REN JAN 07X 3/15/07 8:53 AM Page 1

REN JAN 07x 3/15/07 8:53 AM Page 1

Retired Employees’ News PRODUCED ON BEHALF OF THE JOHN LAING CHARITABLE TRUST SPRING 2007

PHOTO RESULTS Centre-page pullll out wiith the photo competiitiion resullts

CHRIISTMAS OUTIINGS Words and piictures from every cllub event around the country

LATEST NEWS IIt’s busiiness as usuall pllus the llatest contract detaiills and new projects

WEDDIING PAGES Words and piictures as we cellebrate the Gollden and Diiamond anniiversariies REN JAN 07x 3/15/07 8:54 AM Page 2

DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: APRIL 30, 2007

CONTENTS Main news stories 3 All the latest Company news Roads news 4 Please address news Details of road works at home and abroad stories/queries to: Retirement Media Laing in Canada 5 Edward House Group acquires Health assets across the Atlantic Edward Road Bedford Health News 6 Beds, MK42 9DR Excellcare and LIFT projects Group News 7 Tel: 01234 360940 Infrastructure news including MoD contract Mob: 07774 259542 www.retirementmedia.com Team Spirit archive 8-10 Email: News from 10, 25 and 50 years ago [email protected] Retirees’ Photo Competition 11-14 Please address other Pull out section of winners and runners up correspondence to: John Laing Welfare Club news and outings introduction 15 Department The contact details and news from local clubs 33 Bunns Lane London NW7 2DX Christmas Luncheons 16-23 Tel: 020 8959 9013 Words and pictures from all the events Wedding Anniversaries 24-25 Golden and Diamond celebrations COVER PHOTO: The Barbican Extra Company and Welfare News 26 Centre in London opened by the Financial and other help keeping warm this winter Queen. See the Team Spirit archives on page 9. Listings 27 The Laing name continues in perpetuity LAING is such an integral part of construction. tinues and is still involved in cre- UK history that its name crops up Having said that there are ating exciting new projects. The time and again on the news as always a few classic stories which Company called Laing, that you major feats of construction in this cannot go untold, like the airport worked for, is alive and well, country celebrate anniversaries. project where a mobile crane largely thanks to your efforts and In the past few months the built a terminal around itself and is still a leader in its market. Second Severn Crossing and the then could not get out. Talking about moving on, I have new town of Milton Keynes each Anyway, times change and com- to tell you about a man and wife marked 40 years since they were panies evolve. The world’s oldest who went out for a meal together built, with Laing as the main con- company was Kong Gumi Co. Ltd, in a restaurant. The husband kept tractor. See the article, page 26. a Japanese construction company looking over nervously at a It is partly for this reason that which had been trading continu- woman on the far side of the the British Film Institute has been ously for 1,400 years before restaurant who was very drunk. keen to integrate Laing’s many going into receivership in January The wife asked why he kept films into the National Film last year. Their assets were looking and the husband said: Archive, a process which is now bought up by the Takamatsu “That woman used to be my girl- on-going. Corporation who specialise in friend before you and I met. Since Despite the scale, significance leasing condominiums. Virtually I dumped her seven years ago, she has never been sober.” and workmanship on Laing’s proj- all trace of the ancient builders ects, most retirees I speak with have gone. There was no deal or The wife replied: “Who’d think are more enthused by stories of handing over of the baton, the she would still be celebrating camaraderie and the Laing family centuries-old name is gone. after seven years.” spirit than the nuts and bolts of The Laing name, however, con- Alex Finkenrath REN JAN 07x 3/15/07 8:54 AM Page 3

