THE HOUSE MAGAZINE OF RANK XEROX

THREE TO THE FORE!

These three "tigers" from PED the tournament appears on page 11) one under par — he actually hit a bird Electronics — Tony Knight, Danny told us there has been an increase of in flight with his tee shot. Haines and John Miles — won the Ron 10 per cent plus in membership over Or the day RXGS so to speak 'burned Morfee Cup in the recent the last year, though for some reason up the course' at Abergavenny during interdepartmental golf tournament. no lady has yet applied to join. last summer's hot spell and the fire Says John, seen demonstrating a What's the attraction of the game? brigade had to be called to extinguish recovery shot: "There's no truth in The healthy outdoor life, the personal a grass fire. ('Funny thing, they didn't the rumour that we electronic types sense of achievement in beating the have us back there this year.') use radar to find a ball in the rough." course, the apres-golf at the 19th Or the gas explosion which threw With around 100 members from all hole? starting times into confusion at St over the site, the RX Golf Society is Mellons. Perhaps it's the exciting things that the biggest section within the Sports happen on the way round the course. Just shows that golfers will go & Social Club, and it's still growing. Like the time when Brian Wragg got through fire, water and anything else Alistair Caldwell (whose report on a 'birdie', not that he holed out in to play their sport. Fancy dress cricket. Punch & Judy show, street tug-of-war, bonfire and torch procession — lively events like these made Mitcheldean village's Silver Jubilee celebrations on June 6 r and 7 an event long to be remembered. Dave Norman of Group Materials Management, who took over the chairmanship of the Jubilee committee at a crucial time, told us he was amazed how much individual ability was brought to light 'as we V . went down the track of preparing and fund-raising, and the co-operation received from local organisations and business was first-class.' Lighting-up time for ye lordly persons of Mitcheldean village — Lord Byard of Westbury (from whom Eric Tose is descended) and, rising to the occasion. Sir David, estates manager of 'Norman' extraction. Among the many guests at this Elizabethan feast/fund-raising event was Fred Wickstead and his retinue. Left: How Dave looks when involved in managing fix materials. GONGRA¥ULA¥IONS-

Apart from making a donation, there in the locality. The old Malt House children's Jubilee crowns. were various ways in which Rank formed the nucleus of the factory Going further afield, the Company Xerox was pleased to help. The 9200 that is now the vast Rank Xerox provided a chauffeur-driven car to did its bit by printing the professional- complex.' convey four children to Buckingham looking programmes; these were Palace where they delivered a loyal prefaced by a brief history of Photos of the site in its early days, address to Her Majesty from the Mitcheldean prepared by Dr Peter and a large coloured blow-up of it people of Ross-on-Wye. Mayes (Quality Engineering as it is today, were the Company's Manager). contribution to an exhibition depicting As Dave Norman commented: 'The life in Mitcheldean in days gone by. celebrations aroused a splendid He wrote that, throughout the Among the items on show we community spirit which we hope will centuries, 'iron smelting, coal mining, noticed a copy of the May/June 1961 stay with us for a long time to come.' ore and stone quarrying, pin and nail issue of VISION with a cover manufacture, grandfather clock picture of Bebe Daniels and Ben making and brewing have all Lyon — remember? Jubilee Awards flourished and faded.' The Rank Xerox Variety Club 1977 is proving a great year for Thomas Wintle's Brewery brewed its entertained senior citizens at a Wilf Morris, JP. Inspection fine ales and stout from 1868 until sing-along and donated £10 for chargehand in Electrical Subs, he has 1923 serving some 70 public houses prizes. in the last two months been elected chairman of the Batman Peter Mayes, the sports organiser, Other contributions included the District Council after years of local comments on the bat work at the fancy making and engraving by RX government and community work, dress cricket match, while Michaela, the apprentice Philip Davis of a name- awarded a Jubilee medal and invited 'Keen' treasurer, tries to manage without plate for a flowering tree planted at to attend a garden party at benefit of a computer. ^nb Oixon Townsend House old people's home Buckingham Palace. to commemorate the Jubilee. Tuba-playing Jack Thomas of TED In a neat bit of recycling, some 800 has also earned a Jubilee medal — throw-away plastic packs for small having given many years' service as parts known as stripper fingers were band sergeant for the TAVR branch used as presentation boxes for the of the Royal Hussars.

This aerial picture of Mitcheldean was taken last spring. Duff Bennett, Factory Waste B Cleaning Supervisor, discusses ttie manpow/er chart with John Wooding of RX Cleaning Services. Right: A cleaning operation in progress on the top floor of Building 29. MAKING

Every working day at 6am, an army At one time, cleaning in production of cleaning operators arrives at the areas was carried out by the Plant to make a clean sweep of our department concerned. With a view KEEP BRITAIN TIDY shop floors. to improving standards, a general This year there is a positive move housekeeping committee was set up towards getting people to become Before the 'dawn chorus' is heard in litter-conscious. The Keep Britain last year and it was decided to hand our production areas, they have Tidy Group, of which Rank Xerox the work over to Rank Xerox whisked away the refuse from under are members, held a Jubilee Week Cleaning Services. the benches and around the litter campaign, and are hoping this Following a try-out with temporary will trigger off a continuing effort machinery, they have emptied the workers, a permanent force of male throughout the country. dustbins, and are ready to keep up cleaners (no women applied I) was Well-known personalities like Harry the good work throughout the day. formed under the supervision of Secombe, Ronnie Corbett, Lulu, David Cassidy, are giving their It's not all manual brush and shovel John Wooding. services voluntarily to help put the work — the service has become The current force of 33 includes a message across that litter hurts us in mechanised with the introduction of miscellany of ex-tradesmen — a every way — economically, from the a pedestrian-operated mechanical former baker, fitter, building foreman. standpoint of health and safety, and scrubber and five mechanical 'We've even had people with aesthetically. brushes. A-levels in the force,' says ex-deputy It is one environmental problem we Steered at a brisk pace down the works convenor John. can solve, not just where we work main alleyways, the latter sweep up 'What we'd like to see now is a but in the locality where we live. We the refuse which is manually brushed higher level of litter consciousness. will all benefit from keeping our bit of Britain tidy. into their path, while the scrubber The facilities are there (on the 9200 washes the floor clean and even floor alone there are no less than mops up the waste water afterwards. 79 dustbins) — let's use them.'

