JULY 2020 | ISSUE 94 FOR PENSIONERS OF IMPERIAL TOBACCO

STILL TWO OF A KIND Pages 4 & 5

FIRST STOP LYN’S SALES SIGN OF THE BERLIN CAREER TIMES page 7 pages 8 & 9 page 12 Events have forced Mick Miller to revise the schedule of his planned charity hike. CHANGE OF PLAN FOR

TREK TO On top of the world: Mick on The Great BASE CAMP Wall of China in 2018

turn of unexpected events of intensive care professionals and the He added: “I just want to do my bit to is not stopping former quality of care its patients receive. Mick help with this unique crisis that has, and Imperial sales rep Mick hopes that any money he raises can go continues to, affect so many.” A Miller from his mission to towards providing essential ventilators To support Mick, visit: www.justgiving. scale new heights for charity and other equipment for the charity. com/fundraising/Mick-Miller4 – this time raising funds for the Intensive Care Society. Mick, who was completing regular eight to 10-mile hikes and treadmill training in preparation for a demanding 19-day trek to Everest base camp in Nepal, had to alter his exercise regime after sustaining an injury. “I ruptured my Achilles tendon while playing football,” explained sports enthusiast Mick, 54, who lives in Sherburn- in-Elmet near York and, as reported in the July 2019 Gazette, was keeping fit for the trip to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society – a charity which supports people living with dementia. “I’ve been to physiotherapy and had to change my training routine so bought an exercise bike, which I’ve been using a lot to build the strength back into my calf. “I still use my treadmill but for shorter times as my Achilles tends to ache the next day.” Re-booked Despite continuing to keep in shape for the big event, Mick was dealt another blow when he was informed that the organised trek, scheduled for April 2020, was to be cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. “Fortunately, the trip was self- funded so was fully transferable and I have donated the £1,090 I raised to the Alzheimer’s Society,” said Mick, who worked as a sales rep for Imperial from 1992 until 2017. “I’ve now re-booked onto an 18-day open trip to Everest base camp, which follows the same route across varied terrain and is planned for the end of October. This time, I get to pick the charity and will be completing the trek and fundraising for UK critical care body the Change of plan: a ruptured Intensive Care Society.” Achilles tendon forced Mick to The Intensive Care Society represents change his training regime those who are crucial in the fight against Coronavirus and aims to improve the lives

2 the Gazette | July 2020 Peter Reid and David Macdonald met at Wills nearly 50 years ago and have kept in touch ever since. Both now live in Dorset and meet up regularly to reminisce about their life and times with the company. Former marketing colleagues keep in touch

orking together at the Wills Still good friends: former Wills head office head office in Bedminster, marketing department colleagues David Bristol, in the early 1970s has Macdonald (left) and Peter Reid W led to a lifelong friendship for Peter Reid and David David left Wills in early 1976 to join British Macdonald. American Tobacco (BAT) where he worked The pair, who both now live in Dorset in for nearly 22 years in Hong Kong, Malawi, their retirement, still regularly meet up to Scandinavia, Belgium, USA and Germany. He reminisce about their time with the company. left the company in 1996, returning to the UK Peter joined as a management trainee in to live near Wimborne, Dorset, where his wife, 1967 fresh from completing a law degree at Jo, trained as a garden designer. The couple Trinity College, Dublin. have two children and five grandchildren. “After a good spell moving around, I landed in the new developments team where we Specialised business launched Gold and Slim Kings,” said At this time, for a year, he had a part Peter, who lives in Dorchester with his wife time consultancy role with Imperial Maggie. The couple have three children and Tobacco International and established a four grandchildren. small specialised business providing an “This was a great time with lots of exciting international network of Scottish performers developments, but the lure of travel was – pipers, pipe bands, whisky tasters, Highland there, and I went to Cape Town to work for an athletes, ceilidh bands and so on – for private advertising agency. and corporate events worldwide as well as “...both of us are grateful for filming, theatre shows and cruise ships Back in Bedminster for the start Wills gave to entertainment. “Returning to the UK, a brief, but boring In retirement, David volunteered as a spell with Whitbread as a brand manager our careers.” watch-keeper for the National Coastwatch was broken by a phone call from new Institution (NCI) and, in 2014, became a developments group manager Gerry Murray national trustee for that charity for three asking if I wanted to return to Wills. David also joined Wills in 1967 after two years. In that capacity, he met up with former “Wild horses would not have stopped years as a young officer in the Royal Marines, Wills and ITIL manager Arnold Kanarek, a me, and I was back in Bedminster in 1973 but as a company-sponsored business degree volunteer at the NCI Exmouth branch, who where I met lots of old friends and a new one student. For four years he spent half the died in 2019. – David.” year at college in London and half at Wills “David and I spend far too much time Peter became senior brand manager in various Bristol factory and head office reliving our times at Wills,” said Peter. “They for both Embassy and Lambert & Butler departments. were the best and both of us are grateful for cigarettes, transferring to Hartcliffe, before After graduation, David spent some the start Wills gave to our careers and to a moving to London in 1979 to work for months in the Glasgow sales office and lifetime friendship.” Saccone & Speed wine merchant, part of the was a sales rep based in Bedford before David added: “For all these years Peter and Imperial Group of companies at the time. becoming a junior brand manager in the new I, and our wives, have remained in touch and He then worked for several different developments department. good friends and it was entirely coincidence companies including a major wine and spirit “During my training period I recall being that we also ended up in Dorset when we wholesaler, John Lewis and Eldridge Pope, a a bit startled on my first day in Bristol to be returned to live in the UK. I had a great start in small private brewer in Dorset, before retiring told that I would be spending a week in the business life at Wills and owe a great deal to fully in 2014. beating up room!” he said. the people I met and worked with there.”