NEWS Laing carries on as usual IT is business as usual for John the public sector and rail infra- Laing following the successful structure. By utilising the team’s change of ownership in specialist skills in property devel- December. opment for further education col- The £1,004 million sale to leges and rail-related commercial Henderson Infrastructure Holdco mixed-use schemes, they are able ltd (HIH) was concluded in to help the funding model for December 2006 and cheques these projects. were sent out to Laing sharehold- The Company is also expanding ers in early January. HIH is com- abroad with big roads projects in mitted to Laing retirees and have Norway, Finland and Poland and no plans to change support given targeting new contracts in central by the Company. Europe, Canada and the US. HIH paid 405 pence per ordinary The Group designs, builds, share and 138 pence per prefer- funds and operates projects over ence share. They first submitted a long concession periods, the early bid last summer. This prompted a ADRIAN EWER – managing director repayments from clients covering higher bid by another company – the investment cost to the Allianz – before HIH topped the Company and its partners. As bidding at over £1bn. private partnerships in the UK these costs are paid the streams HIH is a fund, managed by and around the world. It is the of revenue become profitable. Henderson Equity Partners, part only UK listed company whose Adrian Ewer, managing director of Henderson Group plc who core business is focused entirely of John Laing said: “The Company bring together experienced upon the development of PFI/PPP is in a strong position and we plan investors specialising in: Asian projects and operations. The to build on its success. The sale private equity, Infrastructure and Group currently invests in a total will not affect the way we do busi- Fund of Funds (a managed fund of 50 projects in sectors includ- ness or how we look after our portfolio). ing education, health, roads and retirees.” The purchase has substantially rail. The Company’s main Board will bolstered HIH’s Infrastructure. John Laing Projects & remain the same, the only differ- The Board has steered John Laing Developments, a new business ence being to the three non-exec- to being the UK’s leading project formed last year, focuses on utive directors who will be developer and investor in public property development involving replaced by HIH directors. Engineers’ dinner booking ahead Trust seals film deal THE annual Laing Engineers’ FILMS from the Laing archive are to the John Laing Charitable Trust and Architects’ reunion lunch be preserved for posterity as part said: “The Trust was keen for the took place again this year at of the National Film Archive. films to be preserved by experts the Sports Club in Rowley Lane The hundreds of film reels, some and still accessible to people who on Thursday 15th March 2007, dating back to the 1920s, will be find them interesting. The BFI has at 12 noon with a buffet lunch carefully archived and preserved the perfect facilities for preserving at 12.30pm. by the British Film Institute (BFI). these films and will hopefully also We hope to have photos from The BFI is also rendering some of ensure a wider audience by incor- the event in our next issue. the films to DVD so that they can porating them into the National If you feel you missed out and be easily viewed. Film Archive. want to book ahead for next Expert assessors say that it is a As well as providing copies on year, contact Ian Jarvis, ‘significant’ historical film record DVD, there are plans for a presen- Tel: 01954 203 689 as it covers so many years and tation evening to launch the addi- [email protected] important projects. tion of the films to the archive in Michael Hamilton, secretary of 2008.