FAREWELL, FETTER HILL! COUNT DOm TO THE COUNTFetter Hil l Quarry, some six miles away in the Forest, used for the By now you will know that 'The stock records are believed to be disposal of our treated waste over a Count' who has been making his primarily responsible for part number of years, is no more. appearance on posters across the shortages and are a contributing site was not, as someone thought, a factor to the continuing production The filling in of this gaping hole, new group engaged for a three- shortfalls against programme. 100ft long, 35ft wide and 30ft deep, night stand in the Ballroom on There is also a need to reconcile was recently carried out under the July 20, 21 and 22. actual inventory balances with book direction of Robert Johnson of balances, and to satisfy certain Works Engineering and John 'He' was created to publicise a Watkins of Works Laboratory. external audit requirements. mammoth counting operation of all A mini-count took place m selected Should they explore this area in Mitcheldean, Lydney and areas at the end of April to test out centuries to come, geologists may be production material in assembly, the various procedures that have been puzzled by the unique strata — manufacturing and stores areas. It was developed for the physical inventory; polythene sheeting reinforced with estimated that some 70,000 plus part excellent results were achieved and chicken mesh and chain link fencing numbers were to be counted in over the tipped sludge, then layers of the assembly and manufacturing the co-operation received from all large and small limestones, areas alone. areas was 'inspiring'. As we went to press, areas were foundation, binding and organic The main objective of this physical being specially cleaned and tidied up, material, the lot being topped off inventory is to update all our ongoing items clearly identified, etc., ready with coalbrash (coal-impregnated stock files/systems and, specifically, for the army of trained 'counters', dirt) up to the surrounding land to reconstitute the stores issue list identifiable by their badges, to begin levels. file. their task. Where does our treated waste go David Stokes, Manager in charge of The count-down to The Count had now? To a disposal plant in the PI Project, told us that inaccurate begun. Birmingham.

3 RHIDIAN GODDARD The sad truth is that statistics in one way or another affect us all. Weekly statistics of XCN clearances, build Statistically Speaking quantities and marketing placements are the performance figures against which we are measured. They are What does 38.24.36 mean to you ? Furthermore, that hire purchase quantifiable entities that can be Most of the ladies would avoid agreement with the low, low compared with corporate targets. interest rate of 1 5 per cent (on the answering the question, whilst most Maybe the statistical analysts should purchase price) over two years is of the men would immediately fix on introduce a frustration factor or really going to cost you, brother. a heavenly body of ideal dimensions. perversity percentage that can be If you clarified the question by Consider the case of the lowly incorporated into the performance saying that these measurements fraction. To a social drinker, half way factor to take care of the occasional applied to a young damsel of your through a pint, the glass is still half shortfall. acquaintance, the ladies would full. To the alcoholic looking Performance projections are based argue about the figures and the men forward to the next pint, the glass on hypothetical figures gleaned from would happily accept them. is already half empty. The quantity profit and risk equations. In in each case is the same — only the The point I am making is this: themselves they are only mathematical emotional impact is different. statistics don't always describe representations of a statistical exactly what you are talking about, The adept statistician has at his hypothesis. and they aren't always accepted as command a variety of weapons Whether or not they prove to be true. which, used in the right combination, accurate or meaningful is not the Of all the communication tools that can convince the unwary that two point; they are part of the corporate we use to transmit information, the plus two does indeed equal five. manifesto, as necessary as the magical statistic is probably the most A trend can appear from nowhere company logo and as important as abused — perhaps because, simply by plotting a normal everyday the annual report. collectively, statistics can be occurrence as a logarithmic scale. manipulated to prove anything, or The apparent acceleration of events It's Here to Stay almost anything. can then be used to convince the They are the very basis of next year's Let's take a few simple examples. uninitiated that things are getting progress and the verdict on last The Labour Party produces a graph better (they could even be getting year's misdemeanours. Like it or not, that shows the cost of living is worse). the statistic is here to stay. rising slowly, whilst the Conservative By reducing events to a binary code Party produces a graph to show that and then using that code in a Let's face it — without the graph, it is rising quickly. mathematical equation, the complete Gantt chart, equation, formulae and projected trend, how can we Obviously the basic figures came gamut of industrial practices can be otherwise convince the non-technical from the same source so what's the manipulated to show that the that we are right ? difference ? The Labour Party uses a company is growing, shrinking, short scale length for prices and a making a profit, showing a loss, A few people are capable of long scale for time; the Conservative increasing production or falling short correcting one's grammar, but even Party presents it the other way of its targets. fewer are capable of penetrating a around and bingo I confusion. carefully designed screen of The receiver of this information is strategically placed figures complete Percentages are a beautiful way of usually so confused by the with function signs and parentheses. clouding the truth. Did you know mathematical convulsions involved that a sale article reduced by a in reaching the end result that he The most wonderful thing of all, fantastic 12i per cent was only happily accepts the findings, rather though, is that if things do go wrong, one eighth cheaper ('Sorry, sir, we than be accused of being incapable you can always blame the decimal have to charge for delivery'). of deciphering them. point for being in the wrong place.