Free to a good home: collection of LETTER

Can anyone house Wills curios needs a curator Mike’s memorabilia? u I was interested to read the Wiltshire, and has collected a Orchestra concert sponsored by article on Player’s cards in the number of items over the years, Wills, Bristol, in October 1968 last issue of the Gazette as which may be of interest to and two black and white photos Mike Pullin, a former colleague readers of the Gazette. of the tennis team(s) – featuring and stalwart of the Wills Staff These include: a box of a very young Mike – from Pensioners Association, is looking unused souvenir playing cards around the 1960s. for a new home for his collection issued for the celebration of If anyone would like to rehome of Wills memorabilia. Wills’ 200th Anniversary in any of these items, please do get Mike worked for Wills in the 1986; a little rules book for the in touch. salaries office in Bristol from 1954 Pension Fund issued to the until 1987, when he retired as male members of staff dated 1st Ruth Bwye salaries controller. He now lives November 1963; a programme  [email protected] in a care home in Chippenham, from The London Philharmonic % 0117 942 2205

July 2020 | the Gazette 3 Former Imperial display reps Identical twins Jeff and Phil Black came across an article Jeff, right, and Phil still share published in ITL News magazine over 30 years ago, which an interest in cars prompted them to share their memories of working with the company. THEY’RE STILL TWO OF A KIND...

4 the Gazette | July 2020 orn in 1952 Crucible in Sheffield, World Outside of work, Jeff and “The station runs a just 20 minutes Bowls at Preston Guild Hall and Phil were keen gym-goers programme about celebrating apart, former Rugby League. and regulars at their local 10 memories of working in B Imperial display “We always remember going pin bowling alley – one of the Yorkshire,” said Phil, who now representatives to the Horizon factory and common American interests works in the internet industry. Jeff and Phil grew up in Leeds picking up our new company they still share as well as “People were calling in about and, like their matching cars, which were always Vauxhall American football, music and, of Lewis’s and Schofield’s, two appearances, their lives have Astra estates,” added Phil, who course, cars. former department stores in shared many parallels over the bought his first American “We played in bowling Leeds. Prior to joining Imperial, years. Chevrolet (Chevy) Cameo the leagues five days a week I had worked for the display An interest in all things week he joined imperial in 1980 throughout the 1980s and department in Lewis’s and Jeff American, particularly American and used it to compete in drag sometimes competed at at Schofield’s. Both shops faced cars, from the age of nine; each other from across the road achieving the same grades so I recounted the story of how at high school; training as we used to cause confusion window dressers at Burton’s the “Life at Imperial was great: from our among shoppers, who would tailors; and joining Imperial’s day-to-day role through to the events we double take when they saw us advertising services department dressing the windows at the in West Yorkshire in the early supported and people we worked with.” same time! 1980s are just a few examples “Soon after, a short film of how the twins’ lives have was made about us and I was followed a similar path. racing contests – where two weekends,” said Jeff, who, along asked to go along to the radio “The company decided to do or purpose-built racing with Phil, left Imperial in 1996. station’s studios to talk about an interview on us as identical vehicles compete to be the first “At the time our story was the experience.” twins working together, living to cross the finish line. printed we had hoped to travel together and sharing the same to America to ‘live the dream’ Former colleagues interests – such as motorsport Plastic friezes and have managed to visit the Phil and Jeff often recall their drag racing – for ITL News “Some had Regal, or country several times, staying memories of working together magazine in the late 1980s,” said Embassy livery – I always wanted with friends in California as well at Imperial and would be glad Jeff, who joined Imperial in 1982 a JPS one, but never got one!” as travelling the West coast to hear from any of their former and lived in the same house as Much of the twins’ work saw extensively. colleagues. Phil in Yeadon, Leeds, until 1994, them use their company cars “There was one trip, in “We had a really good when Phil got his own place. to travel to retailers across the particular, where we drove advertising team led by our “I kept the clipping from North of England. “We used to 1,500 miles from Los Angeles ever-suffering manager Nigel all that time ago and recently install and collect the plastic to Dallas in Texas to go drag Simpson,” said Jeff, who lives in came across it. Life at Imperial friezes that went around shop racing, walk the ‘grassy knoll’ the same house in Yeadon and was great: from our day-to- windows,” explained Phil, who and go to the book depository works in auditing. “It would be day role through to the events lives in Harrogate and has two from where president Kennedy great to hear from anyone who we supported and people we children, Louis and Olivia. was assassinated – an area remembers working with us.” worked with.” “They were put either inside which has always fascinated us.” Phil added: “As I come to the Jeff and Phil were responsible or outside of the glass windows, Between them, Jeff and Phil end of my working life, I have for advertising the company’s maybe with a branded pack in have owned five American to say that working for in as many shops one corner. It used to smell a cars over the years, including was the best job I have had. My as possible. They were also lot, but you got used to it. Jeff Corvettes, Jeeps and Camaros, main hobby nowadays is golf, involved in several Imperial- and I even designed a couple of and have had other articles and that’s where I differ from sponsored events including them, which the company used.” written about their lives as Jeff as he can’t stand the sport!” Embassy World Snooker at the identical twins. Most recently, Contact Phil Black (email: phil. in 2016, they featured in a short [email protected], tel: 07488 BBC film after Phil made a call to 378897) or Jeff Black (email: Radio Leeds. [email protected], tel: 07497 920134).

Phil holding the 30 year- old article that appeared in ITL News while Jeff looks on

July 2020 | the Gazette 5 COMPANY Imperial Brands welcomes new Stefan Bomhard, with chair of Imperial Brands chief executive to Board Thérèse Esperdy u NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE Stefan Bomhard joined the Board of Imperial Brands on 1 July. He joins Imperial after a five-year tenure as chief executive of Inchcape plc, a global distribution and retail leader in the automative industry. “I’m here to make Imperial a great and successful organisation that we can all be proud of,” Stefan said in a video message to employees on his first day in the role. “Imperial is a company with so much potential; by working together we can unlock that potential.” He also thanked Dominic Brisby and Joerg Biebernick for stepping up to lead the business for five months as joint interim chief executives. Both have returned to their roles as divisional directors, reporting to Stefan. In addition, experienced finance professional Pierre-Jean Sivignon has joined the Board of Imperial Brands as a non-executive director, also with effect from global retailer Groupe Carrefour until 2018 delighted to welcome Pierre-Jean to the 1 July. and is currently a non-executive director of Imperial Brands Board. His international Most recently he was chief financial Vista Oil & Gas SAB. financial expertise in customer facing officer and deputy chief executive officer of Chair Thérèse Esperdy said: “We are businesses will be of great value to us.”

