July/August 75 No. 112

THE HOUSE MAGAZINE OF RANK XEROX MITCHELDEAN

If Collates as it Copies

Latest in a line of RX machines designed to launch the 4500 to the London justify one of our larger machines. It to automate business documentation, branches of Rank Xerox (UK) Ltd. is particularly suitable for users whose the 4500 made its first public The operation has been backed up by requirements are for 5,000 to 25,000 appearance at the 1974 Hanover Fair. a vigorous advertising campaign. copies a month. Known to us for many months Offering fully automatic on-line The 4500 features largely in this issue, previously as Aries, the 4500 system sorting of both one and two-sided it also features largely in the working was launched initially in Holland and copies, the 4500, used properly, 'will lives of the two people pictured its population has been increasing copy and collate at a rate that four above — (left) Richard Davies, since then throughout Europe — in secretaries would have a job matching,' Assistant Manager, 4000/4500 Belgium, France, Austria, Switzerland, goes the ad copy. Assembly, and George Hayward, the UK, Germany and Spain. The machine is designed to bring supervisor responsible for mechanical it was demonstrated to the press in sorting capability to the decentralised run and packing. In the background, London on April 22 at the Carlton copying area, and to give a complete temporarily separated from their Tower Hotel, Knightsbridge, on the reprographic system to the user sorter units, some 4500 processors first morning of a one-week exhibition whose copying volume does not await despatch. Message from W. F. Glavin Manufacturing Group Managing Director & Ctiief Operations Executive Organisation Richard (Dick) A. Holmes joined Rank Xerox as Divisional Director, Chief Staff Officer — Rank Xerox Manufacturing Group, responsible for Finance and Information Systems on Fred Wickstead, Group Director and Paul Allaire will be known to many July 1, 1975, reporting directly to Chief Staff Officer, completes his two people in Rank Xerox. He joined us Derek Portman, Group Director, years' assignment this coming on assignment from Xerox in 1970 Manufacturing Group. October and he has told me that he and served as Director, Financial Mr Holmes comes to us from Gould still intends to retire at that date; Planning and Control, until his return (Europe) where he was until recently these two years were preceded by a to Xerox in 1973. Since then he has chairman of that organisation ; prior two-year assignment to Xerox been Director, International to that he was with Ford in Corporation where Fred served as Operations Financial Planning and Europe — holding a number of senior Vice-President, Manufacturing and Analysis, and for the past year appointments including Vice- Logistics. Director, International Staff President Business Development, Activities. So that there will be continuity and a Ford of Europe, General smooth transfer of what Fred has Paul, who is 37, holds a degree in Manufacturing Operations Manager been doing for us, I have decided to electrical engineering and a master's Ford of Britain, and Controller, Ford name his successor at once in degree in Industrial Administration. of Europe and Controller, Ford of anticipation of Fred's leaving in He joined Xerox Corporation in 1966. Britain. October. The assignment previously carried In his new appointment he will be For the remainder of his time with us out in Xerox by Paul Allaire will now applying his great knowledge and Fred will be working directly for me, be undertaken by Jack Thomas who experience to an area of activity and will be concentrating on the is currently on assignment from which is key to the continuing whole of our supply/demand Rank Xerox. success of Manufacturing Group and systems and material management in Rank Xerox. operating companies. Technical Jack moved to the United States in Mr Holmes has reporting to him Service and Supply Group, and August 1973, and has served as John Field (on Finance), and IHQ. The specific terms of reference Deputy Director, International Ron Swenson (on Information of these assignments will be issued Marketing. He now becomes Systems). separately. Director, International Staff Activities. Jack joined Rank Xerox ten years ago Paul Allaire is today (June 24) where he served in both IHQ and, THOSE PWB's appointed as Group Director and prior to his move to Stamford, as We've become used to birds, and Chief Staff Officer, and to the Board Director of Marketing in the UK particularly robins, making themselves of Rank Xerox Limited. He will region. at home in the works, where their report to me and will assume all chirping provides some sweet duties previously carried out by These new appointments are of 'muzak'. Fred Wickstead; with the exception particular importance, and in my Robins are noted for their cheekiness, of the Systems and Performance view demonstrate the reality of the and one female cheekier than the Assurance Division which will 'cross-fertilization' policy which rest recently built a nest in a continue to report to Fred. exists throughout our operations. compartment of a wiring rack in Electrical Sub-assembly. The kind-hearted women working nearby guarded the growing family which was conveniently screened from view Electronic Production Section by an overhanging curtain of gaily coloured wire. When we saw the racks with their Plant who are currently concentrating When we last enquired about the bright yellow trays set up in on the Xerox 9200. robins, we learned that the first Electrical Sub-assembly, and were Ted Sage has experience in PWB fledglings had flown the nest and a told 'They're for the PWB's', we technology, having come to us from 'second sitting' was in progress I thought the bird lovers (see our inset Welwyn, but for the rest of Electrical story) had taken over and were Subs it is a completely new Some overflow of electrical providing nesting boxes for Pretty departure, and the valuable assistance sub-assemblies has resulted and Wild Birds. received from Welwyn in connection these are being accommodated on Not so, however. The racks are for with the training programme has 7000 Sub-assembly floor in Building the kit marshalling area in the new been much appreciated. 24. Their training officers have come to Electronic Production Section Further changes are taking place on recently set up to produce printed Mitcheldean to help train our the lower floor of that building. wiring boards (printed circuit electrical adjusters, who have been RX 1000 Assembly is being moved boards complete with components) recruited to work on the testing and to Building 11 (replacing 4500 for the 4000 and 4500. fault-finding of the PWB assemblies. Sorter Assembly), the space thus vacated enabling Spares Packing The section has already started Our PWB test section will involve from Building 40 to be integrated re-working boards for upgraded the use of automatic (Membrain) into Spares Packing functions already 4000 machines and is expected to and bench test equipment and also in Building 24. commence production of completely a 'shake and bake' operation using new boards in the autumn on a curing ovens which are being The space cleared in Building 40 small scale. accommodated on the floor below. will allow sub-contract sub• Some re-organisation of the floor assemblies returning from Plessey Said Ted Sage, 9100 Department layout was needed to provide the to be integrated within the Xerox Manager: 'We shall be building all 3,800 sq. ft. required. Said Geoff 9200 layout. the 4000 PWB spares programme and Harrison of Plant Facilities 'We had September should see the about 50 per cent of the 4500 marvellous co-operation from the dismantling of the Terrapin Building— requirement.' workforce there; all they asked was the remaining personnel having been Hitherto all our PWB's have been that we didn't disturb the robin relocated: the area will then be bought out or supplied by Welwyn family in residence!' reinstated as a car park.