Each one of the 60 or so applicants 'We are glad to be able to offer was interviewed before the successful opportunities for school-leavers to eight were selected. enter commercial and administrative After completing a two-week areas with fully subsidised training.' off-the-job induction course, they Apprentices will do a two-year course; during A new commercial training scheme that time they will be assigned to commences this next September various departments on a three- with the intake of eight young people monthly rotation, gaining experience Merit Award embarking on a four or five-year of the work situation, with day 'business apprenticeship'. release to enable them to pursue for David This scheme has been designed to studies leading to Ordinary National The Community Service Committee start preparing young people for a Certificate Business Studies. of the Royal Forest of Dean Rotary professional or semi-professional Subsequently they can go on to Club have selected apprentice David career in any one of the commercial/ take the Higher National Certificate Beach for a Youth Merit Award. administrative functions of the or Diploma, following this up by In our November/December '76 Company — and at the same time to professional studies or specialised issue we reported on some of the help satisfy our longer term need for training. good work that David has been suitably qualified recruits to these Selected members of the senior staff doing for the community, and Bill areas. of commercial departments are being Luker reports he's been making first-class progress at Mitcheldean Applications were invited from invited to act as 'mentors' to the too. school leavers as well as those trainees for counselling and career already in employment on site who guidance during their apprenticeship. The award was made on July 5 were under 19 years of age and had Says Roger Acland, Commercial & and we hope to publish a photo achieved a certain education level. Administrative Training Co-ordinator: of the presentation later.

4 CONTINUITY PEOPLE This year four Long Service Association members reached 'silver jubilee' time in their service — Vic Buhlmann (Component Production), Jeff James (RX

Cinderford), Jeff Kew (Engineering) Above: Obviously the turkey and Tommy Knight (Receiving went down well at this table. Inspection). Right: Tommy Knight receives Director of Manufacturing Operations his 25-year award from Ron Morfee. Below, from left: The Ron Morfee presented the 25-year other 25-year men — Vic awards at the annual dinner on May 6 Buhlmann, Jeff Kew, and Jeff at the Chase Hotel, Ross-on-Wye. James who received his award Proposing the toast of the association, at a later date. Mr Morfee said that it was the long- serving employees who were responsible for maintaining continuity in the Company; their fund of experience represented a valuable asset. LSA president Bernard Smith proposed the toast to the guests and Lionel Lyes, Director of Personnel, Manufacturing Group, replied on their behalf. They included Vi Holder, Group LSA and 25-Year Club secretary, and representatives from Rank Xerox, Welwyn Garden City; Rank Audio Visual, Brentford; Rank Taylor Hobson, Leicester; Rank Optics, Leeds; and Rank Radio International, Welcome Back dinner, there will doubtless be many Chiswick and Plymouth. ... to Des Jones who has been off more. Lucky Man sick for several months. He wishes Between January and May this year, . . . Terry Brown of Small Batch to express his appreciation to chairman Henry Phillips told us, some who won the £20 prize. colleagues and friends who rallied 70 people have been enrolled, and by round providing transport for We Missed You the end of the year total membership himself and his wife Eugenie, and . . . LSA secretary Valerie Cleal, who will be around the 400 mark. demonstrating their skills in his garden I underwent an 'engineering job' on As from January 1978, the some troublesome spinal discs and will The 400 Mark qualifying period for membership not be back for some months — she There were just over 300 at this year's will be upped from 15 to 20 years. has our best wishes. event; next year, the 25th anniversary

Kathleen Darby of BBC TV and is SERVICE AWARDS hoping some may be used in a The following have been awarded series towards the end of the year. Rank Xerox emblems for 20 or more MEMORY MAN years service: Max started work with the Gaumont Laurence Miller, better known as Company in 1928 and had many 30 Years Max, is a retiring type. But that details and photographs of their old Stan Wheeler, Engineering (June). doesn't mean he hasn't been getting equipment, including an around quite a bit since he retired last advertisement issued in 1912, when 20 Years year after a record 47 years with the Leon Gaumont was already showing Roger Bailey, PED (June); Mike Company. synchronised sound and colour Bullock, Lydney Assembly (June); films. Having discovered that Yvonne Jones, 9200 Assembly In a letter to Henry Phillips, Max says Gaumont Internationale (the (June); Frank Knight, Machine Shop he's been to Essex twice on his original French Gaumont company) (June); George Meek, Quality Honda to visit relatives. 'Petrol was still going strong, he sent some Assurance (July); Martin Parsloe, consumption was only one gallon of of these memorabilia to them and Machine Shop, Cinderford (July); four star for 162 miles ! Not bad, received a very friendly letter back Ted Pelham, TED (July). even for a 70cc,' he comments. enclosing a brochure marking their Max is by way of being an archivist 80th anniversary. ANY NEWS FOR VISION? and recently wrote a full-page article on his old home town of An amateur radio operator. Max says If you have, then please — Wanstead, Herts., with photographs he's brushing up his French and has let your departmental correspondent know, he took in 1920; it was published in been able to use his (basic) German or leave it at any Gate House for the local Guardian Gazette with an when speaking to Continental collection by me, or post it to me at Tree Tops, Plump Hill, invitation to write more. amateur stations from his 'bed-sitter cum workshop cum radio shack.' Mitcheldean, He also has three reels of 9-5mm cine or ring me —ext. 566 or Drybrook 542415. film (pre-1938) beirig reviewed by His call-sign is G3YGI. Myrtle Fowler, Editor