Employees praised as Premium cigar sale interim results revealed announced

u IMPERIAL BRANDS has reported its interim results for the six months u THE SALE has been agreed of Imperial Brands’ ended 31 March 2020, delivering in line with the revised expectations the worldwide premium cigar business for £1.1 billion, company set out in February. reinforcing the company’s focus on simplifying its Overall, revenue was up slightly but operating profit was down, largely business and realising value for shareholders. due to disappointing sales and write-downs in the vapour category. Joint The sale will take place in two transactions: interim chief executives, Dominic Brisby (pictured bottom left) and Joerg one for the USA business to Gemstone Investment Biebernick, said: Holdings and another for the rest of the world “We would like to thank our employees for their hard work and operations to Allied Cigar Corporation. Both are commitment in these challenging times. Their support has been expected to be complete by the end of September outstanding, and we continue to prioritise their health, safety and well- 2020. Dominic Brisby and Joerg Biebernick said: being. Our enhanced focus on tobacco has driven stronger in-market “We are delighted to be able to announce the execution and an improved share performance, with gains in most of our sale of Premium Cigars in the current challenging priority markets. We have reduced our NGP spend following the poor returns global environment. on investment last year and this, together with “It has been a complex transaction recent weaknesses in the vapour category, has involving joint venture partners and resulted in lower NGP revenue. assets across multiple geographies “Overall, COVID-19 has so far had only a and we would like to thank everyone small impact on trading, but we expect this to involved for working so hard to get the be more pronounced in the second half of the deal agreed. This disposal reinforces our financial year. strategic ambition of becoming a leaner “We remain fully focused on all opportunities and more agile organisation and the to strengthen performance.” proceeds will realise value for shareholders The interim results can be by reducing debt as part of our viewed in full at www. ongoing focus on active capital imperialbrandsplc.com management.”

6 the Gazette | July 2020 As the Royal Corps of Signals celebrates its centenary, memories are recounted of Ken Robertson, an ex-recruit whose service prompted him to become an engineer at John Player & Sons and, eventually, its managing director. Ken’s journey to the top of Player’s started with the Royal Signals in

he Royal Corps of Signals formed in 1920, specialising post-war Berlin in communications – from T telecommunications equipment to information systems. Over 4,000 of its members gave their lives during the Second World War, which is when Kenneth (Ken) Robertson, who was studying actuarial science in Edinburgh at the time, was called up for national service and joined the corps. “Ken was selected to go for officer training and, after his commission, was posted to various areas where the Royal Signals were

Ken Robertson active,” said Donna Van Win, Ken’s wife of 34 years until his sudden death, aged 64, in 1986. “D-Day in 1944 saw him going with the Ken as a Royal Signals troops to set up communications in France. officer in Berlin during He was part of the occupation forces in Berlin the occupation and became attached to the American army under General Eisenhower. Later he was sent to Sierra Leone and the Gold Coast to command units there. Demob came in 1947.” became assistant managing director to Geoffrey Kent, who became managing Chief engineer director of Player’s in 1975. A taste of engineering during his time with “Geoffrey’s wife Brenda and I helped at the Royal Signals saw Ken study at Edinburgh many of the Player’s and Wills sponsorship University to become a professional engineer. events at the time and travelled with our He graduated with first class honours, before husbands, literally around the world. The four completing a management training course at of us became good friends,” said Donna. Joseph Lucas. “One fond memory I have was at a “My father, John Pearson, was an overseas company-sponsored hover craft event, where engineer for Imperial in Africa, Europe and two small craft ‘danced’ to the tune of the Borneo, and I asked him to put in a good skater’s waltz. Princess Margaret was the word for Ken,” said Donna, who married Ken guest of honour and Ken and I sat beside her Ken, right, presenting the Player’s award for in 1952. “He applied for a job and was offered on the front row. the best Royal Naval Cadet at HMS Excellent one at Player’s in Nottingham in 1951.” “The fact that the grass had just been gunnery school in Portsmouth in the 1970s Ken’s first appointment was as assistant mown went unnoticed: until the display electrical engineer to Joe Mucklow. He began and we were covered in grass cuttings. families and their lives. He was appointed quickly progressed to electrical engineer The Princess was spitting them out. Thank managing director of John Player & Sons in and, in 1962, was sent to America to learn goodness she saw the funny side!” 1978. more about the tobacco trade. He was later Ken travelled to countries such as China Donna added: “Ken’s life and work was appointed chief engineer. and Persia (Iran) to help them modernise Imperial, until he retired from the company In 1972 the company created a new their tobacco industry and regularly visited in 1982. It all started with the Royal Signals: directorship and Ken was appointed technical factories in the UK, Ireland, America, Canada in fact, I think he was the only engineer to director. Following experience as production, and Africa, taking time to learn about the become a managing director for John Player accounting and personnel director, he employees he met who worked there, their & Sons.”

July 2020 | the Gazette 7 INTERVIEW

CHALLENGE AND EXCITEMENT SHAPED LYN’S SALES CAREER

When Lyn Pearce joined Wills as a copy typist working at the Embassy Voucher Exchange in 1967, little did she realise it would be the start of a varied career with Imperial, spanning almost four decades and culminating in her role as UK head of sales and administration. Since retiring, she has kept active, pursued her love of travel and taken a shine to gardening and village life.