2 Above: Technical specialist Terry Jones of RED (left) and Ray Dance, section leader Above: Support team in Sorter Assembly— in Design, test a 4500's performance in the (from the left) Keith Wilkinson (Work Study) RED workshop. Right: Secretary Ruth with Ken Ellway who has taken over the Williams reloads the main paper tray; with RED responsibility for sorter from Colin her is Ron Boakes, Design Manager Seddon, following the latter's acceptance responsible for 4000/4500 products. of a post at Milton Keynes. The Story Behind the System

Aries, as it was then known, first duplicating-sorting system, offering capacity of 50 copies, and operates began to make an impact on us at fully automatic on-line sorting of on a vertical plane, instead of the Mitcheldean way back in June 1973, both one and two-sided copies; and horizontal plane of existing sorters. at the start of drawing issue. From the document-assist device (DAD). This keeps the system compact in then on throughout the following size and suitable for locating in the 13 months or so. Manufacturing The Sidekick ordinary office environment. Engineering spent many man hours Let's deal with DAD first. This is a The 4500 sorter comes to the paper — engineering and planning ready for built-in aid for the operator which the paper doesn't go to the sorter, production start-up in July 1974. helps to increase the productivity of another major difference. In use, the Fifty machines which underwent the 4500 when a few copies of many sorter bins move downwards, field trials in Holland and Belgium originals are being made. opening as they pass the delivery 'met our criteria — they came up to The device, aptly nicknamed 'the aperture of the processor to receive expectation,' Design Manager sidekick', consists of two major the copies. (Even hardened Ron Boakes of Engineering told us. parts: a platen cover, which engineers have admitted to being Now the 4500 has been well and incorporates the mechanics, and a fascinated by its poetry of truly launched by the marketing men, two-tier tray fixed to the left-hand movement I) and we can 'launch' into a side of the processor. When the appropriate number of bins description of our latest machine for The originals for copying are placed have received a copy, they all move the benefit of those who have not on the top tray. The platen cover is up to their original position at the yet made its acquaintance. raised and the first original is placed top of the sorter, ready for the next The 4500 is not just a 4000 with a on the platen, the cover is then copy cycle. sorter tacked on. The processor (the lowered and the start-print bar on If sorting isn't required, the sorter can main body of the machine) is a the top is pressed. be cut out by pressing a button on derivative of the 4000 family which, The machine makes the number of the console; all copies are then through continuing Engineering copies dialled and then automatically delivered into the bottom bin which changes, has had its 'mod status' lifts the platen cover, ejecting the remains open for the purpose and geared up to a high standard of original by means of rollers into the has an increased capacity of 150 reliability and copy quality. lower of the side trays. sheets. But although it is built on a dual All the operator has to do is register The 4500 will copy from originals assembly line along with the 4000 the next original for copying ; and up to 85 in. X 14 in. Copies can be (now undergoing a retrofit when there are quite a number of either single-sided or duplexed (like programme), it is not an identical originals, this saving in time and the 4000, the 4500 processor has a twin. Different piece parts and effort can be very useful. paper-saving (and postage-saving) sub-assemblies go into the machines If large documents or books are to virtue of being able to turn round the on the trolley dollies marked '4500'. be copied, the top tray of the DAD first copy made while it's still inside the machine, and allow another copy To the casual observer the 4500 lifts out of the way. to be made on the back). processor looks much the same, however, until it acquires two new The Sorter Because the paper path is shortened and unique features: the sorter which This is of an entirely new design. It and single-s4decl copies made cannot transforms it into a copying- has 20 bins or trays, each with a be turned over, as in the 3600, to 3 THE STORY BEHIND was about to be re-located on the It's Very Logical THE SYSTEM continued 4000/4500 assembly floor in Building 40. The 4500 is a very 'logical' system. The processor contains nine major This means that certain services (such land the right way up, an invertor PWB's, including the programmer, as shop control, support facilities, transport, or vertical transport, which which is two more than the 4000. packing, etc.) for both processor and holds the paper by vacuum, has And the sorter has one board, plus a sorter can now be integrated; been adopted to do the job. This relay chassis which puts the motor turns the paper so that it is delivered communications will be improved for the invertor transport into forward to the bins face-downwards for too, quite apart from the saving of or reverse gear. collating. supervisors' time — and legs. To ensure quality of the system, the This 'solid state circuitry' greatly The first print (when doing single- 4500 processor and sorter are simplifies the electrical aspects of sided copying) is delivered to the married up and run together before the system from an assembly point bin in under eight seconds; temporary separation for despatch. of view, and has the advantage that subsequent prints arrive at a rate of The two units are then allocated to the it takes up very little space. The 45 copies per minute. same customer by the Supply Centre. PWB's can be replaced easily and quickly if required. 'The marriage of processor and More Attractive Features sorter has given us confidence that Sensors detect when the paper comes If a paper jam occurs in the sorter, the system is 100 per cent right,' into the sorter area and start the no complicated calculations are said Richard Davies, Assistant sorter cycle. A pulse generator has required to work out the number of Manager, 4000/4500 Assembly. its own little clock built in which copies lost. 'Soon it should be possible for any tells it exactly when it should be The jam is simply cleared, and the processor to be teamed up with any doing what. Switches ensure the machine automatically resets itself to sorter.' bins are in the correct position. make the appropriate number of To begin with, we had to lean It all goes like clockwork. copies to bring those already in the heavily on Xerox for parts. But we sorter up to the number originally are rapidly becoming self-supporting. Incidentally, Harold Hayling, PED dialled. A touch on the print button The DAD units are still coming from Manager responsible for the 4500, then produces the balance. the States but 'it is the intention of told us that his team's contribution Rank Xerox to manufacture their own, has included a little invention of Each step to be taken is clearly their own — a device for greasing indicated to the operator by means and production should commence at Mitcheldean Plant in early April 1976,' the linear cams (the three lead of the illuminated signs on the screws at the corners of the sorter on console. said Stan Scott, the New Products Control Manager concerned. which the bins rise and fall). Without sorting, up to 99 copies can be dialled, but with the sorter in use, And, as we have explained on Xerox Corporation have shown obviously no more than 20 copies page 2, printed wiring boards for interest and asked for drawings. So can be made from each original. If both 4000 and 4500 production are the 4500 has not been a one-way the previous operator has left the now beginning to be made here. flovv of information. machine set for more than 20, the (Production of 4500 pictured on pages 6 and 7.) counter will automatically reset to 20 when the sorter is switched on. The 4500's vital statistics show how compact it is for what it offers : it measures overall 57 in. wide and The Brothers 27^ in. deep, with the processor Laid end to end, tiie l-ierefordsfiire brottiers Clive, Nigel and Roger Brookes would measure 43 in. high and the sorter 54 in. high. 18ft 5iin; put another way, they represent nearly 57 years of service. Clive (far left), the Packed compactly away within its eldest and the longest serving, is supervisor responsible mainly for major and minor sub-assemblies in 4000/4500 Assembly; he's been here 21 years and his wife worked here pressed steel frame are some 3,000 for ten years too. A former Rugby player for Drybrook, Clive reckons he 'broke the mould' individual components and over a which accounts for the fact that he is unlike his brothers. Next to him is Nigel, the tallest quarter of a mile of wiring. Like the at 6ft Sin with 19 years' service; he was Paint Shop foreman until he transferred five years 4000, there are two paper trays ago to PED Finishing where he is now section leader. An all-round sportsman, he once which not only enable the two-sided captained Ross Rowing Club and was a member of the first crew to row 50 miles from or duplex copying referred to, but Monmouth to Hereford non-stop (5j hours). Roger is half an inch shorter than Clive, also allow the push-button selection works on the same shop floor as chargehand, mechanical run, and plays skittles for the of two colours, sizes or weights of department. He's now in his 17th year with us. paper. Had we taken this picture a few months ago, there would have been four brothers — Myles, twin of Roger, used to work in our Machine Shop but left to join the transport firm Further improvements continue to of Edwards at Lydbrook (his wife Sheila is supervisor in Goods Inwards). With Myles' extra come along, as with all our products. footage, the Brookes Brothers' line-up would then have totalled over 24ift I Roger Smith, who is now relinquishing his Production Control responsibility for 4000/4500 to Ernie Wood in order to take on the even newer Xerox 9200, pointed out: 'We have to watch the inventory position carefully, and cut these changes in at a time that will keep stock to the required minimum.'