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INFRASTRUCTURE

NEWS UPDATE

* Street Lighting – The Walsall Street Lighting project recently received a commendation in the 2006 Annual Public Service Excellence Awards. * Netherlands – Laing has prequalified for the Kromhaut Barracks project and submitted prequalification documents for the Groningen tax office project. Partners on both projects are the Dutch contractors Strukton and Ballast Nedam. * Germany – JLI has successfully prequalified for the A1 project in Germany. The consortium will be JLI/Bilfinger Berger with an equal 42.5% equity stake and Johann Bunte (medium sized con- tractor) with the balancing 15%. JLI is also currently bidding on the A4 and A5 Peter Couldery of John Laing Infrastructure (centre) with Aulis road projects. Nironen of the Finnish Road Administration and Perttu Puro, * USA – JLI has prequalified for a project Secretary of State, kick off the taring ceremony in Colorado USA, as one of 11 bidders shortlisted by the Northwest Parkway Public Highway Authority (NWPPHA) in Colorado, USA. The authority is looking for a long-term private partner to pro- Tar very much vide long-term finance and operate the existing US$416 million Northwest ON 18 October, a ‘tunnel tar- well, and the people involved Parkway toll road to the east side of ing’ celebration was held on in the E18 project gathered for Denver. the E18 Muurla-Lohja motor- the celebration at the NWPPHA had been studying a refinanc- way project in Finland. It has Lakiamäki tunnel, the first tun- ing of the project’s debt because of dis- been a tradition that once tunnel that was blasted through. appointing early traffic and revenue in nel blasting is completed peo- The road in southern Finland the third year of operation. This oppor- ple are invited to spread tar on is working to programme and tunity will increase JLI’s understanding the bottom of the tunnel for 40% complete, with 49% of of the US market for PPP roads. water insulation and to cele- tunnel blasting done. * Canada – JLI has entered into a joint brate completion of the work. The evening ceremony ended venture with Bilfinger Berger BOT The tradition is still alive and with the Stardust dancers. Canada to bid for PPP accommodation projects in British Columbia and Ontario. E18 PROJECT FACT-FILE: Singapore Stadium – John Laing * * The project already employs nearly 700 people Infrastructure has been invited to join * Approximately 50,000 tonnes (2,500 truckloads) of stone the Singapore Gold Consortium led by and soil is being moved on the site each day - most of this Macquarie Bank as co-sponsor to bid rock and soil will be used in road construction and land- the Singapore Sports Hub PPP. JLI is scaping * A total of 51 kilometres of motorway is to be constructed, waiting for the Singapore Sports council including 76 bridges and seven motorway tunnels to sanction involvement. This will be a * The total length of the tunnels is 5.2 kilometres fully integrated sports, entertainment * One of the tunnels, the Karnainen tunnel, will be the and lifestyle hub for the Singapore pub- longest highway tunnel in Finland, totalling 2.2 kilometres lic, and a unique cluster development of * Approximately 6 million cubic metres of soil and rock mass have been moved world-class sports facilities. The 35- * There are 34 bridges under construction, 19 of which hectare development is located next to already have decks cast the city and will be connected to the * The road will be opened to traffic in November 2008, after Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network and which the entire route from Turku to Helsinki will be a major expressways. motorway

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INFRASTRUCTURE John Laing to acquire first Canadian healthcare assets JOHN LAING has reached agree- long-term facilities management of ment with Macquarie Group to buy these two projects into the hands its shares in two companies formed of John Laing.. to design, build, finance and man- Under the project agreements, age substantial healthcare facilities which remain in place, both the in British Columbia, Canada under construction process and the ongo- 30-year concessions. ing facility management operations Under the agreement John Laing will continue to be delivered by the Infrastructure will buy: existing contractors. John Laing • Access Health Abbotsford (AHA), will supervise the construction the company selected to design, process and property manage- build, finance and manage the new ment. Healthcare operations are C$355 million Abbotsford Regional not affected because they are not Hospital and Cancer Centre included in these agreements. • Access Health Vancouver (AHV), the company selected to design, Derek Potts, Managing Director of Background on AHA and AHV build, finance and maintain the John Laing Infrastructure C$95 million Gordon and Leslie AHA and AHV were established Diamond Health Care Centre at our business in sectors where we to deliver cost savings and inno- Vancouver General Hospital. have substantial, existing knowl- vation in design, construction These two investments are John edge. and property management of the Laing’s first in the Canadian mar- “We see many opportunities in two new healthcare facilities. ket. both Canada and the United States AHA was recognised for its inno- Derek Potts, Managing Director of to bring our expertise to bear and vation in 2005 when the John Laing Infrastructure said: “We we are actively bidding for a num- Abbotsford Regional Hospital are delighted to have made this ber of projects in the infrastructure and Cancer Centre project was first significant acquisition in the and social infrastructure fields.” named the North American Canadian healthcare infrastructure The transfer of ownership will Public Private Partnership Deal of market. It is firmly in line with our consolidate responsibility for the the Year by Project Finance mag- stated strategy to internationalise completion of construction and the azine. John Laing consortium plans to sort out Manchester’s waste THE Greater Manchester Waste materials recycling and recovery and and composting plants, a new and Disposal Authority (GMWDA) has radically reducing the proportion of an existing thermal recovery facility, confirmed the Viridor Waste waste sent to landfill. transfer loading stations and house- Management and John Laing GMWDA currently operates and hold waste recycling centres, as well Infrastructure consortium as pre- manages the UK’s largest waste as the provision of landfill disposal ferred bidder on a £300m project in management contract, covering the capacity for treated residues. the city. recycling and disposal of waste from Detailed negotiations now com- The Private Finance Initiative (PFI) across the Greater Manchester area mence with a view to the contract contract is to deliver long-term and dealing with over 1.4m tonnes being finalised in May 2007. waste management in Greater of municipal waste each year. Alan Hogg, John Laing Manchester and is the largest inte- Viridor/Laing’s proposals provide Infrastructure Director said: “This grated waste management contract options for the provision, redevelop- shows that the partnership between in the UK. ment, refurbishment, operation and Viridor and Laing is working suc- The Viridor/ Laing consortium pro- maintenance of a number of essen- cessfully and we are pleased to see posals will assist GMWDA with their tial facilities. These include: materi- that there is an important role for obligations under the EU Landfill als recycling facilities, private investment in the waste sec- Directive, achieving high levels of mechanical/biological treatment tor.” 5 REN JAN 07x 3/15/07 8:54 AM Page 6