8 the Gazette | July 2020 yn Pearce (née Sellars) grew her to meet many of the celebrity snooker up in Bristol and began her and darts players of the time. working life at the age of 16, “Getting involved with promotions was a shortly after leaving school. highlight including doing events at Frimley L Following successful Green, home of the World Professional Darts interviews which led to job Championship,” she said. offers for three different roles, she decided to join Wills as a copy typist and has never Managing a team looked back. “I was fortunate to meet sporting stars such “I chose the job at Wills as some of my as professional snooker players Steve Davis, family members had worked there,” said Lyn, John Parrott, Jimmy White and Stephen who lives with her husband Clive in Hendry, as well as darts champions including Timsbury, near Bath, in North East Bobby George, Bob Anderson, Eric Bristow Somerset. My interview was very and Phil Taylor.” thorough with Maths and English Lyn’s extensive experience in sales tests, plus I had to produce a piece of eventually led to her being offered the embroidery for inspection – yes, really! position as head of sales and administration I can only assume, in those days, they in 1996 and she was tasked with managing were looking for girls who were neat, a team, which supported the sales force she tidy, and skilful.” had previously been part of. Lyn joined around 200 other young “One of the biggest changes was dealing girls in the typing pool at the Embassy with the public acceptance of smoking,” said Voucher Exchange based in Ashton, Lyn, who took early retirement in 2006. Bristol, in 1967 and was soon promoted “The role was both challenging and to the accounts department where she exciting, with new technologies – especially was trained as a comptometer operator. in data collection – enabling us to decide on “The glamourous career as a private secretary had immediately passed me by,” said Lyn, 69, who enjoys pilates, yoga and “It was a great company to work for ...and I had lots cycling. This was 1969 – before computers – and the comptometer, a clever key-driven of fun and laughter along the way.” calculating tool, was an amazing piece of machinery to work with. “You could use all your fingers to working as the only female in her team. priorities within the market. My entire career simultaneously press keys on its various Equipped with a company car, this new role with Imperial taught me many life skills and columns to make instant calculations – its fast provided her with the opportunity to travel provided a unique opportunity to see a wide operation meant it was ideal for accounting the country, selling tobacco goods on area range of changes within the tobacco industry. and made my job easier.” drives to increase product distribution and It was a great company to work for, with some availability. incredible people, and I had lots of fun and A new perspective Lyn recalled: “I was part of a vibrant team laughter along the way.” A role in the complaints department, dealing – Nick Henstock, Ian Barclay, Paul Cannard, Since retiring, Lyn has kept in regular touch with customers who had received damaged Richard Gunningham, Keith Lawrence and with former colleagues Liz Hull, Julie Grant or incorrect items, followed before Lyn found Alan Dangerfield – led by John Viney. and Chris Willis. “We are now officially ‘ladies herself working as a clerk in the sales office “It was hard work but provided brilliant who lunch’,” she said. and, subsequently, in the leaf department. training for a career in sales and I got to drive Lyn and Clive have also travelled to various “The leaf department offered a completely around in a car resembling an Embassy No 1 countries in recent years, including Canada, new perspective compared to my previous cigarette packet! Alaska, India and Costa Rica. Their move from roles and gave me an insight into cigarette “The job allowed me to experience many Bristol to the small village of Timsbury in 2010 blending and different types of tobacco, different activities, from running teams on the also prompted Lyn’s newfound interest in though my true aspiration was to join the summer coastal drive, attending air shows gardening and village life. sales force,” she said. and selling from a mobile kiosk; I learnt a lot.” “Our home has a lovely garden and it inspired In 1981 Lyn was offered her dream job Lyn’s 15 years in the sales force also me to get involved in horticultural and other and became a tactical rep on the sales force, introduced her to promotional work, enabling village activities,” explained Lyn, who became chair of the Village in Bloom competition in 2013, when they won a gold award. “Helping to set up a village hub, incorporating a small library, café and general meeting place for the community, has been another highlight.” Outside of village life, Lyn enjoys keeping active and took part in Cancer Research UK’s five-kilometre Race for Life last year, after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. She has been a supporter of the charity for many years and encouraged several female colleagues to get involved in the event during her time at Imperial’s Winterstoke Road office. “I chose to complete the race to inspire others to support the worthy work of Cancer Research UK,” said Lyn, who, with a group of 20 others, raised £1,200 for the charity. “After an operation, chemo- and radiotherapy I am healthy and, although times are strange at the moment, I’m looking Lyn and Clive in their Timsbury garden. Inset opposite, l-r: with Steve Davies at Luckwell forward to the future and, hopefully, a trip to Club, Bristol, in the 1980s; at the Race for Life finish in 2019; on a JPS racing bike in 1990 South America.”

July 2020 | the Gazette 9 COMPANY

Imperial has been playing its part in fighting the Coronavirus by using its research and development facilities to develop PPE for frontline healthcare workers in the north west. Imperial steps in to make visors

A TEAM of volunteers from Nerudia, Imperial technology, have been donated to hospitals, that they are not forgotten.” Brands’ research and development hub for care homes, a hospice and a doctors’ surgery The engineers’ speedy turnaround was Next Generation Products, has produced in the north west of England. supported by the agility of Nerudia and and delivered more than 1,000 face visors for More than 650 of the 1,031 visors to have the Group legal and insurance teams, who frontline healthcare workers treating COVID- been produced were made in just one day worked to complete the necessary legal 19 patients. and, in a brilliant display of teamwork, some agreements. The visors, produced using laser-cutting were supplied to the end users within several hours of the initial request. The Liverpool-based team entered discussions with several UK hospitals after it DIARY DATES issued a public offer of assistance to support efforts to counter the virus. l The annual Group head office “It soon became clear that the most pensioners’ reunion will be held immediate need was to address a shortage on Thursday October 15 from 3.00- of personal protective equipment (PPE) for 5.30pm at Knowle Golf Club in hospital staff,” said Ben Illidge, innovations Brislington, Bristol BS4 5DF. Invitations technical project lead at Nerudia. will follow nearer the date, which will “The feedback from the healthcare workers confirm if the event is going to take receiving the visors has been amazing and place. Contact Mike Paige (phone: they are incredibly grateful to receive them. 01905 768 567 or 07702 234 609, or “They have been working under immense email: mike.paige321@btinternet. pressure and to know that they have people com). like us giving them support acknowledges Visors have been produced l The Player’s garage and motor using laser-cutting technology vehicle repair reunion will be held on Monday December 7 from 7.30pm at the Bell Inn, Nottingham. For more information contact Phil Bradley (07966 364002) or Dave Lowe (01623 Innovation helps UK retailers 612052).