The Mating Game One of the big problems has been the matching of production of sorters with processors, but this should now become a great deal easier. As we went to press, the facility for sorter build in Building 11

4 Seated at his drawing-board, IVlax shares a jolfe with fellow cartoonist and draughtsman Eric Weeks.

Despite the fact that he always design and assembly of film and a lot of original work was done preferred to merge into the projection and magnetic sound in the realm of TV, telerecording, etc. background, most people at recording equipment; then, with the Max made a valuable contribution to Mitcheldean know or have heard of onset of war, they took on the development of a portable Laurence (Max) Miller of Engineering. Government contract work. magnetic recorder, and a fast pull• Jeff Kew, who worked with him at One of Max's contributions to the down 16mm storage camera for TV the British Acoustic Films premises in war effort was designing and which was made at Mitcheldean Woodger Road, London, describes preparing drawings for a full-size for Marconi. He and Jeff Kew worked him as 'a designer draughtsman of the dummy Fairy Battle aircraft. This and together on these and on the first highest quality. He could tackle the others like it were displayed on 3D projectors — the audience most complex of technical layouts airfields to mislead the enemy about peered through green and red and accompany these by any the strength of our Air Force. spectacles to get a three-dimensional calculations and formulae. Yet he had While 16mm projectors, searchlights effect. no formal training.' and other equipment for the Services A transatlantic telefilm camera to His time at Mitcheldean, which were being manufactured at the transmit film by telephone cable to ended with his retirement on May 30, converted brewery premises at Alexandra Palace during the Queen's was merely a quarter of his total 47 Mitcheldean, Max was kept at his visit to Canada in 1959 was jointly years' service, a Company record. drawing-board in London; for many designed by Stan Pratt and Max, Max started as an apprentice with months during the blitz he even who was sole draughtsman. The Gaumont Company in 1928, slept under it. Sadly 1962 brought a slump and being keenly interested in the The war over, J. Arthur Rank put redundancy, but a place was found engineering side of cinematography the British film industry on the map for Max at Mitcheldean. He joined (he set up a small cinema at home and the company (now part of the the Drawing Office (refusing greater where he showed many films Rank Precision Industries Group) responsibility) and worked on the including his own). started to design and make its own first and subsequent Xerographic equipment. After three months as stock-keeper, standard projection and sound he was sent to project a film at the equipment, with Stan Pratt as Ever inventive, he made original Motor Show, Oiympia ('It was a chief designer. contributions to Engineering 'concept studies' and his name appears on nightmare, the film came off the reel! They were adventuring in those days, Another time he had to show election several patents taken out by the results on slides, suspended above Featured on the cover of the Nov/Dec 1965 Company. diners at the Trocadero, 'If you drop issue of VISION, this was Max's impression We came to know Max through his of a copier suggested for use in non-electrified cartoons, an activity he plans to anything, you'll kill someone,' he areas of the world. It was one of several was told. prepared for conference use by carry on in retirement; and he's He didn't, but dismantling other Fred Wickstead. got 'one or two ideas to develop on equipment later in the Ritz, he the drawing-board.' cleared a table of glassware in one An amateur radio enthusiast since go with a folded screen ! boyhood, he also likes to cycle or walk the countryside, observing In Gaumont's engineering department wild life. The microscope from the he learned about film camera work, LSA, presented to him together with visited the old Lime Grove Studios a cassette recorder from Engineering, and 'got a good idea how films were will enable him and his daughter taken.' Jane to share a closer study of Then in 1934 he moved to BAF. nature. Recalls Max: 'A young man walked We have always found Max an in and said: "Don't bother to stand interesting person to listen to; he up — I'm nobody." That was my would have told this story far better first meeting with Stan Pratt.' himself — but he would never have The company were involved in the done himself justice. 5 Zl