HEALTH Going up…Laing’s LIFT projects EXCELLCARE and its six Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) Companies, have celebrated a number of milestones recently. ExcellCare is a joint venture between John Laing Social Infrastructure and Bank of Scotland to invest in the Government’s LIFT scheme, a major initiative designed to stim- ulate investment in local primary and social care facilities. MaST (Manchester, Salford and Trafford) LIFT company reached financial close on two prestigious NHS primary care and local authority buildings in Salford, Currie favour: Edwina Currie, trustee of the Patients worth £29m. The Southern Derbyshire LIFT Association, is shown around Swadlincote primary care centre company saw its £9m Long Eaton by Southern Derbyshire LIFTCo’s Steve Maleham health centre, one of their flag- ship schemes, officially opened Mayor of Sandwell. Health minis- final go ahead. The team reached by Erewash MP Liz Blackman. It ter Lord Warner of Brockley financial close of the £12.8m also welcomed trustee of the praised its Birmingham Road Charnwood scheme, it’s largest Patients Association Edwina development at a national NHS to date in the area. Another of its Currie to its new Swadlincote pri- LIFT conference last month. The buildings, a new £2.6m medical mary care centre. Ms Currie health centre was among three centre for the city’s Humberstone returned to her former con- highlighted as providing not only area, was ‘topped out’ recently. stituency for a fact-finding tour of GP surgeries but also primary Leicester LIFT Company’s chair- the £4.7m facility, which is due to care services formerly provided in man Stephen Woolfe and Patricia open to the public soon. the local acute hospital. Mansfield, Leicester City Primary Sandwell LIFT Company’s £2.5m Leicester LIFT company’s latest Care Trust’s vice-chair got their Yew Tree healthy living centre state-of-the-art health and social hands dirty laying the last brick was officially opened by the care centre has been given the on the roof of the new facility. MORE LAING HEALTH NEWS JOHN LAING APPOINTED adults with mental illness ranging tor awarded Octagon, the consor- PREFERRED BIDDER FOR TEES, from dementia to eating disorders. tium behind the Norfolk & Norwich ESK AND WEAR MENTAL HEALTH Peter Ward, Director of Healthcare Hospital, along with the Trust and FACILITY said: “The trust wants to deliver a FM provider Serco the prize for The Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS huge range of services on the same ‘Partners in Sustainability’ in Trust has confirmed that it propos- site; our design will offer welcom- November. In order to beat the es to appoint John Laing as ing, non-institutional environments other finalists in this category, Preferred Bidder for their ‘Ad>ance’ to patients with widely differing which included Carillion and Mitie, project to improve mental health needs, and help destigmatise men- the group had to demonstrate how services across North Yorkshire, tal healthcare “. Laing O’Rourke will occupiers, building professionals Cleveland and Durham. The scheme build the new facilities, and Equion and specialist suppliers work calls for the construction and oper- FM will operate them. together to develop sustainable ation of a 300-bed inpatient mental workplace strategies extending health facility with everything from SUSTAINABLE AWARD FOR from building design through recy- secure accommodation for patients NORFOLK & NORWICH cling and energy reduction, to with forensic mental health com- PFM organisers of the PFM awards green transport strategies and plaints or learning disabilities, to for the facilities management sec- waste management.