IMPERIAL TOBACCO has developed a number couple the range with our recently launched l The annual Scottish pensioners’ of innovations to help UK retailers cater Flavour Infusions, which will enable lunch will take place on Wednesday for their menthol and crushball customers them to enjoy a familiar mentholated December 9 at 12:30pm for 1pm following the ban on menthol products experience.” at the Whitevale Bowling Club, 253 introduced on 20 May 2020. Whitehill Street, Dennistoun, Glasgow The new Green Filter range, launched Rounded tobacco flavour G31 2EU. Tickets are £14.00. Please across the company’s five leading brands (JPS Imperial has also launched JPS Bright, which send cheques, made payable to C Players, Carlton, Windsor Blue, and has a premium two-piece white stream filter Martin, along with any special dietary Lambert & Butler), includes a white-tipped tip that reduces the harshness of the smoking requirements and the name, address firm filter that retains its shape and structure experience, while and telephone number of the person and delivers a smoother, more allowing a full booking the tickets to: Colin Martin, 48 consistent smoking rounded tobacco Cardowan Drive, Stepps, Glasgow G33 experience. In flavour to flow 6HG or telephone: 0141 779 3796. All addition, it includes more freely. As with pensioners are welcome to attend. a special reduced the Green Filter smoke smell (RSS) range, the addition l The Player’s biannual reunion – the cigarette paper of a white-tipped group’s first event of 2020, which was designed to reduce filter and RSS paper originally planned for Wednesday the linger of smoke will ensure the 10 June, has been postponed. New smell on clothes product resonates date and venue to be confirmed. The and fingers. with menthol proposed date for its second reunion Chris Street, consumers. of the year is Wednesday December market manager The ban on 9 from 4.00pm at The Stage pub, UK, said: “Our tobacco products Parliament Street, Nottingham NG1 research with a ‘characterising 6LF. Contact Janet Stanley (janet. shows that flavour’ is part of [email protected]) or Dave Clay many menthol the latest phase of ([email protected]). consumers would the European Tobacco Products reject a cork tip, so we’ve adapted some of Directive and applies to cigarettes that (Dates subject to change due to COVID-19) our best-selling brands to appeal to these contain mentholated tobacco or a menthol shoppers when they switch. Smokers can capsule.

10 the Gazette | July 2020 The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic has not dampened the spirits of some of the Fund’s oldest members who are still celebrating their centenaries with social distancing measures in place. Celebrations at a distance

Henry McWhinney still has the original pictured right, who joined Imperial in newspaper advertisement and letters he Glasgow in 1955 and spent 25 years with the received from Imperial when he began his company. career with the company 65 years ago. “I was assistant to a Mr H G Divers before “It is with loving nostalgia that I came being promoted as an area leader/driver across the advert from the Daily Record and and was later offered the role as advertising letters offering me a position supervisor for the South West of England.” within the sign maintenance In 1972 Henry moved to Warminster in department,” said Henry, Wiltshire with his wife, Mary, to take up the position. They enjoyed the way of life ‘down South’ for a further 10 years Also before returning to Glasgow. marking Blessed with good health Since retiring, holidays, bowls and Henry’s their 100th involvement with the Glasgow Evangelical Church have played a big part in his life. Up birthdays: until recent months, Henry, who was also a member – and one-time president – of the l Edna Fisher, widow of John WD & HO Wills Social Club, visited the church Player & Sons employee Philip. He weekly and participated in its social events. died in 1991 and worked for the He was also its organ player, a role which he IMPAC company from 1969 until 1981. Edna stepped down from aged 94. also spent several years working An organisation for all Imperial Following the death of Mary in 2011, at the Player’s factories in Radford, Pension Fund members after 70 years of marriage, Henry has lived Nottingham. independently with a little help from Website: www.impac.org.uk l Former comptometer operator carers in a small cottage in Netherlee, East MEETING DATES Iris Fisher was visited by a handful Renfrewshire, where he is celebrating his The National of her many family members and 100th birthday with daughter Carole and Council has friends. She is the widow of Ronald sons Ronnie and Gordon. provisionally (Ron), who was employed at WD & HO “Dad is blessed with good health, has scheduled the Wills from 1940 until 1979. He died in always had a sunny outlook on life and is a following events 1990. delight to be around,” said Carole. in Glasgow, Iris and Ron were married for 30 “He looks forward to seeing more of the Nottingham years and have two children Angela family, including his nine grandchildren, and Stirling, dependent on COVID-19 and Andrew. nine great-grandchildren and great-great- restrictions. A further update will be made granddaughter later in the year.” in the September IMPAC newsletter. Open meetings Midlands: Tuesday 17 November at 10.00am at the Wollaton Park Community Association, Harrow Road, Nottingham Clubnews NG8 1FG. Bristol Scotland: Monday 26 October at 1.00pm at the Mayfield Centre, Sunnybank Road, Wills Staff Pensioners Association St Ninians, Stirling FK7 0BD and Tuesday Secretary: Ruth Bwye (phone 0117 942 2205 or email: [email protected]) 27 October at 1.00pm at the Garfield Club meetings have stopped for the summer but, if possible, will continue at 2pm on Hotel, Cumbernauld Road, Stepps, the second Wednesday of each month from October 2020 through to April 2021 at Glasgow G33 6HW. the Bristol Indoor Bowls Centre, South Liberty Lane, Ashton. New members are always IMPAC members’ helpline: welcome. The annual reunion, which was set to take place at the same venue on email: [email protected] or write to Thursday April 30, 2020 from 12pm, was cancelled due to Coronavirus and is unlikely to IMPAC, PO Box 10486, Oxton, Southwell be rescheduled this year. NG24 9NL. Newcastle For membership queries IMPAC membership agency (to update Sinclair Staff and Pensioner Group membership details only): email: impac@ Organiser: William Lynn (phone 0191 267 2825) dmb.org.uk; phone: 01438 840247 or Lunch meetings are expected to resume later in the year. Contact John Stopher (0191 write to: IMPAC c/o DMB, 18a Reynards 267 4777) or William Lynn (0191 267 2825). Road, Welwyn, Herts AL6 9TP Nottingham New members welcome Any Imperial pensioner who would like to Player’s Pensioners Club join IMPAC please contact the helpline or Secretary and treasurer: Ron Ancliffe (phone 0115 927 2152) apply online at: www.impac.org.uk Club meetings held on Tuesdays at the Nottingham Mechanics Institute from 10am until Membership is free for the first 12 12 noon have been postponed until further notice. months.

July 2020 | the Gazette 11 Countries in Africa and India are among those visited by Olympic torch bearer Ken Logan in the course of his charitable work. A surprise discovery while working in Tanzania brought back special memories.

