively to our marketing companies, and I am
pleased to say that the production demands on us
at Mitcheldean have been substantially increased.
In order to achieve the programme in the time
scale required, we will, during the next twelve
months, be increasing our production activity on
the 4000, and it is therefore sensible to transfer the
manufacture of the next new product to Venray.
At Mitcheldean, therefore, we can concentrate our
production experience and skills on achieving the
aggressive production programmes we shall face
on the 4000 for the remainder of 1972 and 1973.
We shall then be in a good position to meet our
further commitments on new products.
Ron Morfee
In August, I was very pleased to welcome
Ron Morfee, who joins me as Assistant General
Manager at Mitcheldean.
Ron commenced his career in industry after
service in the RAF as a pilot, and subsequent study
at Oxford, from which he graduated with the
degrees of BA and BSc. He then went to Procter
and Gamble, where he managed a number of
departments.
He joined Rank Xerox in July 1 966, and has held
several senior appointments, first as Consumables
Planning Manager, and later with the Management
Services Group, where assignments in connection
with Production Control and Data Processing
brought him to Mitcheldean on numerous
occasions.
In July 1968 he moved to our manufacturing plant
at Welwyn Garden City as Production Manager,
his most recent appointment being that of Works
Manager.
I look forward to Ron’s support in the challenging
time ahead of us, and I wish him and his family
every happiness in their new home.
General Manager, Mitcheldean Plant
2
Newly Appointed
Mike Clibbens was appointed Manager, Finance &
Administration, Mitcheldean Plant, as from
August 14, reporting direct to Mr Salmon.
Mr Clibbens was for some years finance director of
Smedleys (part of the Imperial Tobacco Group)
and subsequently held the same position with
A. E. Farr Ltd (a Bovis Construction Group
subsidiary).
Jack Woods is now Manager, Administration, and
reports to Mr Clibbens. His responsibilities include
internal audit, insurance, accounting and
communication services.
Stan Scott has been appointed New Product
Co-ordinating Manager, Mitcheldean. Mr Scott,
who reports directly to Mr Salmon, is responsible
for the co-ordination of all the activities of the
Mitcheldean Plant operations required for the
launching of each new product.
He is assisted by Michael Hook, who has been
appointed New Product Co-ordinator for a new
project. Other such Co-ordinators will be
appointed for subsequent new products when
required.
As a result of Mr Scott’s appointment. Assembly
Managers Graham Linley, David Sanderson and
Ralph Zimmermann, who previously reported to
Mr Scott, now report direct to Production
Manager Frank Whinyates.
Mr Sanderson is now responsible for the 3600
Assembly Operations in addition to his existing
duties. He is assisted by Brian Mould, who is
Assistant Assembly Manager responsible for 3600
Assembly operations, and Ron Pearce, who is
responsible for Electrical Sub-assemblies and
Sorter operations.
Progress and Production Control
re-structured
As from August 7, the Progress Department
became part of the total Production Control
function under the Production Control Manager,
Terry Quartermaine.
Maurice M. Brain, Manager, Progress, is responsible
to Mr Quartermaine for all aspects of the Progress/
Capacity Planning function.
Also from that date Jim Cannon, Manager, New
Products and Change Co-ordination, became
directly responsible to Mr Ouartermaine.
John Macdonald, Manager, Programme Control,
now reports to Ernie Wood, Manager, Provisioning.
The organisation of the Stock Control function,
responsible to Peter Broomer, under
Mr Quartermaine, remains unchanged.
Mike Clibbens
Manager, Finance
and Administration
Engineering Division
David Day joined us on August 21 as Manager,
Optical Technology, reporting to Design
Engineering Services Manager Arthur Willitt.
Although located at Mitcheldean, Mr Day’s
activities will cover the whole of RX Engineering
Division. He comes to us from Rank Precision
Industries where until recently he was technical
director of Wray Optical Ltd.