5 A WA THEBi At holidaytime, when most people's thoughts are concentrated on 'switching off, our Works Engineering Department are busy with preparations for getting 'switched on' — energy- wise. Quite apart from predictions of world shortages in years to come, there is, as everyone who pays a fuel bill must be aware, an immediate reason for being concerned about energy consumption — its soaring cost. With this trend showing every Ex-apprentice Julian Shufflebotham, who represents the Company on the Energy l\Aanagers indication of continuing, it was Group covering Gloucestershire and North Wiltshire, is A/litcheldean's Mr Energy. Here decided that major capital in No. 3 boilerhouse he showed us how the massive 8-3 million btu boilers, which keep investment on an energy cost us supplied with hot water, have been converted to natural gas. Two are ready for firing reduction programme at Mitcheldean up, a third is on standby. Looking through the burner peephole is boilerman Bill Counsel! would be justified by the pay-back. Julian Shufflebotham was appointed Energy Engineer, his brief being to survey energy use and introduce systems which would reduce costs and make for more efficient use of energy. From a detailed study of the way in which energy was being used, it became apparent that we could save up to 20 per cent in the realm of heating and lighting just by improving control, without affecting the productivity of the Plant, prejudicing safety or lowering standards of comfort. To achieve this, a mini-computer for signalling and control has been installed in No. 3 boilerhouse. Acting as a watch-dog, it is 'trained' to recognise when our electricity consumption approaches a level at which a premium is payable, and to switch off selectively when that occurs. By tailoring our energy consumption to our exact requirements, with the aid of the computer, we can help keep our energy consumption from being 'at a premium'.

Above left: In the electrical workshop Glyn Barnett wires up a local heating plant control Says Premises Manager Tony panel destined for Building 40, with the assistance of apprentice Garry Dade. Above right: Newman: 'You do not need high Prior to the natural gas conversion, the boilers had to have a 'de-coke' — hence the office temperatures when the doors sinister-looking protective gear. Energy People have NEW SAFETY STRUCTURE A new Safety organisation structure has now been agreed. The main committee consists of the chairman rCH'DOG IN (Don Elliott), secretary (John Spratley), Safety Manager (Jack Timms) plus one member from each of 14 group sub-committees representing particular areas. VLERHOUSE Each sub-committee consists of a chairman and safety representatives are locked and everyone has gone In addition to controlling about 90 of management, supervisory, technical, home. You may need more heat in per cent of the heating equipment, clerical and industrial workers, making January, less on that unexpectedly the new system will control 100 in all; the areas and the warm spring day in February, then ventilation and lighting on a time respective chairmen are as follows: extra warmth when it starts snowing basis, turning these off when buildings Group 1. RX Lydney — Ralph Zimmermann; at Easter. Recognising these needs are unoccupied and switching off 2. RX Cinderford — Ted Adams: 3 B.23 will be the job of the computer.' selectively during lunch hours. and part of 3,6 (Training) —John Eastwood; 4. B.11 and 24 — Gra/7am It will also provide closer control of our Linley; 5. B.29 — Phil Cleal; 6. B.32, 41 boiler plant. Our biggest boilers have (Production Stores, Spares Packing), now been converted to natural gas on Hereford, Northern and all auxiliary stores — an 'interruptable supply' contract Brian Barnes; 7. B.36 (IVIanufacturing area which is financially advantageous. only)—Swan Vaughan; 8. B.40/1 —Brian Should the supply be interrupted Mould; 9. B.40/2 inc. offices — Kevin for any reason, these boilers, being Horrobin; 10. B.41, 42 (Supply Centre) — dual-fired, can be switched to oil in Sfei'e Ferriman; 11. B.44, 50, 51 (Group, PED, PCD, IE) — Tony Nightingale; 12. the space of half an hour. 8.50, 51 (MIS) —John Flynn; ^2. B.3 Keeping records and giving warning 38, 50, 51 (Engineering) — Stan Wheeler; of faults are other 'tricks' our 14. B.I, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 18, 34, 49 (all watch-dog can do. If there should boiler/gate houses. Eastern Stores) — be an electrical fault, for instance, Tony Newman. an alarm is sent to the terminal To ensure everyone is kept posted located in No. 3 boilerhouse and a about safety matters, each area is to warning buzzer is sounded. At the have its own special noticeboard press of a button, the screen will show up where the fault is and exhibiting such information as indicate whether it is due to mains membership of committees, minutes Jaw-power — a possible source of energy? failure or tampering, etc., so that the of safety group meetings, and a copy problem can be dealt with effectively. of the Company policy on safety. The Health & Safety at Work Act fully For example, the warm-up period, While keeping one eye on our energy comes into force in October 1978 and programme, our ever-vigilant before people come in to work, can one of the first jobs to be tackled watch-dog will keep the other on be particularly wasteful of fuel when concerns the training of employees our fire alarm system. an unthinking time-switch is used; in the implications of the Act. our computerised system will apply The DGPs are fitted adjacent to fire John Spratley has relinquished some intelligence to the situation. alarm and sprinkler installations; responsibilities for travel to enable Sensors located on the outside they constantly scan these, and are greater involvement in the Safety (north) and inside walls of buildings scanned in turn by the processor. programme, and the increasing will record and compare temperatures; If there is an alert, a further terminal insurance involvement in connection via data gathering panels (DGPs), the located in Security HQ at Barton Hill with the Company Risk Management information will be relayed to the Gatehouse will flash lights and bleep programme. As Insurance & Safety computer and instructions sent back for attention. Officer, he reports to Jack Timms, as to when to turn on the heat. Safety & Security Manager. Before the computer's instructions By pressing a button, an officer on can activate the relevant switches, duty can call up on the screen a Derek Wintle, recently appointed they have to pass through local diagram of the building floor affected, Administrative Services Manager, plant control panels, and many of the exact zone where the fire has continues his responsibilities for these are being assembled in our broken out being easily identified. Mitcheldean-based assignees and own electrical workshop. The fire services, alerted by the usual assumes responsibilities for travel, warnings, can then be directed to catering, employee transport, Far left: Responsible for the the trouble spot with greater insurance administration and general fire alarm monitoring accuracy and minimum delay. administration. system is project engineer Steve Timms (left), seen with While this fire alarm monitoring Safe Subject Ron Bone of Honeywell during system will shortly be in operation, Health and safety at work has been the commissioning period. the energy management programme, featuring at the Salesian School, Above the junction box which being a much bigger undertaking, they are studying in Building Blaisdon, recently. will extend over four years. 41 are a data gathering panel First aider Tony Cale who takes and an intercom, unit for It will commence in the autumn classes at Blaisdon tells us that, emergency use. Left: In with Buildings 41, 40 and 36 and instead of doing senior first aid for Security HQ at Barton Hill gradually spread over the whole site. their Duke of Edinburgh award, the gatehouse, Eric Davies Departments will be advised when watches as Charlie Meek boys opted for a health and safety at they have been linked up to the system. presses a button to call up work course, and Jack Timms has a floor plan image on the In the meantime, the 'war on waste' been giving them talks, films, etc., terminal screen. must go on. on the subject.