SIGN SPARKS FOND IMPERIAL MEM0RIES

Raising awareness: Ken at a mass polio en Logan retired from Wills in 1996 and has since committed much of his time to awareness rally in India; above right, the charitable pursuits – resulting in him earning the honour of carrying the Olympic iconic Embassy sign discovered by Ken torch eight years ago. As his benevolent efforts continue, he reveals an Imperial while doing charity work in Tanzania; below, K discovery – uncovered in East Africa. Ken’s work with Rotary recently involved “I was in India and Tanzania doing community work on behalf of the Rotary donating a sewing machine to a school in Club of Braids in Edinburgh,” said Ken, 75, who was nominated by the Rotary Club and selected Mwanza as one of only 2,012 members of the public to carry the Olympic torch around the UK before it marked the opening of the London 2012 Games. “It was while visiting communities in Tanzania, East Africa, where we support a range of projects – from installing wells and tree planting to providing donations for schools – that I came across a lovely Embassy sign in Mwanza. Unfortunately, it was too heavy and too big for my suitcase! “It brought back fond memories of my 32 years with Imperial and I thought other readers might be interested to see it, so I took a photograph.” Ken, who lives in Liberton, a suburb of Edinburgh, joined Wills as a sales rep in 1964 covering central Edinburgh and went on to become relief area sales manager for Imperial. Since retiring, he has never been busier. Support for Rotary For the last 24 years Ken has raised several thousands of pounds and volunteered for a number of organisations, including as a lorry driver for Balkan war charity Edinburgh Direct Aid, as halls secretary in his local church (Kirk) as well as a member of his local Rotary Club, which he was president of from 2013 to 2015. “I joined Rotary in 2011 and continue to thoroughly enjoy the experience,” said Ken, whose recent visit to Mwanza was to plant

12 the Gazette | July 2020 mango trees at a primary school, donate a virus that can be prevented with a simple Ken, who is district polio coordinator for sewing machine to a high school as part of a vaccination.” the Rotary Club of Braids in Edinburgh, project to educate students on how to make Ken, who is a civil servant, was recently visiting communities in India as part of a washable sanitary wear, and provide supplies awarded a Meritorious Award by Rotary polio immunisation programme; planting to a maternity ward. International for his work on polio as well as mango trees, below left, and installing a “I’ve also been district polio coordinator a British Empire Medal from Her Majesty, The well, below, are just some of the projects in for the club since 2015 and recently travelled Queen, for his services to the community. He East Africa which Ken’s local Rotary group to India as part of a polio immunisation also enjoys spending time with sons Iain and supports programme on the outskirts of Delhi. Brian and his four grandchildren. “The work supports Rotary International’s wider Purple4Polio initiative to End Polio Now, which raises funds and awareness to eradicate the disabling and life-threatening

July 2020 | the Gazette 13 OBITUARIES Dennis was a lifelong sports enthusiast

no qualifications and joined outside work revolved around also at the forefront of learning the Civil Service as a clerk. This the Imperial Sports Ground in about computing technology did not deter his aspirations to Knowle, where Dennis’s talent and installed a new computer to learn and, in 1947, he joined the for tennis was spotted by Lord help with business management wages office at St Anne’s Board Robert Sinclair, who was then at the mill. He retired as company Mill. The opportunity was sold to chairman of the Imperial Group. secretary in 1982, after the him as ‘a job for life’ and he went decision was made to shut down on to spend 35 years with the Tax and pensions the business the previous year. company. “Dad was regularly summoned Dennis remained active in Dennis’s early career was to play tennis at Lord Sinclair’s retirement, taking up bowls at interrupted by two years’ private court,” said Russell, who, West Backwell Bowls Club, where Sports enthusiast and national service, some of which along with Duncan, played first many victories in competitions longstanding St Anne’s Board was carried out at the War team and county tennis under earned him captaincy of the Mill employee Dennis Smart has Office in London where he ran their father’s tutelage. men’s team. He was also involved died aged 90. errands between Government “When Duncan and I asked: in the administration of the club, Born in Bristol in 1929, Dennis departments, though he still ‘who won?’, Dad would modestly becoming a coach to attract new grew up in Easton with his three found time for table tennis say: ‘of course I won, but I made recruits, and promoting bowls for elder siblings. competitions across the capital. sure it was a good game’.” the disabled. He showed an aptitude for In 1949 he returned to Dennis captained the first For the last 36 years, he and sport from a young age and, aged St Anne’s and was quickly team at Imperial’s tennis club, Valerie lived in Nailsea and have 7, was introduced to watching promoted to the accounts playing matches in the Bristol enjoyed many family holidays, as Bristol Rovers Football Club, which department advancing to and District Leagues for over well as spending time with their he supported throughout his company cashier four years later. 25 years, before hanging up his five grandchildren. life. He later played competitive Dennis married Valerie, his wife racket, aged 52. Throughout his Russell added: “Dad was a badminton, tennis and bowls. of 64 years, in 1955 and they had career at St Anne’s, Dennis took gentleman who did everything With his education disrupted two sons, Duncan and Russell. every opportunity to learn new with patience, calmness, integrity by the Second World War, During the 1970s and early skills and progress, becoming a and good humour – he will be Dennis left school in 1943 with 1980s, Dennis and Valerie’s life tax and pensions expert. He was missed by us all.” A stalwart in Imperial’s cricket section

Former Imperial cricketer and long- Winterstoke Road and worked for several department and standing Wills employee Peter Tucker has years scanning and processing legal attended the social died, aged 78. documents. lunches which Pete Peter, known as Pete, grew up in Bristol An avid cricketer throughout his organised for former and was educated at Bristol Grammar career, Pete, a former wicket keeper, was cricketers every few School before joining the cost accounts secretary of the Imperial Cricket Club months. department at Wills in 1959. for over 20 years and extremely adept in “I first met him at He was soon assigned to the work study the administration and organising of the Wills in the early 1960s and we remained department and was later based at the company’s many teams, which played great friends ever since. The last time we cigarette factory on Raleigh Road, where at the former Imperial Sports Ground in played together was in 1996 and, over the he worked on several projects with former Knowle. In 2015, he organised a reunion at years, we’ve watched several matches at colleague Richard Davies. Pete then the ground to mark the 40th anniversary Gloucester County Cricket Club, where spent time at the Hartcliffe factory before of Imperial cricketers winning the Western he was a life member. I shall miss him retiring in 1989, just ahead of its closure. League for the first, and only, time. terribly.” This was not the end of Pete’s career “Pete was such a lovely chap and a Pete also enjoyed painting and was with Imperial and he was asked to return stalwart in the cricket section,” said heavily involved in Downend Cricket Club, to work on various projects. He joined the fellow ex-Imperial cricketer Mick Hall, close to his home, sitting as its secretary Indigo Project team at the cigar factory on who worked as a surveyor in the estates for many years.