David Day
Manager, Optical
Technology
To the Americas
David Willday, who until recently was Assistant
Production Manager— Manufacturing,
Mitcheldean, has been appointed to the
International Logistics Information Systems team
where he will represent Manufacturing Group
interests on this international systems project. He
is responsible directly to Mr W. G. Price,
Controller of Finance, Manufacturing Group.
Mr Willday will be going to Xerox Corporation in
November.
Roy Powell is now in the USA, having been
seconded to Xerox Corporation for an extended
period as task force leader for a new project.
In 1967 it was Venray, in 1968 Australia and, just
a year ago, Sweden. Now globe-trotting Don
Presdee is off to South America, lending technical
knowhow to Xerox DO, Brazil, at Resende near
Rio de Janeiro. For this part of the Americas Don
has had to take a crash course in Portuguese.
3
THE NON
SHUT-DOWN
Made in one piece, the 120ft bridge was placed
in position by two cranes, working in tandem.
Opposite page: top, spider men at work on the
bridge; below, a new boiler arrives to keep
Building 44 warm next winter.
Great machines standing powerless on the shop
floors. The f l ow lines no longer flowing. Skeleton
staffs haunting the offices. That may be the
popular picture of an annual works shut-down,
but for us it’s not quite in focus.
True, from July 22 to August 5 the major part of
the production force was away sunning itself (we
trust). But for many people it was work as usual;
for some even more work than usual, or a time
when they got down to those jobs which would
normally interrupt production.
This was particularly true of Works Engineering.
There were effluent tanks, drains, etc., to be
cleaned and repaired. Then there were the
production machine tools to be serviced. Of
course maintenance goes on all the year round,
but, says Jack Cooper, Mechanical Maintenance
supervisor, ‘during those two weeks we really get
in amongst them.’
This last shut-down the department was
additionally occupied with developments in
connection with the new office Building 44.
Tony Newman and his team were busy bringing
the building off its temporary electricity supply and
joining it to the ring main which circuits the site.
This meant that the Maltings area had to go
without electricity for four days — an inconvenience
which incidentally affected the offices of Works
Engineering among others I
Again in connection with Building 44, the nearby
boilerhouse no. 1 had to be modified and an
additional boiler added. A new chimney which
will rise 20ft higher than the two it is replacing, in
order to clear the new building, is on the way up.
Those who were on holiday at the time missed a
spot of excitement when the 120ft bridge
connecting Building 23 with the new offices
arrived from Norwich and was lifted into position
by t w o cranes in tandem. Made in one piece, it
weighs 3^ tons and is about 20ft from the ground.
Nervous people might like to note that both ends
are supported by external columns as well as
being bolted to steelwork embodied in each
building. It was the breaking away of the
brickwork to expose the steel which accounted
for the din, by the way.
4
With roof, floor and glazing completed, the bridge
will be ready for use. It is designed specifically for
pedestrians, by the way, and is not to be used for
carrying heavy loads.
What else has been happening ? A major layout of
the 4000 floor has been completed to give
increased output, and a sprinkler system has been
installed for fire prevention.
On the top floor of Building 29, a complete change
of layout has been implemented, gearing up
Electrical Sub-assemblies for 4000 work.
Education & Training took the opportunity during
the shut-down to make a closed circuit television
film on quality control for induction use; they also
did a trial run for the cost control course which
will be introduced on September 19 at the
Wye Hotel, Ross, and recorded a discussion on the
staff development scheme. Kitted out with all the
necessary technical paraphernalia, lecture room
no. 1 looked like something out of Broadcasting
House.
Shut-down, did we say?
Our Olympic
Performance
While athletes are hopefully making records at the
Olympic Games in Munich (just started as we
went to press). Rank Xerox machines have been
geared to provide something of a record in the
field of information.
An estimated three million copies, made on 160 of
our copier-duplicators, are providing a complete
information service to the press, the teams and the
organisers. Comprising the 660, 720, 3600 and
7000 models, the machines are installed mainly in
special information centres in Munich and Kiel.
In addition, RX Telecopier facsimile transceivers
are being used to transmit edited copy to
Nurnberg where the official Olympic newspaper
is printed.