7 ilace meeting place meeting place meeting place meeting place mee neeting place meeting place meeting place meeting place meeting plac< lace meeting place meeting place meeting place meeting place meel

As assistant secretary of the Russell Griffiths of Engineering Mitcheldean LSA, Mary Meek has has a dual vocation. been having a pretty busy time On site he is known to us as section recently. leader of Component Engineering With secretary Val Cleal out of (formerly Standards Section); but action for some months, Mary has to the people of Fownhope he is had considerable letter-writing and familiar as the Rev. Russell Griffiths, other duties to carry out in connection involved in the work and worship at with arrangements for the annual their church and its daughter dinner and the retired members' churches. outing to Burnham-on-Sea. 'But I A member of the Rank Xerox enjoy it,' she says. Christian Fellowship, Russell joined the growing ranks of the auxiliary pastoral (non-stipendiary) ministry when on June 26 in Hereford Cathedral he was ordained a deacon to serve in the Parish of Fownhope The Dutch connection is remote,' for a year, after which he hopes to says Ian Van Ryne. But it's very be ordained as a priest. likely that he's a descendant of Having been recommended for Rembrandt Van Rijn, the master training at a selection conference, painter. Russell began his studies three years Ian came to us not from the ago, spending two evenings per Netherlands but from Surrey, in week at Church House, , 1970; he joined PED, then with residential weekends and long transferred to O & M, and has just summer residential courses at been made section manager in Cropthorne, near Evesham, in order Materials & Shop Control at Lydney to achieve the same academic Refurbishing Centre. standards as those required of the Although no painter, he's currently professional cleric trained at college. preparing a masterpiece in colour. Entitled 'Fabrication', it will be a presentation in Mitcheldean church depicting the history of the village She and her husband Ken have two since Domesday times in sound and married sons. Elder son David is an light. electrical adjuster in 4000/4500 In particular Ian, doing something Assembly while ex-apprentice clever with slider/dimmers, will Royston is a production engineer — create a 'colour mosaic' of the so the family account for three of marble reredos with its life-size the 60 entries under the name 'Meek' figures, and highlight other features in Personnel Records. Which of this historic church — the aim reminds us of that popular being to arouse interest in and raise Mitcheldean joke about the meek funds for its preservation. inheriting the earth ! There will be two narrators; the Members of the former RX Dancing Collegium Musicum, and the Club, Mary and Ken have Gloucester Salvation Army Band with accumulated a dazzling array of Les McNealey (MIS), will awards, having danced their way perform while John Ralph (also MIS) through bronze, silver and gold will contribute mediaeval instrument medals and via bars and stars to a effects. cup for ballroom dancing. The church bells, under the captaincy They have just a few more stars to The building up within dioceses of of Alan Paton (PED), will 'ring up collect before they win a cup for an ordained ministry in which both the curtain' on the presentation on Latin American style as well, and kinds of priest — full-time paid and September 24. they regularly attend classes in part-time non-stipendiary — will lan's most recent experience in Gloucester to perfect their art. work together is being encouraged stage-managing has included two Mary's other hobby is dress-making. by church leaders. Gloucester Operatic & Dramatic 'But as we don't go in for shows, the Ross & Archenfield To such a partnership, committed competition work, I don't have to Pageant, and Mitcheldean School's lay people can bring the benefits of get involved in sewing through Jubilee Concert. 'But I never appear experience in industry and other clouds of tulle I' on stage unless heavily disguised,' he spheres of work. says, being essentially a behind-the- Says Russell: 'I think the traditional scenes man. form of full-time ministry in the Incidentally, his wife Rosemary is Church of will gradually editor of Mitcheldean's parish change over the next 20 years — magazine, with Ian in charge of we are now seeing the beginnings copying and distribution. of a trend away from the established concepts.'

8 A Heartwarming Event The Reunion Luncheons held every spring for our pensioners are heart• warming affairs, and the 120 who came along to this year's event on May 14 really enjoyed themselves.

After an excellent three-course luncheon. Director of Manufacturing Operations Ron Morfee gave the visitors a brief sketch of our activities over the past year.

'The 9200 is becoming a great success with customers,' he said. 'We have a steady level of production and we shall be taking on more people to help us to increase output. Quality and reliability of our machines, which are now very good indeed, are vital in the fight against competition.'