Always kind, considerate and happy to help

Winnie Welford, she joined Wills as a crew girl in “She was happy to help She married ex-foreman Derek former Wills the packing room. anyone in need regarding Welford in 1960 and they both Newcastle Winnie travelled far and sports and indeed in her work retired when the factory closed packing wide with the Heaton Harriers where she was always kind and in 1986. The couple enjoyed department running club and also played considerate of others.” 37 years together until Derek’s forewoman, has died aged 82. netball and other sports for Winnie enjoyed a number death in 1997. The youngest of four Imperial. of roles at the Newcastle “Winnie was a very popular children, Winnie was brought “Winnie was always there factory including factory lady,” added Ivor. “She had many up in Newcastle upon Tyne and to offer advice on the athletics guide, supervisor and, finally, friends and enjoyed socialising excelled in athletics. Her first job field,” said friend and former forewoman in the packing and a game of bingo. was in the grocery trade before colleague Ivor Tyson. department. “She will be sadly missed.”

14 the Gazette | July 2020 OBITUARIES

The deaths are reported, as at Mary Williamson Morrison, 91; Lynda Louise Hewitt, 91; Alan Heppenstall, 88; 11 June 2020, of the following John Morse, 91; Anthony Tadeuzs Hoffman, 73; Irene Lennon, 93; retired employees: Jeanie Neillis, 84; Joan Holt, 94; Elizabeth Rose Pack, 93; Margaret Nesbitt, 80; Frances Hubert, 81; Joan Townsley, 92. HEAD OFFICE AND ITL Margaret Smith Nicoll, 86; Owen Hughes, 85; Hugh McGill Blair, 94; Mavis Greta Nippress, 92; Mary Anna Hutton, 76; ST ANNE’S BOARD MILL Mabel Carson, 97; Pamela Margaret Orlowski, 93; Ronald Jackson, 85; John Edward Ballinger, 83; Raymond Dadswell, 81; Frederick Owen, 90; Barry Jones, 88; Gerald James Filer, 74; Victor John English, 92; Eileen Joyce Paginton, 85; George Leonard Knight, 96; Allan John Parry, 86; David Hardy, 89; William Ian Paul, 82; Evelyn Mason, 85; James Gregory Searle, 73; Arthur Leslie Hope, 75. Leslie Richard Peet, 84; Leonard Archibald Newton, 93; Dennis Laurence Smart, 90. Frederick Henry Perrett, 85; Hilda Parsons, 95; WD & HO WILLS Eric Pickering, 80; Doreen June Pickering, 89; IMPERIAL FOODS LIMITED Brian Ronald Akers, 88; Margaret Rosina Powell, 80; June Paterson Plank, 79; HEAD OFFICE Lynn Irene Alloway, 63; June Mavis Riddiford, 87; Patricia Rose Ridge, 89; Brian Richard Barrett, 81; John Alfred Baker, 71; Helen Haley Robertson, 94; Ronald Arthur Roe, 83; Robert Arthur Bloomfield, 73; Kenneth James Baker, 89; Michael Stuart Rooke, 78; Lewis Denton Rowe, 91; Walter Clifford Cook, 96; Violet Bateman, 89; Amy Patricia Rosewarne, 89; Sylvia Mary Sadler, 81; Joseph Lajos Kabler, 94; Ann Edith Belcher, 73; Bryan Thomas Scammell, 93; Nigel James Sheldon, 57; Evelyn Packer, 83; Mary Ann Bessell, 95; George Douglas Shaw, 79; Michael Edward Siddons, 77; Raymond Saddington, 82. Robert Ernest Biggs, 75; Gordon Joseph Sheehan, 91; Joan Pauline Skinner, 88; Robert Black, 77; Michael Harry Bell Shepherd, 82; John Spencer, 88; CHIPMUNK Annie Blain, 72; Edith Mary Skeates, 97; Gwendoline Rose Stevenson, 88; Joan Hunter, 71; Edward Booth, 89; Alan Skuse, 83; Christine Talbot, 71; Christine Joyce Marchant, 70. Annie Elizabeth Bruce, 91; Matilda Mary Smith, 86; Enid Louise Tasker, 87; Edna Ruby Cleverley, 95; Michael John Stark, 84; Maurice Trotter, 94; FLORAPAK Barry Coates, 79; Doris Louisa Stenner, 89; Lilla Turgott, 88; Jill Anne Bentham, 84. Maurice John Cole, 89; Janet Stevens, 82; Ronald Whittington, 96. Barrie Lewis Compton, 90; John William Strainge, 81; GOLDEN WONDER Elizabeth Davidson Connley, 94; Brian Ernest Sweeting, 87; OGDEN’S Eileen Harvey Armstrong, 88; John Brian Crashley, 83; Thomas George Symes, 78; Thomas Charles, 91; Pamela Bradley, 87; John Cruse, 67; Christine May Tennant, 96; Margaret Mary Crank, 94; Joyce Mary Reilly, 94. Patricia Margaret Cummins, 71; Joan Irene Thompson, 96; Violet May Hiscox, 89; John Hendry Dougall, 73; Peter James Tucker; 78; Alice Francis King, 87; ROSS FOODS Roger Ernest Dunmore, 73; Alan John Vincent, 89; Eric Charles Rothwell, 89; Darryl James Adams, 75; Joseph Ronald Elliott, 81; Jane McKinlay Wardrope, 82; Arthur Gerald Stubbs, 92. James Edward England, 86; Derrick William Ellis, 90; Betty Doreen Weeks, 90; John Edwin Forsyth, 93; Norma Elsdon, 86; Winnie Welford, 82; FINLAY & CO Carl Lamb, 82; Sheila Violet England, 81; June Williams, 86; Michael Philip Altman, 88; Susan Beverley Mann, 73. Robert Fitzpatrick, 79; Joan Gladys Winstone, 89; David Brown, 82; Lawrence William Fox, 85; David Geoffrey Woodruff, 74; Anneliese Gibson, 97. SMEDLEY-HP FOODS James William Gallagher, 87; James Herbert Young, 86. Michael Bailey, 71; Shirley Maud Geen, 81; IMPERIAL ATHLETIC CLUB Marjorie Lilian Bennett, 97; Violet May Godfrey, 87; JOHN PLAYER & SONS David Albert Harris, 88. Edward Anthony Bugg, 75; Sylvia Rosemary Graydon, 91; Judith Jane Andrews, 66; Violet Cameron, 92; Joseph Leslie Green, 75; Audley Hugh Bennett, 77; LOWFIELD DISTRIBUTION Sheila Chalcraft, 84; Gerald Henry Gregory, 91; Anthony James Birch, 85; Peter Charles Ellmers, 73; Jean Lucy Downey, 85; Andrew Charles Hanna, 89; Avril Grace Bright, 82; Edward Ashton Englefield, 76; Aubrey Trevor Evans, 87; Doreen May Hardwell, 91; Emily Ann Callcott, 94; Gordon Jackson, 82; Kenneth John Fear, 85; Edgar John Hathway, 91; Joyce Mavis Camidge, 94; Shirley Ann Peters, 86; Gillian Valerie Harford, 71; James Hay, 83; Hazel Campbell, 83; Ivor George Rees, 74; Joyce Betty Hill, 88; Robert John Jackson, 83; Glenys Rhonda Castledine, 69; James Richmond, 79; Roy Dennis Jefferies, 88; Rose Brenda Jempson, 98; Gerald Charles Clarke, 93; Andrew James Wilson, 86. Ronald Clifford Rudkin, 82; Leslie Albert Jenkins, 74; Alfred Cotton, 93; Irene Florence Saben, 98; Patrick Kaney, 85; Sylvia May Elliott, 80; ROBERT FLETCHER & SON Christine Doris Stannard, 82; John William Killick, 91; Raymond William Ellis, 78; Cyril Jackson, 97; Alan Roy Townsend, 87; Richard Bruce Laverick, 77; Eileen Fares, 94; Kathleen Tither, 77. Brian Winters, 89. James Hislop Lindsay, 72; Graham Douglas Ferris, 86; Henry Macfarlane, 91; Kenneth Gent, 81; SINCLAIR COLLIS YOUNG’S SEAFOODS Patrick Joseph Maher, 67; Pauline Ann Gibson, 75; Derrick Ernest Baxter, 89; Charlotte Reid Bruce, 93; Robert O’Hara McMillan, 89; Elizabeth Gilman, 91; Edith Rosalia Best, 93; Thomas Patrick Burke, 87; Jessie Russell McPherson, 82; Marian Kate Glading, 80; Jessie Cairns Brodie, 97; June Jackson, 78. James McShane, 72; Peter John Goldie, 83; John Curry Butcher, 86; Rita Sandra Metters, 75; John Graham, 83; Evelyn Davidson, 84; John Barry Morrison, 81; Emma May Hayes, 97; Jane Gardener, 89;