Rank Xerox is responsible for the copying and
duplicating output of the official Olympic
Information Service. Two copiers in the Olympic
Village serve competing team leaders (the largest
teams have machines for their exclusive use), and
there is a copy service for VIP’s.
The 160 copiers and duplicators are backed by a
25-strong service staff on a round-the-clock rota.
They are classed as official Games representatives
and wear the official uniform.
An exercise breaks out
At 6.30 pm on Monday, September 18, fire engines
from Cheltenham and various parts of the Forest
will converge on the Plant, while our own works
fire brigade stands by.
It’s not that we have had prior warning of a
massive outbreak of fire. But it is now three years
since the last fire exercise was held at Mitcheldean,
and in that time the Plant has expanded
considerably, new sprinkler and water supply
systems have been introduced, and these need to
be tested to see how they would stand up to a
real emergency.
The exercise is being organised by the Fire
Services HQ at Cheltenham who will call out the
local fire services at Cinderford, Newent and
Coleford. We’ll be letting you know how our fire
fighting facilities cope when ‘under fire’.
WANTED P I C T U R ES
Remember that ‘Sell a Picture’ competition we
ran in 1970, following a suggestion put forward by
Ray Wright of Design ? It’s been decided to hold
another, so get your brushes in trim and start
looking around for inspiration, all you amateur
artists. More details next issue.
5
Personnel’s team: (standing) Eric Parsons, (kneeling) Frank Abbott, Keith Laken, Frank
Mark Southall, Richard Coleman, Len Peacock, Edwards (capt.), Clive Griffiths. Umpires were
Peter Grainger, Royston Charles, Arthur Bibey; Roy Steward and Jack Merry.
TROPHIES FOR TEAMWORK
Once again the cricket season, marked earlier by
temperamental weather and difficult pitch
conditions, is almost over. It was a stroke of good
fortune that one of the very few dry and sunny
July evenings was chosen for the match between
the Apprentices and Personnel Department on
Court Field, Mitcheldean.
Personnel were well in control, in spite of the
decisions given from the pavilion steps by shh —
you know who I
It was a pleasure to see Frank Edwards,
captaining their side, had not lost all his old
skills as wicket-keeper, and to watch Frank
Abbott chasing to the boundary ‘on a rare
occasion’. I feel sure that if there were a fire on
the Spares & Sub-assembly floor, the latter
would not need any assistance in the race for
survival.
The Apprentices: (standing) Ian Fishburne, Lloyd
Gill, Pat Burke, David Phelps, Gary Trigg, Mike
It was grand to see an excellent knock by Mark
Southall who scored 75 not out, to the immense
delight of those watchers who seemed to be
convinced he was none other than Jimmy Saville.
Mark produced two-thirds of the team’s total of
110 for six.
Dave Williams, as captain of the Apprentices team,
appeared to have a mixed team — five cricketers
and six pop fans. Better luck next time, Dave.
It’s always a pleasure to stand for you. Star of
this team was Bob Johnson who knocked up 38
of the team’s total of 69 all out.
There was a most enjoyable social gathering at
the White Horse afterwards where shh — you
know who I drove away the blues with a few
brandies and shh — you know what!
J a c k Merry
How ells, Richard Walford; (in front) Keith Marfell,
Bob Johnson, Fred Meek, Dave Williams (capt.).
Frank Edwards receives the trophy from General
Manager Peter Salmon.
After some eight months of competing between
the 50 or so teams involved, the Interdepartmental
Skittles KO reached its climax on July 1 5 with
the final match between the Tool Room and the
Cap Flatteners (RX Cinderford) in the Club House.
It was a pretty close game towards the end,
although right at the start it looked as if it was
going to be an easy win for Tool Room. They
took an early lead by going 25 pins up in the
first leg. But Cap Flatteners reduced this by a
few pins each leg and, with the final leg to play.
Tool Room’s lead had been reduced to two pins
and the outcome was anything but certain. Then
Tool Room put on a spurt and gained four pins
to win by six with 292 against Cap Flatteners’
286.