Ray Davies thanked the Company on Enjoying the get-together in the Social Centre. behalf of the guests; they included Pensions Manager Alan Chapman Date in Tunisia and the town of Sidi-bou-Said and and his team who helped to settle Some of our pensioners made sure saw some very wonderful scenery. pensioners' problems on the spot. that they got a good start to the 'Transport to and from the airport summer of 1977. In March a party After lunch there was music for was supplied by the Company and of 18 left for a month's holiday in dancing, and singing, in the ballroom. we are very grateful to them for this.' Tunisia. Jack Benbow added a topical touch A spring holiday in Spain is now by playing the waltz from the Jubilee Writes Bill Jones, who helped being planned for 1978 and anyone Suite he has composed for silver organise the trip: 'It was a first- interested is asked to get in touch band. 'It's had a first performance by class holiday and everyone enjoyed with Bill (Ross 3078) or Taffy Gloucester Salvation Army Band,' themselves. We visited Tunis, the Morgan, 57 Parks Road, Mitcheldean. he told us. capital, the Roman ruins at Carthage

He and his wife, Rosemary, daughter Neil Plays for NY State of Harcourt Davies in Finance, Not an emigrant, but an assignee emigrated to Sydney, Australia, last now in his second year with Xerox EMIGRATING May. Paul returned to the motor Corporation, Webster, production trade in which he served his engineer Neil Jones has been taking apprenticeship, while Rosemary has his liaison duties very seriously. become secretary to the Sydney One-time captain of Cinderford XEROX-WISE District Manager in Rank Xerox RFC, for whom he has played for Australia. George Sologub came to this country some 14 years, Neil joined Rochester from Poland during the war. An She celebrated her 21st birthday out Ardvaks, the local American side, in ex-RAF pilot officer, he works in there and has been made to feel March this year and made the Quality Assurance and has been with very welcome. First hand news of 1st XV. He played when Rochester us 20 years. He and his wife Joan her was brought over by Dick Kaye won the Upstate Spring Knockout (Production Planning & Control) when he paid a recent visit to Tournament in which 28 teams took have three sons, all of whom were Mitcheldean. part. employed at Mitcheldean at one His performances for Rochester time. Two other emigrants — Jim Mackin resulted in his selection for the Full Jan, the eldest, is still with us — and John Cresswell, both of Quality New York State XV and he played working in Small Batch. But last Engineering — have found employment for them against the Niagara RF year Erik left PED to emigrate to with Xerox Canada at Missisauga, Union at Buffalo (unfortunately the South Africa, and now Paul, who Ontario, where Jim is a QC engineer game was lost 20 points to 10). was in PCD, has gone 'down under'. and John an assembler/tester. Neil, who is the son of supervisor Ralph Jones of Central Records, reports that 'the game is not as hard as Forest Rugby but the Americans are improving all the time 1'

Far left: George and Joan Sologub with Jan, the eldest of their three sons. They also have a married daughter. Left: Neil Jones, battle-stained after a game of Rugby American-style. Above: The new football champs. The Ardrionians, smile for the camera, despite a cutting North wind. Above right: Before the game, the team of hopeful PED Crusaders with referee Dave l\/larkey and linesmen Keith Ward and Tony Prothero. Right: Don Elliott presents captain John Parsons with the winners' trophy. Far right: Dave takes the opportunity to drive home a point to some of those who recently passed the referees' exam after a lunchtime course under his instruction.

Football Final The final of the Interdepartmental Football Competition, in which 17 teams took part, provided a close SP®RTS & S&CIAL CLUB and exciting match on May 16 at Harrow Hill.

The first goal was scored by Lloyd the men get the effect of an opposing 7th and a portrait session on the Gill of PED Crusaders after about 15 tug of war team. 21st. A cine night is fixed for minutes. It looked as if this would October 5, while on the 19th there be the score at half-time but Terry Led by Dave Whitfield of Group is 'preparation of club calendar and Hook netted for the Ardrionians with Quality Assurance, these men are competition'. The Ross v. RX Club about five minutes to go. members of the latest section to battle is on November 2 with a press become affiliated to the club. Dave's In the second half, it was Terry who evening on the 16th. This year's brother Bill (PED) is in the team put 'Ardri' ahead after his brother events finish with 'preparation of too, and Ted Davis of Reliability is 'Hammer' Hook headed the ball on exhibition of club work and their coach. from a corner. Straight away. competition' — 1978 details we'll Crusaders equalised with a goal by Tug of war is one sport of which the comment on later. Tony Tovey. Just when it seemed British are currently champions; it is To quote the June newsletter, 'for certain that extra time would have played under AAA rules and may be reasons only known to a select few to be played, Terry scored his third included in the next International million Chinese, the subjects for the goal — with two minutes to go. Qlympics, says Dave. 'It's good exercise — and good entertainment — competitions are nearly the same for Works Manager Don Elliott kindly and it has the advantage of being an both slides and black & white'. presented the prizes and medals to all-year-round sport. You can players and officials. Thanks are also 'Kids' (the children sort) and 'Four practise indoors on rubber matting.' due to the local clubs, and Harrow best' feature in both types of Hill FC in particular, for allowing us Having enjoyed taking part in a competition ; the other two slide the use of their facilities. tug of war at a Ruardean fete two classes are 'Against the light' and 'The seasons' while in b & w there Dave Markey years ago, he got a team together and they have already won trophies, not are 'In the rain' and 'Photo• journalism' (this latter sounds The Teams to mention 10 gallons of cider and five gallons of beer. interesting I) Ardrionians: Clive Barnett, Mike Clark, Richard Cooke, Dave Elsmore, 'Hammer' If you are tempted to become a Hook, Terry Hook, John Parsons (capt.), member, and Dave hopes you will Bra & Panties are Tops Dave Roberts, Gary Sleeman, Dave Tyler be, contact him on ext. 1886. He The day before the Interdepartmental Dave Walding. Subs: Paul McBride, also plans to start a women's side. Brian Joyce. Finals, Harrow Hill was the scene of a Supply Centre Round Robin Football PED Crusaders: Phil Bowdler, Gordon New Photo Image Tournament in which three teams Davis, Steve Davis, Lloyd Gill, Peter Hughes, under the names of IDC Athletico, John Jeffs, Keith Marfell, John Sparks, The RX Amateur Photographic Club Tony Tovey (capt.), Roger Trigg, Peter is projecting a new, and lively, image RX Management and Bra & Panties Walby. Subs: Kenny Johnson, Derek Trigg. and the preview of their proposed participated. programme for 1977/78 sounds The Bra & Panties eleven won 4 All Pull Together promising. points to IDC's 2 and MGT's 0; Twice a week, on Tuesdays and They're kicking off with an outing whether this was due to better play, Sundays, a group of men meet by an on August 21 to Lacock Abbey gallantry on the part of the male ash tree near Newnham-on-Severn (Wiltshire) and the Fox Talbot players, or just the fact that they to hoist a deadweight up a tree. Museum — the Abbey was the home couldn't keep their eyes on the ball of William Henry Fox Talbot, pioneer we'll never know. (Who was that It's not a hanging though. The of photography, and the museum is character who went 'bird' watching ?). deadweight is only a drum in a barn at the entrance gates. containing about half a ton of Anyway, it was all in a good cause — concrete; and by pulling on the September sees a demo of the Cheltenham Cobalt Unit —for rope, via a pulley fixed to a branch. equipment and improvisation on the which a net total of £50 was raised.