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INFRASTRUCTURE

On course for college LAING has won the Hastings & Rother College project to provide two new state-of-the-art college buildings. On the Station Plaza site John Laing will create a 21st Century centre of vocational and aca- demic learning, combined with 103 residential apartments and extensive underground parking. The site also offers a potential development opportunity with Artist’s impression of the new defence site the Strategic Health Authority to create a primary care centre. At Ore Valley a technology centre, incorporating engineering and construction work- All MoD cons shops, will offer students and businesses access to a range of best in class facilities. In addi- THE Inteq joint-venture between antee flexibility. It was a require- tion, John Laing is purchasing John Laing and Interserve has ment of the bid for the Laing joint the college’s three existing sites been appointed preferred bidder venture to demonstrate full under- which it will develop as residen- for the £800 million Corsham standing of the need to constantly tial developments, and provid- Development Project, that will pro- evolve and ensure the best possi- ing bridging funding to help vide state-of-the art facilities to ble working practices over time fund the construction of the the DCSA (Defence plus ‘future-proofing’ to ensure new facilities. Communication Services Agency) the new buildings can adapt and at Corsham. expand. John Laing has entered into a Financial close for the 25-year PFI A spokesman said: “The office joint-venture with housebuilder deal is anticipated for the end of complex comprises four modular Gladedale to develop the resi- 2007, with all major building work office units linked along an internal dential apartments. due to be completed by 2010. The ‘street’ and arranged in a shallow Commercial close is due in project will see cutting-edge oper- curve to follow the topography of March 2007 with financial close ational and technical support facil- the site. A crescent plan allows for to follow in June 2007. The col- ities built at Corsham, with new excellent orientation of the site, lege is due to open in and refreshed office accommoda- with ‘fingers’ of the office extend- September 2009. tion for around 2,000 staff and ing into the green spine of the Sue Middlehurst, the Principal 180 single en-suite rooms for landscape. of the college said: “These are service staff. “The project will contribute to incredibly exciting times for Corsham Town Council sustainable development by pro- everyone and I’m delighted to Chairman Allan Bosley said: “It’s viding an estate of the right size be working with John Laing to extremely good news for the and quality. Its development has deliver such major improve- town.” been directly influenced by the ments. The changes in educa- Approximately 85 Ministry of Government’s sustainability agen- tion in Hastings and Rother will Defence (MoD) posts will transfer da. As such, issues relating to the provide state-of-the-art facilities to Inteq and the DCSA has com- reduction of carbon dioxide emis- within a dynamic new college. I mitted to a smooth transition and sions, pollution, water use and look forward to September will fully support those transfer- considerate use of material and 2009 when we will welcome stu- ring. The master plan and building resources are instrumental to the dents to the new college for the designs have been tested to guar- development of the site.” first time.”

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TEAM SPIRIT 50 YEARS AGO – 1957

March 1957 saw the completion of three cement silos by John Laing and Son (Rhodesia) Limited for the Chilanga Cement Works near Lusake, an interesting scheme that was the result of the rapidly rising demand for cement in Northern Rhodesia. With vast requirements for cement for the hydroelectric project at Kariba, the Chilanga Cement Company decided to install an additional kiln, which in turn Each silo above is 75 feet in height required a 4,500 tonne increase in cement storage capacity. Despite and three-storey reinforced concrete rigid specifications and a 139-day column and beam construction. completion deadline, careful pro- gramming meant that the work on The Company was fortunate enough site was completed four weeks to be awarded the contract for the restoration of Carlisle cathedral. under the allowed contract time. This cathedral, although not among the greatest of the English cathe- Work began on the £1 million facto- drals, has some points of outstand- ry at Fawdon, Newcastle for ing architectural interest; perhaps Rowntree Limited, designed for the BC Electric Head Office Building the most important part of the con- manufacture of table jellies and tract was to be the restoration of the pastilles. The building had a ground famous east end of the cathedral The extension the Bridgetown floor area of almost six acres (com- with its acknowledged medieval Miners’ Hostel at Cannock (which prised of three different types of masterpiece, the great east window. had commenced in January) proved construction within one building) another impressively speedy project that in length measured almost a Described as ‘one of tomorrow’s tall for Laing. Planning was an impor- quarter of a mile. The factory com- buildings’ the tremendous speed of tant factor in the completion of this prised three types of construction – construction of the 21-storey Head contract on time within it’s very single storey north light shell roof, Office building for the BC Electric tight schedule, yet within the 12 three-storey steel frame structure, Company caused a sensation in week programme an attractive Vancouver. The $6 million contract extension for 300 men was con- 1 had been secured by the Company structed on a site where deep cuts in the face of strong competition had to be made into the hillside and and the completion of this high- all trades such as plumbers, plaster- speed construction not only saw the ers, glaziers, electricians, heating company creating a stir in Canada, and ventilating, roofers and floor- but proved that Britain could build layers, had a part to play This proj- overseas – tremendously important ect has been a fine example of the for the prestige of this country. value of team spirit.