Des Haines
Earlier this summer the skittles section ‘B’ team
won the Turland cup in the Ross league knockout:
(standing) Morry Roberts, Dennis Williams,
Trevor Jones, Ralph Smith, Alan Haines, George
Sologub; (in front) Les Osley, Albert Williams,
Des Haines, Bert Cooper.
Mr Salmon presents a cheque to Norman Gifford,
captain of Worcestershire, who beat Gloucestershire
in the John Player League Match at Lydney on
July 23, when Rank Xerox extended hospitality
to the two teams.
Bobby Howells of the Bovver Boys (3600
Assembly) receives his award for the highest
individual score in the Interdepartmental Skittles
KO from Personnel Relations Manager Royston
Charles. Below are the winning Tool Room team:
(standing) Eric Parsons, Bob Williams, Kevin
Howell, Keith Sainsbury, Michael Cooper, Roy
Jones, Maurice Stephens: (kneeling) Chris Malsom,
Gordon Davis, Richard Cooke (capt.), John Harris.
SP®RTS & SOCIAL
C L UB
New Club Facilities
on Agenda
The imminence of the annual holiday shut-down
appeared to have had some effect on the numbers
attending the annual general meeting of the
Sports & Social Club held on July 18 in the
Club House.
Nevertheless the people who attended took an
active part in the discussions and the main topic
— the provision of new club house facilities —
aroused much lively comment.
The committee reported that they had looked at
various properties and considered land available
for building but had been unable to find anything
suitable. They then approached the Company
who agreed that the present club house was
quite inadequate and the suggestion went
forward from the committee that the ‘plateau’ north
of the IDC building could possibly be used for
building club house facilities.
These were envisaged as including a main club
building with lounge and bars, TV room, skittle
alley, facilities for table tennis, badminton and
dancing for about 200 people. Car parking space
would be needed, and possibly facilities for
outdoor activities such as tennis, bowls, etc. :
football and cricket could not be catered for as
these would require more land than was available.
As chairman Henry Phillips pointed out, the club
had proved, with the profitability of the popular
Bonanza Draw, that it could raise money to keep
a club house going, and pay for a full-time
secretary whose services would be necessary.
With so much going on in the Plant, no employee
could hope to give enough time to club matters
on the scale envisaged.
Mrs Sadie Scott presented a petition, signed by
600 people, affirming their support for the
committee in its efforts to further the club house
scheme, and a resolution was passed underlining
the urgency with which the members regarded the
project.
The club now has a new chairman in Ray Mann
(PED). Secretary and treasurer are Roy Steward
(Personnel) and George Burndred (Accounts),
with Sadie Scott. Bob Davies, Dick Frazier,
Brian Hartshorne, Tony Haynes and Stewart
Jones making up the rest of the committee.
Retiring chairman Henry Phillips, who was
unwilling to stand for election for a further year,
received a hearty vote of thanks for his services
over the past few years. He in turn thanked the
former committee for the many hours of work
they had put in and the enthusiasm they had
shown. ‘We hope that next year we shall see
some fruit borne by the tree which the committee
have planted this past year,’ he said.
There had been a number of innovations among
the year’s activities, reported secretary Roy Steward.
Interdepartmental tournaments had been extended
to include not only skittles but also chess and
football, and trophies had been made available
for these by the club.
Winter Highlights
By now most people have had their holidays.
Most clubs, too, have had a rest and committees
have been rushing new season programmes off to
printers, finalising fixtures, etc. Here are some of
the highlights planned to brighten up the winter
for members:
Cine Scene
Occupying pride of place in the new programme
is, of course, the Gloucester County Cine
Competition in March next, when our Cine Club
act as hosts. Other highlights before Christmas:
a showing on October 11 by Ted Lewis of slides
taken on his tour of the USA and Canada, from
Grand Canyon to the Canadian Rockies — 4,000
miles of magnificent scenery: and a cine/slide
battle against Newent club on November 8.