_n TAKE A SPECIAL PROCESSOR ADD A SORTER (give it a "sidel^iclf")

The difference between the 4000 and 4500 processors becomes noticeable with the addition of the platen cover which incorporates the mechanics of the 'sidekick' — the document assist device (DAD). Fitting it is John Pacey, watched by main line chargehand Alan Whiles.

Above: Supervisor John Shields (now on assignment in '^enray) examines a linear cam which has been greased on a special machine by Frank Merry. Three cams are fitted into each sorter frame to hold the bins in position.

Right: Eric Burford adds the console which shows the operator each step to be taken. Below: Electrical run — David Meek (foreground) plugs the processor Above: Frank Kelly fits the relay chassis, into the sorter simulator; behind him, Fred Meek watches the brain of the sorter, which receives the figures on the console print, indicating the copies instructions from the console and puts being made. them into operation. At this stage too the paper transport mechanism is fitted. Left: Assembling the paper transport — Pearl Reed (left) fits belts on the horizontal transport while Josie Wheatstone screws the vertical transport into place.

Below: After the mechanical nin .mil li:sl foi ropy After a final flash test. Wilt Probert empties quality, the processor is married up to the sorter. Here and cleans the developer box; the mixed QA inspector Harold French tests for synchronisation toner/developer is drawn off into a Brian Jaclcson fits a series of QA inspector Reg Cfiampion Keith Caldicutts job is to route switches which signal to the relay checks the settings. Any the wiring harnesses supplied by chassis the position of the trays. snags are put right by Electrical Sub-assembly and make repairs man Keith Knight the connections. seen in background.

AND YOU HAVE A 4500

THAT COLLATES AND COPIES AT as COPIES A MINUTE Chargehand Brian Woolf {left) with electrical Terry Robinson operates one of six adjuster Ken Fox who is testing the electrical function simulators on the mechanical run which of the sorter. He checks and repairs faults and stand in for 4500 processors. The sorters generally ensures that the safety regulations are are tested against these and rectified on the complied with. spot where necessary.

Once the sorter has been tested and Finally the sorter goes into the flash test area accepted by QA, it gets its outer skin of panels where Reg Fussell of QA makes sure the machine from Bill Maxfield. Two 'periscope' handles is earthed, checks the strength of insulation, the enable it to be manoeuvred on its proximity of wires, etc., and ensures it conforms trolley. with British Standards requirements. ilace meeti neeting plac< ng place meeting place meetin

If you ever see two fellers standing anxiously outside a 'ladies'' in the Plant, it's most likely Brian Downing and Ken (Kiddy) Cauison, assistant electricians in Maintenance, waiting for a chaperon before getting in there. Brian and Ken signed on and drew their overalls the same day seven years ago. Ever since then they have worked together, concentrating on keeping us lit up, both inside and outside, at Mitcheldean and subsidiary plants.