July 2020 | the Gazette 15 It’s 40 years since St Anne’s closed and that

St Anne’s timeline: landmark chimney came down

1939 1980

Waste paper and straw High running costs and used to make board for competition force the site ammunition boxes to close for good

St Anne’s Board Mill Site producing 14 tonnes becomes a wholly-owned an hour wins Queen’s subsidiary of Imperial Award for Industry Chimney

m demolished u e s u M r 1921 a 1966 l W g ria in pe r K Im Ivo

his year marks the 1921, expanded and annual producing 100,000 tonnes per running costs combined 40th anniversary production reached more than annum – 14 tonnes an hour – with tough competition from of the closure of St 70,000 tonnes by the time war and won a Queen’s Award for heavily subsidised overseas T Anne’s Board Mill broke out in 1939. Industry in 1966. companies meant that St in Bristol which, Scandinavian pulp was Anne’s had to close its doors at its peak, was one of the UK’s unavailable at the time, so the Tough competition in 1980. top three board makers. company turned to re-pulped By the late 1970s and The site was demolished Throughout the 1920s and waste paper and home-grown despite new markets in a few years later with the 30s St Anne’s, which became straw to make board for cereals, pharmaceuticals and collapse of its 100ft-high a wholly owned subsidiary ammunition boxes. chocolate, the mill was over chimney marking the final of Imperial Tobacco in In 1958 the site was producing. High energy and chapter of the mill.

The TTBF is ready to help Update from the pensions team The Tobacco Trade Benevolent Fund (TTBF) can offer financial support to those who worked in the industry and is continuing to help those In line with government guidelines to help tackle the COVID-19 in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. pandemic, Imperial closed its Bristol office in March. Since then To qualify, an applicant, or their partner, must have worked in all employees, including the pensions team, have been working the tobacco trade for a minimum period and meet certain financial from home. criteria. Although plans are being put into action to enable a Depending on an individual’s circumstances, the TTBF is able to safe return to the office, the company’s default position is offer regular relief payments and one-off maintenance grants to help that employees should continue to work from home for the towards household items and larger expenses, such as a bed, TV, foreseeable future. mobility aids and scooters, or general repairs to properties. “The change from office to home working has gone smoothly “Due to Coronavirus, support staff have been working from and we continue to pay pensioners and deal with member home but the charity is still operating and all requests are being enquiries as normal,” said pensions manager, Jan Killick. considered,” said Katie Kennedy, who works at the charity. “In the “While we continue to work from home, please contact us by last year, we have helped beneficiaries by contributing to bill arrears, email or phone whenever possible. We are collecting post from repairing roofs, replacing kitchen appliances and making bathroom the office weekly so if you have to write to us we will still be able adaptations.” to respond but it may take slightly longer than usual.” Anyone needing help should contact Katie Kennedy or Johanna 0117 953 0000 Jennings at: Tobacco Trade Benevolent Fund, Forum Court, Office %  [email protected] 205, Devonshire Business Centre, 29-31 Elmfield Road, Bromley, Kent BR1 1LT % 0208 663 3050  [email protected]

The Gazette is published by the Imperial Tobacco Pension Fund. For pension information, please call the pensions office on 0117 953 0000. Please send all future items for publication in the Gazette to: The Editor, James Reed PR, Park House, 10 Park Street, Bristol BS1 5HX % 0117 915 4520  [email protected] Design: Andrew Buchanan Print: Hampton Printing (Bristol) Ltd

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