2 1. Tony Gaughan (left) one of the general foremen at Berkley. He is described as ‘cheerful and industrious’. Beside him is Jim Brennan, described as an ‘old timer with the Company’ who started at Queensbury in 1934 and was currently in Dalgarogg. 2. Some of the Group staff at Sale in Cheshire. From left to right are: Brian Martin, Checker, Victor Douglas, Cashier, William Chilton, Cost Surveyor, Mrs Dorothy Gent, Typist, Eric Ellis, Electrical Supervisor and Dennis Broad, Agent

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TEAM SPIRIT 25 YEARS AGO – 1982

Yet another record-breaking story On February 24th and 25th the for Laing, with the £9 million silicon first ever Group Marketing chip manufacturing facility nearing Conference took place in the completion on the 20 acre site at Training Suite at Mill Hill, produc- Duffryn Drive, Tredegar Estate, ing a wealth of ideas and discus- Newport, Gwent. This was a major sion points between the main success story for Laing groups. The conference was organ- Management Contracting who com- ised against a background of a pleted the important project within depressed market with no immedi- 14 months of moving to the green ate prospect of significant recov- field site. ery. One of the basic objectives of the conference was to identify March 3rd saw the opening of the ways in which the Group’s position Martin Laing and Peter Garrard Barbican Centre for Arts by Her could be strengthened. beside the winning Landscape Majesty the Queen. Although for tenth annual Laing Painting many guests it was their first visit to Yet another Royal appointment for Competition award presentation. the complex, it was a familiar set- the company; this time the Queen In spite of the rail strike and ting for Laing staff who had seen arrived for the official opening of inclement weather an impressive the ideas and forms take shape the Shire Hall, Shinfield, Reading 382 entries had been received and over the years to become a huge on April 2nd; the striking building the director was (as usual) delight- and impressive complex, proving a that dominated the skyline above ed with the high quality of the splendid attraction for visitors and the M1 motorway in Berkshire was entries. First prize was awarded to adding new dimensions to the lives a particularly prestigious contract Peter John Garrard, who won six of Londoners. Her Majesty captured for the Group. hundred pounds for his landscape the grandeur of the complex by in oils entitled, ‘The Hills From St. recognising it as a wonder of the March 2nd, Group Marketing Paul’s’, while second place went to modern world; “I don’t intend to Director Martin Laing welcomed Trevor Chamberlain of Hertford for dwell on the statistics,” she told guests to the Mall Galleries to the ‘Under the Bridge at Whitby’ and guests, “at the end of the day, it is third prize to Joan Armstrong of the use to which the complex will 3 Hove with ‘Aberllefenni, Mid be put that will justify the faith of Wales’. those who have designed it and the craft and skill of those who have built it.” The building of the centre and the long association with it was Team Spirit featured a special visit a major achievement by the Group. to the northern Ireland team ‘working to create a new Belfast’ for the April was a particularly busy month Irish Region. for the South Eastern England 3. McClure Street traditional housing, Region who won three contracts, 4 Site Manager Joe Cairns, left, and together valued in excess of £30 Ganger Jimmy McGuckin. million. This first and largest, worth over £25 million was the Eastgate 4. Sandy Rowe, Traditional Housing, from left to right, Visiting Engineer Phase II Shopping Centre at Sam McGreer, Site Manager Jimmy Basildon, Essex, which was to pro- Brown, Sub Agent, Jim Laughlin. vide some 59,200 sq m of shopping and commercial floor space. 5. Duncairn housing action area site Making up the remaining five mil- team: from the left, Walter Robinson, lion was £2.5 million geriatric unit Productivity Controller, Seamus Wylie, and day centre to be built in St 5 Checker, Malachy Mezza, Visiting Albans, Herts, awarded by the Productivity Controller, Tony Gawley, North West Thames Regional Health pupil QS, Michael Neill, General Foreman, Dennis Kelly, QS, Kenneth Authority, and a contract from the Meaklim, Sub Agent. Spring Board Housing Association who required the construction of 103 dwellings at Southend-on-Sea, Essex.