Christine iVIeeit sits and types If Judy Wright had remained under 'the eye of the god' (the 5ft 6 inches tall, she might have Mexican o/os de dios). followed a ballet career. She reached The god must be a benevolent one, intermediate grade by the age of 18, for her work as secretary to Bill but as she continued to shoot over Beech, Manager of Purchase Office, the maximum height for a dancer, doesn't seem to be affected. she reluctantly put away her tutu and blocked shoes, not being The 'eye' is a sort of spider's web of inclined to take up teaching. wool worked round spokes, and Christine keeps it hanging up beside Instead, she turned to amateur her. She's made lots more of acting — with considerable success. different kinds and sizes — some as As a member of the Phoenix Players mobiles, some on cocktail sticks. in Gloucester, she recently played the title role in Strindberg's It's just one of the things she has 'Miss Julie'. picked up from an encyclopaedia of crafts that she's collecting. She's It's a demanding role and 'I felt like a wrung-out dishcloth at the end of also tried her hand at origami (paper Attending to wiring and all kinds of folding) and macrame (knotwork). rehearsals', she told us. There were lighting means they have to get into only two others in the cast, one of 'It's better than doing nothing,' says places even more difficult than the this girl with the 'golden hands'. them her husband Colin, who played one we've mentioned. There's the her lover. Her biggest effort to date is in 'void' — a between-floor space in crochet work — a full-size blanket, the polishing/plating building where 'As you can imagine I had to put up which is steadily growing. they crawl among the pipes to check with jokes about going over my lines in bed,' laughed Judy, who Christine, who lives on Ruardean the fire alarm batteries. There's the enjoys playing comedy parts as well Hill, joined us eight years ago, and underground hot water duct between as the heavy stuff. worked for Bob Monteith before Building 40 and Boilerhouse No. 3. becoming Mr Beech's secretary. The different types of lights, from She must have been a very convincing Her married sister Pat Ireland also the road lamps to the spotlights in Miss Julie, for the production won works at Mitcheldean, in Engineering the ballroom, run into many the Phoenix Players a brand new Records. Her boy friend works at thousands. Quite a few areas, such silver cup at the first drama festival the Plant too, but she wouldn't be as the computer room, have no to be held at Gloucester's Leisure drawn on that subject I natural lighting at all. 'We have to Centre last April. give them priority,' says Ken, an It was through the Phoenix Players ex-policeman from Dymock. that Judy met her architect husband ; Brian, from Ross-on-Wye, has three he is a founder member of the group, brothers working here (Ralph in which concentrates on off-beat Electrical Subs, Robert a chargehand plays rather than box office successes, in the Paint Shop, and Barrie in and generally performs at the 4000 Assembly). The youngest of Olympus Theatre in Gloucester. the four, Brian says that at the end During the working day, Judy is of the day Ken and he are seeing secretary to Bernard Smith, Manager, stars after all those bright lights. Purchasing, in the Group offices — 'Personally, I like to spend my a 'supporting role' which she finds evenings in a dark pub I' keeps her on her toes.

meeting place! meeting place; meetrng place! meeting places

8 Apart from a few month's break Bill lies (on the left of the picture with Horace Giles) has been with us for 30 years. One of our main stalwarts on the management side, he has acted in a senior staff officer capacity to the Works Manager for several years. In addition to being in charge of International Reconditioning Operations, says Don Elliott: 'He has willingly taken on all kinds of projects — such as the Lydney move, and the recent setting up of the Spares Packing Department (now part of Mac Powell's responsibilities) — and he has been a source of inspiration to less experienced men.' Horace Giles joined us in 1947 on the same day as Fred Wickstead and Bill Beech. Until he came to work for Bob Baker, then in charge of the Machine Shop, there were ^IfTTCR literally no controls on production, and many of the methods and procedures for controlling shop loading were introduced As promised, we're featuring more of by Horace. His memory has always been tliose long-serving people who opted regarded with something like awe. Said for the early retirement/voluntary Stan Scott who succeeded Bob: 'His ability Bill Williams was another who joined the redundancy scheme to remember component part numbers, and sequence of operations, was fantastic. We Machine Shop when it was under Bob used to call him "Memory Man".' Phil Baker's management. He started as a shop Cleal, another ex-Machine Shop manager, boy after being demobbed in 1948. We had says: 7 was very grateful for the knowledge a good deal of special purpose machines and support he gave me.' Horace later then in which he took an interest and he became PA to Jim Evans and succeeding subsequently became a setter. Bill recalls PCD Managers, attending to budgetary and that the night shift then was from 7.30 pm staff control, and co-ordinating the round to 7.30 am and he often had to numerous functions of an ever-growing hitchhike home afterwards. Reshuffling was department. A member of the Workers as common then as now, and BUI took over Christian Fellowship, Horace has always from Bob Walton as chargehand, only to applied his religious principles to his have to hand the job back to Bob again day-to-day activities. after more changes I He became foreman four and a half years ago. Home commitments decided Bill to leave but he plans to get a job later on. One hobby he enjoys is model-making; he's made a model village out of cardboard, and Ross marketplace from balsa wood and matchsticks. 7 like using up waste to make things,' he says.

Les Davies, who retired as Manager of the Worlds Laboratory at the end of May, came to Mitcheldean in 1946 to set up a metallurgical section. The impending Bell & Howell products demanded a more scientific approach and the section developed into the metal finishing sphere covering painting, plating and allied processes. With the changeover to Xerox 'we stayed pianists but we Just played different music /' commented Les. Techniques had to be developed to deal with a bigger and faster flow of effluent which resulted from our expansion and this activity has been one of the chief operations A development engineer in the Optical B of the department. 7 leave a very happy Electrical Laboratory, Charlie Pragneii was In addition to those pictured here, we also and contented baby in the pram,' Les said, another 'character' who said goodbye said goodbye recently to: referring to our automatic control plant for at the end of May. Some 29 years ago, effluent treatment processes. He took over Charlie came to work in the coil winding Dorothy Mansell who has been working as chairman of the Plant Finishing area sited in the old Mailings; that was in on cableforms in Electrical Sub-assembly. Committee in 1971, and was also closely the days when we used to make our own During her 28 years with us, Dorothy has involved in safety procedures, having transformers. He moved into the worked on sub-assemblies, along with her succeeded Bob Baker as chairman of the Development Laboratory in 1957, the third friend Lilian Criddle, another long-server Main Safety Committee five years ago. person to join the staff there. At the age of with 32 years to her credit. Recently Dorothy Les has two sons, Clifford, who runs the 45, Charlie took a momentous decision — underwent hospital treatment and we wish 'Citizen' office in Cinderford, and Robert, a to qualify as an engineer. It took him six her a steady improvement in health. former apprentice who now works in years of study at evening classes, but he Ron Williams with 33 years' service Design Engineering Department. A bowling made it. 'He's gained the respect and behind him. Once a grocer in Penzance, man, for the last two years Les has been appreciation of everyone,' said Manager Ron came to work in the Machine Shop captain of Ross Bowling Club; in the winter Stan Wheeler Asked how he planned to on capstans but after about 14 years his he transfers his affections to Drybrook RFC spend his retirement, Charlie replied that he health obliged him to take a sedentary job of which he is one of the trustees. What would be doing 'whatever job the wife has and he worked on sub-assemblies. with this and his consultancy work he for me I' He's seen here on his last day, Ron says he'll have plenty to keep him reckons he will keep himself well occupied working in the lab. on flash illumination busy at home — and he makes a point of in the years ahead. power supplies. returning to Cornwall every year