Football KO
The 1972 Interdepartmental Football Competition
was due to kick off as this issue came out, the
final being scheduled to take place in early
October. Once again the club are grateful to the
local football clubs for allowing the use of their
grounds. It is hoped the competition will be as
keen as last year, with the number of teams
entering being about the same. Good luck
footballers, and may the best team win I
Booked for the Dance
The Ray Ellington Big Band and Singers have been
booked to play at our Annual Dance on November
24 in the Social Centre, with Orpheus as
supporting group. There will be a ‘Miss Rank
Xerox, Mitcheldean’ contest as usual — more
details about this next time.
8
The newly-introduced golfing section was
proving very successful and all other sections
continued alive and kicking. The Variety Club
had continued to hold charity performances
outside; although they had not been able to
organise a concert in the Social Centre this year
they hoped to remedy this next January.
A concert by the Caerphilly Male Voice Choir
and a spring dance had been organised and,
though under-attended, these had proved very
enjoyable. A new skittle alley and a juke box had
been provided, and money donated for
Mitcheldean’s old people’s party at Christmas.
The 14-mile road race had been held in conjunction
with Longhope fete on July 1 : organised by
Henry Phillips, it attracted more teams this year
and 32 runners took part. A new record time of
1 hour 8 mins. 18 sees., eight seconds faster
than the previous record set in 1968 was
established by B. Colinbourne of Windsor,
Slough & Eton Athletic Club.
Mr Steward thanked the committee for their hard
work, and also extended special thanks to bar
steward Cyril Beard and his wife Nancy.
The treasurer’s report showed that the club’s
reserves were being steadily increased, the
introduction of the Bonanza Draw having brought
in considerable funds. ‘We can expect a potential
annual income of between £5 and £6,000 with a
full year’s operation of the draw,’ he said.
For various reasons, the gap between the date
of the statement of accounts and the annual
general meeting had widened to an unrealistic
Some of the Dancing Club committee getting in
a bit of practice ‘at the bar’ on a visit to the Stroud
Ballroom recently: Ira Griffin, Joe Hamlen,
Eileen Newman, Maurice Trigg, Sid Palmer and
Sadie Scott. Behind the bar are the directors of
the Barbara Pearce School of Dancing: it was
Newly elected chairman Ray Mann presenting the
July Bonanza prize — a cheque for £625 — to
George Lewis of RX Cinderford, watched by
Tony Haynes. George, having clocked up 25
years with us, got his bit of luck just in time — he
retired a few weeks later I Les Franks of Goods
Inwards Inspection won the £100 cheque.
Winner of the August Bonanza, Len Harper of
Design, couldn’t be presented with his prize until
he returned from holiday in Canada. The £100
prize went to Jean Downing (4000 Assembly).
extent, and in order to regularise the situation,
it was decided that an extraordinary general
meeting should be held before Christmas to
consider updated accounts. Having thus caught
up with each other, the accounts would then be
kept relevant to future annual general meetings,
which would be fixed nearer Christmas.
with this school that chairman Ira and his wife
Esme took their gold (commended) last July.
The Club expect to recommence sessions in
November: anyone wishing to join a beginners or
intermediate class please contact Eileen (4000
Assembly) or Ira (BIdg 29), tel. 332 int.
A coachload from Mitcheldean at Northwick Park. Bob Farnham (left) and Bruce Hubbard (right)
talk to helpers.
They^re stopping the rot
At Blockley, just a few miles from Moreton-in-
Marsh, is a 100-year-old mansion called
Northwick Park. Its appearance is imposing, so is
its interior — now. But a few years ago most
would have regarded it as a write-off.
Not so a Baptist minister, Frank Wilson, who
was looking for a place to set up as a rehabilitation
centre for drug addicts. What he lacked in funds
he made up for in faith. Derelict as it was, the
mansion was on the market for a cool £J million;
today the Life for the World Trust, of which
Mr Wilson is founder and executive director, occupy
it virtually rent-free.
The owners haven’t got such a bad bargain
either. In four or five years, 50 of the 55 dilapidated
rooms have been restored to their former
elegance. Much of the work has been done by
drug addicts with the guidance of builders.
carpenters, decorators, and other skilled people
who have become helpers in the home. And in
reclaiming the mansion, young men given up as
hopeless cases have themselves been reclaimed.