10 Left: Time to smile for the Brandy Snaps — winners three times over of the ladies skittles tournament— who were delighted with their individual prizes of travelling clocks. Right: Their worthy opponents, defeated but not downhearted — the Seven it Fours, captained by Jean Downing. Photos: j. Ingram

They've done it again ! (67,75), John Miles (74,67) and At the halfway stage, the Order of Twice winners and once runners-up Danny Haines (70,77) —who won Merit is headed by Dave Robinson, in the past three ladies' skittles by five strokes with 279 aggregate. 39 merit points, closely followed by Rich Matthews 35, Johnny Cash 33, tournaments, the girls of 660 The runners-up had to be decided and John Miles and John Spratley Assembly (now back at Mitcheldean by a tie break when Group Mfg and with 28 apiece. from Lydney) won the contest for Design Jaygees tied with 284. the third time on June 18. Group Mfg with Johnny Cash At the time of going to press, the Playing under the style of the (73,73), Eric Moore (75,72) and outing to Knowie was next on the Brandy Snaps and captained by Rich Matthews (73,66) just edged list, with Burford and Cirencester to Myrtle Savile, they beat the Seven & out Design Jaygees with Harold follow. Fours (representing 7000 and 4000 Gardiner (71,68), John Jones Alistair Caldwell departments) by 17 pins (272:255). (73,77) and Graham Gardner (74,72). Highest scorer in the tournament — Paint for the Clubhouse which attracted 14 teams — was Individual prizes were taken by The art competition is to happen Myrtle Rosser with 47. Tony Knight (67), John Spratley around mid-November, John (68), John Sawyer (70) and Apart from being rated 'the best Johnson tells us. Among the entries, Maurice Pask (70) in the morning, ladies' final ever', it was the last to the committee hope to find and Rich Matthews (66), John Miles be played in the existing club house. paintings suitable to purchase for (67), Harold Gardiner (68) and Said club chairman Tony Haynes the new club premises so bear this Nigel Bayliss (68) in the afternoon. who presented the awards: 'Next in mind, all you artists, when In weather more reminiscent of year we will be in the new club choosing the theme for your oil or Spain than South Wales, 30 golfers premises for the final and I hope water-colour masterpiece. made the trip to Newport to play at there will be as many if not more Rogerstone GS on June 2. This par teams taking part.' 72 course proved to be a much Sharing the Honours As well as the silver cups, there were greater test of golfing skills, with the Last year's double champion in the travelling clocks for the individual 'rough' taking a heavy toll. billiards and snooker tournament. players in the winning team and The morning medal round was won Bob Howells of Reliability had to rose-bowls for the runners-up. Pots by Dave Robinson with a superb 69, defend both titles this year against of chrysanthemums were presented followed by Ian Campbell, 73, and finalist Bill Dobbs of Production to 'Mrs Tony' and Nancy Beard, and Danny Haines, 77. The stableford Planning & Control. warm thanks tendered to organiser in the afternoon was shared by Dave On May 19 Bill became the new Cyril Beard, and the stickers-up Robinson and Dave Roberts with snooker champion, but Bob retained for their part in a very successful 33 pts. his billiards title after a very close event. match on June 22. Runners up were Johnny Cash, Bob Howells, John Jones and Hugh The two tournaments attracted 85 Stop press — The final of the men's Colby with 32 pts. Dave Robinson entries. Says organiser Barry Barton : skittles tournament held on July 9, cleared the board by taking the £5 'The standard of play has improved was won by Tool Room playing voucher on the day. considerably since last year.' against Freddie & the Dreamers of RX Cinderford. Pictures next issue. Bill Dobbs breaks off in the final of the snooker tournament in which his opponent was Bob Howells (far left). Scores of golfers On May 16, 15 teams comprising three golfers each were joined by five guests for the second RX Golf Society outing to Hereford GC. The prize on this occasion was the Interdepartmental Cup, decided over two medal rounds, with the best two from three cards counting in morning and afternoon.