9 SP@RTS & S&CIAL CLUB

THREE MEN ON A SHOOT

On Spring Bank Holiday Monday, three of After having sandwiches and the usual us club shooters travelled to Cheddar to coffee-and-whisky mix, we put plan 'B' complete in a 75 Bird Sporting Shoot. into operation. We had heard through the And as we jogged merrily down the grapevine some weeks before that there motorway towards Cheddar, we speculated was to be a Terrier Show and Clay Shoot as to whether the big boys in the shooting at Cirencester Park, so swiftly and silently world would be there to set the pace. we sneaked away without arousing the We reached the shooting ground overlooking curiosity of other shooters. the Cheddar Valley at 11 am and reckoned Nobody was around the shooting area it time for liquid refreshment, my two when we arrived, so we appraised the companions Barry Clein ('It wasn't me it position of the traps and shooting positions. was the gun') and Dennis Jaynes ('If I can Just before the shoot started, we removed see 'um I can hit 'um') being of the opinion our shooting jackets, hid the lovingly The terrible three from the Machine that the only time I can shoot straight is cared for professional clay shooting guns Shop — {from left) Barry Clein, when I've had a few pints anyway. in the boot of Barry's car, then walked in a Dennis Jaynes and Neil Williams zig-zag fashion towards the shooting area, Barry Clein shot next — 1 5 out of 15 again. It was a beautiful day but the wind was not wishing to give the impression that we The applause was overwhelming, the only rather blustery, and the clay targets were had come just for the shooting. person not clapping being the distinguished travelling at two different speeds (fast and We were approached by a rather b ridiculous) as the wind caught them. gentleman who must have been thinking : distinguished looking gentleman who said 'This bunch conned me and they're taking 'Good show, chaps, like to have a go, Anyway the big boys did eventually turn all my lovely prizes away.' up, and we considered our average scores what!' We were among the upper classes. were no good at all. However, we cheered We pleaded ignorance as to what clay Then it was my turn. I only hit 1 3 out of up when we knew the international shots shooting was, and he then went into a 15; my gun had jammed and I used did only slightly better because of the windy detailed explanation as to how to shoot Barry's, so I felt I had the right to quote his conditions. We thoroughly enjoyed clay pigeons and where the traps would favourite saying ('It wasn't me, it was the ourselves picking up tips from international throw clays. gun'). Anyway, that's my excuse and I'm shots like I. Coley and B. Hebditch. Then, sticking to it. After watching a few people shoot he having enjoyed a picnic lunch swilled down Pending reprisals or barring by the CPSA, talked us into parting with our hard-earned with coffee and whisky mixed (highly we terrible three hope to descend on cash (80p to shoot 1 5 clays). recommended) we jogged back towards another shoot in the next issue. home, thoroughly contented with a pleasant We then walked to the car, put on our Neil Williams ('I didn't see that one — day. shooting jackets and collected the guns. The expression on his face when we can I have it again ?'). Not disillusioned in any way with our shoot returned was one of dismay. 'I thought you {We're keeping well out of range.—Ed.) at Cheddar, we three decided to shoot at had not shot before,' he said and I the Gloucestershire Sporting Championships admitted Well, we've done just a bit.' CHESS PRIZE NIGHT at Cirencester on June 1. Dennis Jaynes shot first, hitting 15 out of The finals of the Portman Trophy have been We knew some of the best shots in the 15; there was a big round of applause and lots of 'Good shooting, old chap.' I am still fixed for Friday, August 15, to commence at country would be there, and, thinking that 7 pm. Mr Portman has kindly agreed to they might have an 'off day', we decided to not sure whether Dennis bowed to the crowd or just stumbled, as he said he did. present the trophies and the prizes for both have a bang. Believe me, that's all we did ! this competition (individual) and the Wickstead Shield (teams) competition which has already been played. THE SURVIVORS AT ST PIERRE Says John Johnson : 'We shall have prizes The Golf Society's second outing of the amount of self-confidence and self-respect up to the third place in each competition season took it to St Pierre Golf and had been irretrievably lost. and we are hoping the team members will Country Club, Chepstow, on June 2. turn up to receive their prizes personally. The results of the day's endeavours were of Two of them will be there anyway, because As we stood (or should I say cowered ?) on minor importance — all survived to play they are also finalists for the Portman on the first tee at the unholy hour of again. Trophy!' 8.30 am, leaning at 45 degrees into a But, just for the record, here they are: howling rain-lashed gale, the writer's The contestants are as follows: thoughts, and those of his fellow sufferers, Morning Points 1 & 2 places: C. Cunningham v. D. Bourne. were already on the warmth and fellowship 3 & 4 places: N. Swan v. W. Logan. (1st) Paul (Snake) Knight 33 to be found at the 19th hole. It was not The Wickstead Shield placings are: until three and a half hours later that we (2nd) Vernon Williams 32 1. Group Inventory Control. 2. Design. reached our Mecca — the bar! John Cash 3. Information Systems. (3rd) Derek Parker 30 It is hoped to lay on refreshments — and to Fortunately, the rain came only in spasms Bob Ford (and wet ones at that) but the strong winds see a few more players than on previous persisted, breaking reputations and hearts (4th) John Jones 29 occasions, thus ensuring a successful with equal aplomb. Dave Haines evening. Fortified by generous helpings of steak and Afternoon i-OU'S LOT WIN kidney pie, we trekked on to the new (1st) Tony Hehir 71 Lou's Lot (Production Control) won the course for the afternoon's session. We (2nd) John Cash 74 Ladies' Interdepartmental Skittles were like lost souls in the wilderness as the (3rd) Mike Cooper 75 Tournament, beating last year's winners, course had only been opened the previous 660 Castaways, 259 :257. It was a close day (many wanted it closed again the (4th) Tony Haynes 77 finish; Ellen Cruickshank was last to play next day!). Henry Longhurst M (JC to you). for PCD who needed six to win. Her first Fortunately, a head count at the end of the ball 'bolted', the second felled one pin, and day showed a full complement of players Since tfiis was written, tfie survivors have the third downed seven, making them (surprising, considering some of the wilder tackled Filton with great sucess. Details in winners by two pins. (Pictures in spots visited by some) although a massive next issue. September issue.)