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TEAM SPIRIT 10 YEARS AGO – 1997

On March 20th the group The Millennium celebrations came announced its annual early to Laing Management when results with key factors the McAlpine/Laing joint venture including: was appointed Construction •A 22% increase in pre-tax Manager for the £150 million profits to £24.5 million Greenwich Millennium Exhibition (1995 = 20.1 million) project. The joint venture com- •A return to growth in the bined the skills of two of the lead- construction sector ing construction companies with a •Recovery in the UK private housing market partnership that shared resources •Increased contributions and combined McAlpine’s local from a successful knowledge with Laing’s strength in Millennium preparations didn’t sim- investment strategy. construction management control ply stop with the Millennium Sir Martin Laing praised systems. Exhibition project in London in 1997; the Company, asserting, JLC director Tony Evans promised “we are continuing to build Welsh rugby fans that Laing’s main on the strengths that priority would be to preserve the differentiate the Group unique and electric atmosphere of from the competition”. Cardiff Arms Park as he signed a contract on behalf of Laing Construction to build Cardiff’s new Millennium 34th out of 38 might not Stadium at a press conference on be considered a ‘victory’ March 16th. Pictured is symbolic as such, but the Laing removal of the first seat. team who entered the Marie Curie Brain Game deserved to be very proud John Laing Construction Ltd. Received two awards at a ceremony rewarding of their efforts to support quality in construction organised by Construction News with the backing of the world famous charity. the Department of the Environment and the construction industry board. The evening was held at The first was received in the ‘Marketing and Image’ category, with the LWT studios and judging panel commenting that Laing “showed itself to be committed to compared by TV presenting a positive and professional image of itself and the industry at large”. The second award was received in the category of ‘International newsreader Martin Lewis Performance of the Year’ for the British Consulate in Hong Kong, undertaken to help the charity raise by John Laing International in joint venture with Hip Hing Construction. money to continue to fight cancer. Despite their defeat, team captain This trio are Christopher Laing said: successful “Our aim was to contribute contenders in the to the success of the NHBC Pride in the evening both financially Job Campaign for and socially. I’m glad to Quality 1996. Trevor say that we accomplished Powell and Alan Watts of Laing Homes South Area David and John Gregory of Robson Laing Homes West was back Area all qualified on site at from over 400 site Dalston managers in charge Road, of new build, Carlisle conversion and Whilst on site at the Scottish 25 years after he had first housing association Widows project in Edinburgh, worked there. In 1971 he sites across the UK. project secretary Hillary Percy was part of the team that They were deemed more than rose to the occasion built offices for Cumbrian when she collected over £750 Newspapers in the city. He to have achieved the for the Royal National Institute highest standard of for the Blind by climbing all was now working on a £7m site management three of the tower cranes on site extension for a new press competitively. – a massive total of 168 metres. on the same site.