Some fine golf was played in rather cool, windy conditions in the morning with several players returning scores better than par for the course. With the sun breaking through in the afternoon, many golfers were spurred on to better things.

The cup winners, as you will see from our cover picture, were the PED Electronics team —Tony Knight

11 Silver Wedding Congratulations to Des Haines (joint supervisor, N/C Machine Shop) and his wife Edie who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on July 26.

Births Emma-Jane, a daughter for Trevor Bullock (9200 Assembly) and his wife Barbara, on April 1. Kate Louise, a daughter for Kevin Horrobin (Manager 4000 Family Assembly) and his wife Margaret, formerly secretary to Ted Sage (Manager 9200 Family Assembly), on April 2. Photos: J. Ingram Sarah Louise, a daughter for Brian Susan Hughes (Stock Control) and Geraldine Nicholson (Finance) and Whittington (RX Cinderford) and his wife Ian Bamford married at Christchurch Church Garry Ellis (Tool Room) whose wedding Jenny, on June 14. on June 18. took place at Lydbrook Church on June 11. Retirements Splendid Effort Dave Bale Appeal Our best wishes to the following who Medical Department's jumble sale and retire this July — Jack Minton (Reliability) The committee of the Dave Bale Appeal draw last March raised a handsome £442 who started with us in May 1971 ; George Fund would like to thank everyone who for the Cheltenham Cobalt Unit. Cullis (Tool Inspection), who has been contributed ; the amount collected was £106. with us since September 1969. Obituary We regret to report the death of Andrew Dowding Memorial Award CAR POOL Charles Freeman on May 29 at the age of 57; Our deepest apologies to the family of the Would anyone travelling from Hereford and he worked in the Machine Shop and had late Andrew Dowding for our double error wishing to offer lift to paying passenger been with us for nine years. We extend our in reference to the Memorial Award only, please ring Marie Hall on ext. 572. sympathy to his family. created in his name.

Bunk beds, spring interior mattresses £40. Raleigh Chopper bike, £35. No offers. Aladdin paraffin heater, £10. Electrolux 302 Drybrook 542059 afternoons. (cylinder) cleaner with tools, £20. Studio Qualcast Panther electric lawnmower, 14in. HOME MARKET couch, makes up into single bed — good blades, plus accessories, as new, £30. When sending in items please give your home wanted. 103 Gloucester Rd, Coleford, Ext. 1894. extension number and/or department to ensure or Coleford 2347. inclusion Oualcast Concorde electric lawnmower, Wanted For Sale very good working order, £14. N. Taylor Building materials of all descriptions. Portable 8-track stereo, as new, £30 o.n.o. ext. 1258. Ext. 651 or Drybrook 543259 evgs. Jackson tumble-drier, £35 o.n.o. Oil-filled Mothercare carrycot, brown, good as new, Child's garden swing. Nora Powell, ext. 1103. radiator with th'stat, £15 o.n.o. Ext. 651 or £7-50. Hotpoint Supermatic twin-tub Blackboard and easel. Gary Knight, Drybrook 543259 evgs. washing m/e, 3 yrs old, good condition, Apprentice School, or Drybrook 542784. Tuning parts for Rootes Series III, IV & £45. Pete Barton, ext 996 or Coleford 2708. For motor caravan conversion — camping Super Minx range; stage I cast iron Mitcheldean — 3 bedroomed detached cooker (2 burners and grill) plus any other cylinder head, skimmed and chambers house, fully fitted kitchen, fitted carpets, caravan furniture upholstery, fittings, etc. balanced (also suitable for Arrow range) garage, established garden, £11,500, offers. D. Stephens, RXC 19-10. £15; water-heated alloy inlet manifold to Radiomobile 8-track car player— negative Single bed. Graham Perkins, ext. 1334. take Weber 28/36, £10; large bore cast iron earth £30 o.n.o.; also selection of 8 track exhaust manifold and down pipe, £5. Washboard for Bream senior citizens' group. tapes, half price, list available. Ext. 1801. K. D. Williams, ext. 855 or Lydney 2316. Will collect. Eva Thomas, Whitecroft 562880. Hoover washing machine, single tub, only Lady's cycle. Ext. 275. Honda C50 motorcycle, 12mths test, used twice, £70. Valerie Bullock, ext. 331 excellent condition, £65. Small reliable car, any model. Ext. 472. or Drybrook 542211 after 8pm. R. F. Wright, ext. 996. To Let AM/FM receiver (tuner-l-amplifier) 2 x 16W, Sling — detached brick-built house, National Panasonic SA 5110 still under conservatory lounge, kitchen/diner, two Fownhope area — unfurnished detached guarantee, £75. A. Kitcheman, ext. 1395. large bedrooms, approx. \e mature chalet bungalow, 3/4 bedrooms, rent gardens, fruit trees, £11,250 o.n.o. exclusive £18 pw. Don McCall, ext. 912 Double divan bed 4ft 6in. x 6ft 6in. complete R. R. Gibbard, ext. 903. or Ross-on-Wye 4693. with headboard, £18. Hand sewing machine (Singer) with case, £12. M. Walker, ext. 646.

Philips 19in. b & w TV, 4 yrs old, good working order, £25. Mrs B. Ingmire, ext. 584. Barbie doll, good condition, plus accessories inc. several wigs and clothes, £2 o.n.o. M. Fowler, ext. 566 or Drybrook 54241 5 evgs.

Cinderford area — superior bungalow complete with large attractive garden, etc., and self-contained utility room or flat. 22379 or ext. 436/294.

Mothercare cot, reversible mattress, cot bumpers and bedclothes, excellent condition, £20; also high chair, converts to swing and safe sitter, £6. Mrs J. Knapper, ext. 355 or Drybrook 542916.

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