10 CUT COST OF GOODS mmm mi One way to help keep the cost of living down is to take advantage of our discount purchase scheme when buying items such as those listed below. On production of your Sports & Social Club membership card, you can obtain goods at discount prices from the following shops or companies:

Gloucester Cavendish Carpets, 5 Cavendish Buildings— 10—12i% off most purchases. Ken Cole. 61 Northgate Street— 10% off cookers, radios and television sets; 15% off other goods. Lex Motors, 10 London Road— discount on motor spares and new cars (contact Mr Lionel Daniels). Malcolm Davies Motor Cycles, 206/208 Barton Street— 7i% off spares and accessories, 5% off new and second-hand motor cycles. St Aldate Music Ltd, 11 St Aldate Street— at least 5%; larger discounts negotiable on large orders. Walwins, 45 Southgate Street (Chemist and Photographers)— discounts on photo• graphic equipment. Terry Warner Sports Ltd, St Aldate Street (and branches)—selected items only.

Cheltenham J. Ingram Strand Do-it-yourself, 33 High Street— Graham and Linda Kibble Dave and Tricia Tuffley at least 12i% off DIY goods, tools, etc.; 15% off central heating appliances. Weddings Retirements Lydney Michael Ebert (Goods Inwards Inspection) Best wishes to Don Meek (Cleaning Regency Carpets Co. Ltd., 18 High Street— to Susan Davis at Ross Parish Church on Services) who retired in June after nearly up to 20% off. May 17. nine years with us; and to three people who retired in July— Bill Jenkins (Security) Barbara Lewis (Finance & Admin.) to Bristol who came to us in 1966, Phil Lever Paul Ingmire (Paint Shop) at Lydbrook Wireless Electric Ltd, Wirelect House, (electrical inspector) with eight and a half Church on May 17. St Thomas Street, BS1 6JW— full trade years' service, and Percy Snook (store• discount. Ian Hale (Design Engineering) to Bridget keeper) who had been with us eight years, Breakwell at St Cenedlons, Gwent, on eight months. June 6. . . . AND INSURANCE Graham Kibble (RX Lydney) to Linda Silver Wedding All Sports & Social Club members can also Saunders at St Mary's Church, Ross-on- Congratulations to Bill Hall (4000/4500 gain the following discounts from Eagle Wye, on June 14. Assembly) and his wife Rosemary who Star Insurance: Dave Tuffley (TED) to Tricia Milliner celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary on August 12. 15% Car insurance. (Elec. Sub-assembly) at St John's Church, 15% All-in bonus policy for house-owners Cinderford, on June 21. Golden Wedding and householders. Obituary Congratulations to Emily Marshall (formerly 5% Life assurance (5% limited to £0-25% Polishing & Plating Shop) and her husband of sum assured). We are sorry to have to report the death on Oliver who celebrated their golden wedding 15% Personal accident and illness. June 15 of Tom Brammer from Auto on August 4. 15% Horses; yachts and small craft; and Plating at the age of 65. He retired last other insurances for special activities. April after 10J years with us. We also have Don Meek (Cleaning) pictured with some 20% Holidaymakers'—insurances against to record the death of Percy Prawl on of the lady cleaning staff at his retirement loss of luggage, etc. June 27 after a long illness. Percy, who presentation in June; he had been with us 15% All-risks insurance — on jewellery, was 43, worked as a Stock Control clerk nearly nine years. 'I've much appreciated furs and other valuables. Special and had been with us since January 1968. his consistently regular attendance,' policies for stamp collections. Our sympathy goes to their families. commented supervisor Duff Bennett. For full details and advice, contact the local Eagle Star branch at Renslade House, 5/7 Whitfield Street, Gloucester (tel. Gloucester 36655).

Advance Booking Keep September 20 free for the visit to Mitcheldean of the Caldicot & District Male Voice Choir. Watch the noticeboards for further details. TO REMIND YOU. . . if you're thinking of applying for Social Service Leave but haven't done anything about it yet, we'd like to remind you that applications will be considered up to August 29. There is, however, a limit to the amount of leave available, so it would be advisable to fill in and return the entry form without further delay. The selection committee, which includes Bob Baker and Frank Edwards from Mitcheldean, has already started considering applications. Full details about the scheme were given in the literature already distributed ; for further information, please contact Personnel Department, or Philip Currah, Manager Social Policy, at Rank Xerox House.

Who? What? Where? Training for Olympics in Purchase Office? Tossing of typewriter Mark I — one small push for Joyce, one hell of a thump for the people downstairs.

or leave it at any Gate House for 1^ i!V ANY NEWS FOR VISION? collection by me. This chap in the Machine Office asked his or post it to me at Tree Tops, Plump Hill, wife to get him some carrot seed, and Mitcheldean, sowed it in the garden. When he came If you have, then please — across a couple of peanuts in the packet he or ring me— it's Drybrook 542415. realised — shed got him parrot seed by let your departmental correspondent know. Myrtle Fowler, Editor mistake.