The Christian Fellowship organised an outing
during the summer to Northwick Park and saw
for themselves the double transformation that has
been achieved with aid from numerous benefactors.
Those who would like to know more about it
might like to see a film on the subject which the
Fellowship hope to show on October 17 in the
Cinema in Personnel Department.
Films feature prominently in the Fellowship’s
pre-Christmas programme. On September 27
there will be a Billy Graham film ‘Two a Penny’,
and on November 28 a Fact and Faith film. The
carol festival will be on December 20 this year.
LETTER
Works Manager Don Elliott presents a cheque
from Sam’s many friends. LSA president Bob
Baker also gave him a cheque from the association
(Bob and Sam were both officials of Mitcheldean
Cricket Club for some years).
Sam says goodbye
When he retired at the end of July, Sam Newman
(Progress) ended a family association with the
Plant which extended beyond his own 25 years’
service. A former miner, he joined the old brewery
and was put in charge of the Maltings as his
father and grandfather had been before him. With
the closure of the Maltings, Sam joined Machine
Shop progress and has since worked in most of
our manufacturing shops. His part in village life
has included over 31 years as a police ‘special’,
being twice commended by the Chief Constable.
Now, he tells us, he hopes to spend more time in
his garden, which is one of Mitcheldean’s gayest.
Three long-serving members retired at the end
of August. Kate Matthews (OC, Remodelling),
vice-chairman of the LSA committee, who
has completed 30 years 7 months’ service;
George Lewis (RX Cinderford), who received
his 25-year award at the last LSA dinner; and
Ted Price (Supervisor, Central Records) who has
been with us 15 years.
10
PutiingYOU in the picture
Mandy Morgan (Spares B
Sub-assembly) to Raymond
Shufflebotham (Goods Inwards
Inspection) at Lydbrook
Church on June 24.
Summer Weddings
Right: Vicky Wozencroft (Technical Library,
Design) to Neil Williams (Machine Shop) at
Abenhall Church on July 22.
Far right: Gilbert Beard (Machine Shop)
to Brenda Baldwin at Lydney on July 28.
Brian Jenkins (IVIachine Shop) to Geraldine
Cowles at Lydney on July 22.
Les Jackson (IVIachine Shop) to Sue Sharpe at
Cheltenham on July 22.
Mike Cassidy (Machine Shop) to Audrey Jones at
Our Lady of Victories, Cinderford, on July 29.
Patricia Humble (Design) to Peter Bonney (Data
Processing) at Gloucester Register Office on
August 12.
Retirements
Mrs Frances Thomas (Remodelling), Mrs Gwen
Nevell (cleaner), and Hugh Bobbins (Production
Control) all retired in August and they have our
best wishes for the future.
Phyllis Gaylard of Remodelling retired at the end
of June, after nearly 12 years with us. Here
Arthur Cooper, then Assembly Supervisor, presents
her with gifts she received from colleagues as a
token of their good wishes.
Marilyn Haines to Barry Smith
(both Production Control) at
St Michael’s, Mitcheldean, on
July 15.
Michael Hepburn (660 Stores)
to Susan Holder at Flaxley
Church on July 29.
J . Ingram
P. Jordan
Obituary
We record with regret the deaths of Harry Ennis
(Facilities Planning), aged 53, on July 28;
Jack Hutt (Press Shop, Cinderford), aged 56, on
July 3 0 : Bert Powell (Maintenance), aged 46, on
August 1 : apprentice Andrew Humphreys, aged
18, on August 21 ; and Maurice Weyman (IDC
Warehouse), aged 52, on August 24.
Births
Steven John, a son for Ron Parry (Machine Shop)
and his wife Doreen (formerly 914 Assembly),
on May 30.
Adrian Julian, a son for John Brown (IDC
Warehouse) and his wife Maureen, on June 30.
Andrew, a son for Sid Jones (Machine Shop)
and his wife Margaret (formerly cleaning services),
on June 30.