For Sale Lady's Raleigh 'New Yorker' cycle in Tricity Marquis cooker (electric) with perfect condition, £22. E. A. Sherwin, five-hour timer, automatic time switch and ext. 834. oven spit, £20. Two armchairs, brown HOME MARKET Newnham— Modern semi-detached house vinyl covered, £10 pair. Assorted tools for When sending in items please give your in quiet cul-de-sac with views of River handyman. W. Gosnell, Drybrook 542333. extension number and/or department to ensure Severn, 3 bedrooms, bathroom, lounge, Caravan, 22ft, excellent condition, 4-berth, inclusion. large fitted kitchen/diner, garage. Price to separate kitchen, fireplace, wired for mains include fitted carpets Venetian blinds, etc., electricity. Taffy Smith, ext. 330. £10,250. Ext. 928 or Newnham 435. Modern detached house in Mitcheldean, Three-piece suite, modern design, black Save 17% VAT ! Touring caravan 'Sovereign 3 bedrooms, bathroom, hall, dining-room, vinyl, green seats plus stretch nylon covers, 106', August 1974, 4-berth, including lounge, fitted kitchen, garden and garage, patterned. Very good condition, £30 o.n.o. additional accessories. Length 10J ft. £9,850. Cinderford 23586. Longhope 643. excluding tow-bar. £760 o.n.o. T. Knight, Silver Cross high pram and canopy; Hoover vacuum cleaner in good working Finance &• Admin., ext. 814. Carrycot; baby bath and stand. Offers order. G. E. Harrison, ext. 646. Reduced for quick sale — 2-year-old invited. Ext. 1266. Two Electra night storage heaters with detached house in quiet cul-de-sac. Studio couch complete with stretch covers, glass shelves, as new, £35. Drybrook Lounge, dining-room, Hygena fitted kitchen, offers. Will deliver. Mrs. K. Meek, ext. 1256. 542898. 3 bedrooms, central heating, garage. Price Child's two-wheeled bike with stabilizers, to include fitted carpets — £8,900. Awning for 400 Sprite. Small repair needed. suitable for 5-7-year-old to learn, £5. Ext. 1111 or 26 Deansway Road, Coleford 3461 or ext. 247. Complete Brownie outfit to fit 6-8-year-old, Mitcheldean. as new, £2. Wooden doll's cot. size Immaculate Mini 1000, only 19,000 miles, Ideal 35mm camera, £6. R. Leach, ext. 245. L' registered, in Bronze-Yellow. One 24in. X I4in., £2. Lydbrook 548. Superior detached country cottage at Car roof rack. H. Cecil, ext. 638. careful lady owner. £875 o.n.o. HP terms available, D. Rimell, Terrapin BIdg, ext. 996. The Pludds, nr. Ruardean, in 3 acre lovely Semi-detached chalet bungalow, about gardens; 3 bedrooms, bathroom with WC, 6 years old, newly decorated, 4 bedrooms, Huntley, £11,000, semi-detached house. lounge with stone fireplace, dining-room, lounge, kitchen, bathroom. Gardens. A few Hygena kitchen/dining area, lounge with kitchen, well fitted, hall, outside WC and minutes' walk from shops, schools, river stone fireplace, 3 good size bedrooms, two sheds. Many extras including fitted and countryside. About £10,500. bathroom, electric Warmair heating, car carpets, £17,500. Cecil Hopkins, Internal Mrs J. Skevington, ext. 898 or Monmouth port and large shed. Mature rear garden/ Transport, or Lydbrook 400 after 5 pm, or 3831 evgs. patio. Fitted carpets/blinds included. view Clairmont Cottage, The Pludds. N. Taylor, ext. 1258 or Longhope 621. Sombrero awning for Volkswagen Littledean — 9A Dean Crescent 4-year-old Caravanette, as new, £40. M. Welwyn, Very pretty Wellsummer Cross Bantam semi-detached 4 bedroomed house, ext. 579. cockerels, four months old. Sue Ader, lounge-dining area. Full gas central heating, ext. 270 or call evgs only, 98 Valley Road, Navy blue Swallow pram with canopy and partial double glazing, integral garage. Cinderford. cover, shopping tray and mattress, hardly Open views, landscaped garden. Realistic used, £10 o.n.o. Cinderford 22721. 1964 Cortina 1200 saloon, taxed end price. M. Watklns, ext. 1187 or Cinderford Electra 5 cu. ft. fridge, very good condition, August, MOT end December, £85 o.n.o. 22722. £35. Gill Phipps, Production Control, D. G. Williams, ext. 481 or Carey 624. ext. 908. 1972 Mini 1000 van. Mallard green, Wanted 30,000 miles, wife's vehicle, excellent Sling, Coleford — £9,850, modern semi• Small night storage heaters, 1 to 1^ Kw. detached house and garage, 3 bedrooms, condition, new exhaust, 5 new radials. John Wale, ext. 711. bathroom, hall, lounge, dining-room, fitted Tax and MOT both until Jan. 1976. kitchen. Gas-fired central heating. Average £500 secures. Ext. 598 or Coleford 3349. Girl's or lady's pushbike, J. M. Holbrook, size garden with tarmac drive to garage. New Singer electric sewing machine, cost ext. 666. Good decorative order. Offers considered. £86, going for £50. Does all types of Play-pen, wooden type with floor. Annette Ext. 574 or Coleford 3210. sewing. Ext. 647. Tracey, ext. 1293.

12 Printed in England by Taylor, Young (Printers) Ltd.