Victoria, a daughter for David Willday and his
wife, on July 19. Mr Willday’s recent appointment
is reported on p. 3.
Emily, a daughter for Michael Heath (Work Study)
and his wife Barbara, in July.
Julie, a daughter for Paul Richards (PED) and
his wife Edith, on August 5.
Engagements
Susan Oliver (Purchase Dept) to Barrie Lewis
(Sorter Dept) on July 22.
Linda Walford (Purchase Dept) to Lloyd
Hornchurch (4000 Assembly) on August 5.
11
They love a loco
Several Mitcheldean employees are liable to get
all steamed up with enthusiasm when you talk
to them about their interest in the preservation
of a species which is all but extinct. Not a
creature of the wild but a Great Western
locomotive which rejoices in the name of
2-6-2T No. 5541.
Expert inspections proved this locomotive worth
saving from a Barry yard, and every other Sunday
during the last 11 months, members of the Dean
Forest Railway Preservation Society have been
busy cleaning and painting the loco ready for use
at Parkend.
Connecting rods, each weighing 4 cwt, were
removed from 5541 and brought home for safe
keeping and restoration with many other parts.
At Swindon, where 5541 was built in 1928, a
safety valve is now being made; patterns for
castings have been made for some fittings which
were missing and could not be replaced.
Thanks to a loan from a local businessman, 5541
will shortly be moved from Barry to Parkend.
A fund for the engine has raised over £1,300 of
the £2,000 needed for its purchase. If you are
interested in acquiring any of the shares still
available, or if you are just interested, get in touch
Removing a chimney to be refitted on 5541 are
Ernie Hancocl< {f[/Iachine Shop), John Harris {on
top) and (behind the chimney) IVIervyn Thomas
(Design engineer).
with John Hancock of Small Batch. He can put
you on the right lines.
HOME MARKET
For Sale
DAF 44 automatic, G registration, just reached
21,000 miles, £500 cash o.n.o. Contact Gene
Lark, 57 Eastern Avenue, Mitcheldean.
1967 Vauxhall 4.90. Very clean car in good
condition, taxed MOT. Radio, etc. £450. Ring
ext. 655 int.
Two Lilo airbeds. Contact Mrs Baldwin, Medical
Dept., Coleford 3506 evenings.
Girl’s jodhpurs, suit 10 to 1 2-year-old, new.
Offers to R. M. Russell, PED; tel. 675 int.
Austin 1300, 1969, snowberry white, radio,
new radials, bargain at £475. ‘Phone 674 int.
or Longhope 679.
Vauxhall Viva HB 1966-1970; Autobook as new
£1.25. Contact David Wintle, tel. 664 int.
Pifco Home Salon hairdryer, as new, £15 o.n.o.
Tape recorder. Fidelity, Playmaster Major, 4 track,
£18 o.n.o. Provision for radio and stereo output.
Apply 21 Foundry Road, Cinderford, after 5 p.m.
3 i f t flat bed, sc., Drummond lathe. Replies to
Dr Pauli, Medical Centre.
12
Country cottage with outbuildings and over
J acre at Soudley. ‘Phone J. Smith, Maintenance,
tel. 320 int. or evgs Cinderford 22808.
Entertainment
Marshall discotheque, £2-50 per hour. Contact
T. Daunter, tel. 825 int.
Mello-tone Quartet, now booking for autumn and
1973 season. Contact H. Walker, Goods Inwards
Insp. tel. 413 int. or Witcombe 3535.
Wanted
Two babies’ car seats. Contact R. Parsons,
tel. 782 int.
Home for stray black tomcat, doctored, clean
habits, good with children. Apply Dave Woodward,
4000 Assembly.
ANY NEWS FOR V I S I O N?
If you have, then please —
• let your departmental correspondent
know,
• or leave it at any Gate House for collection
by me,
• or post it to me at Tree Tops, Plump Hill,
Mitcheldean,
• or ring me — it’s Drybrook 415.
IVIyrtle Fowler, Editor
Printed in England by Taylor, Young (Printers) Ltd.