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Photographic competition results

THANK YOU for all entries received pull out are all the images which dimension to the judging. for the Laing Retired Employees’ made the shortlist. In particular It was also excellent to receive so News photo competition. there are five photos on the next many entries by email. These The standard was excellent and we two pages which were judged to be reproduced well and are on a par have pleasure in showing you the in the final alongside our winner. with images sent by post. In fact, winning entry on the front page of The range of subjects impressed sending images by email ensures this pull out section of the maga- the judges as much as anything that they do not fade and are not zine. The winner is Eye Eye, taken and the cutting-edge innovation damaged whilst in the post. by John Bourne of Lancashire in shown by Mr Dan Markall’s entry of By now everyone who sent an entry 2006. Judges loved the subject and the Taj Mahal in which he ‘treated’ by post should have received their especially the detail. an original image to create a new photos back. If not please get in Featured on the other pages of this computer-composition added a new touch with Retirement Media.

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Photographic competition results

E D C

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A) Australian Rocks Phil Rendle, Somerset

B) Wishful Thinking Photographer - Jim Coates Taken: April 2006. Subject is his daughter- in-law

C) And Stephanie says there is fish on the menu. A Trevor Manning. B Stourbridge, West Mids, Taken in June 06 at the sea life centre north of Oban

D) The Approaching Storm Ric Halliday. Bexhill

E) CAT'S CRADLE. By Roger Mountford, North London

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Photographic competition results

F F) Autumn on the Pemigewatset River. Peter H Donaldson, Harpenden, Herts. Taken Sept 06

G) Rainbow over Stirling Castle. David A Drinkwater, Aberdeenshire

H) A Golden Evening. Sea front clouds. Taken by Len Hope

I) The Taj Mahal - a digital composition. Taken- January 2006. Photographer- Dave Markall. Stockport, Cheshire

J) The Roman Bridge. Bill Malcolm, Mill Hill, London

I J

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CLUB NEWS AND EVENTS

Club events CLUB CONTACTS REAL March 15 Lunch at the Cassiobury restaurant April 12 – Talk on ‘Quaint and Quirky Herts’ April 26 – Pub/lunch walk Wheathampstead Cumbria May 10 – Cream tea Margaret Levin REALM (Midlands) May 17 – Coach trip to Southend 01228-526374 Rowland Seymour 01159 165199 LNER Elstree Shirley Napier April 25 – By popular request this year’s first 020 8207 5110 Saltire (Scotland) outing is to Whitby. It promises to be a Helen McFadden memorable day out with lunch organised at the LNER (North East) 01294 203742 Cross Butts Farm Hotel and Restaurant, a John Crosby spectacular setting. Members will then take the 0191 262 4978 Solare (South West short journey into town on a steam omnibus! London) North West Bill Blamire Carlisle Barbara Jackson 01737 553174 April 23-27 – The group is organising a short 0161 286 2538 holiday break to Steeple Aston.

REAL (North London) South West REALM Pauline Bryant Geoff Luckett March 21 – Skittles outing to Leicester 020 8907 2166 01934 843077 April 22 – Realm Club Holiday Club Christmas Outings

At the South West luncheon, from the left, Jan Little, St Peter’s Hospice, Club Chairman John Tite, Sir Martin Laing, Welfare Manager Margaret Staines and Mrs Lorraine Tite.

ALL nine clubs enjoyed their food and service was excellent. experience for everybody. annual Christmas luncheons Welfare manager Margaret Following are reports and which took place up and down the Staines attended the luncheons pictures from each of the events. country during December 2006 and gave special thanks for the As usual there are so many and January 2007. excellent work undertaken by the stories to tell that they could not It was a chance to look forward committee members who keep all be included. Remember, all to the new year as well as the clubs going. She also thanked readers are welcome to send in catching up with old friends and the staff at the venues for making their stories and memories of colleagues. As usual the range of the events such an enjoyable times with the Laing Company.

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SOLARE – The Wayfairer Hotel, Wimbledon They used to talk about their kids AS usual the round of retiree club Christmas luncheons began in Wimbledon with Solare, Among the new guests were Neville and Sylvia Tickle. Neville was a welfare officer at Laing although he started out in 1953 as a time keeper and cashier. He began on the Easiform projects for the National Coal Board on a number of sites around Doncaster and Rotherham. In 1955 he was moved to Mill Hill, brought in to sort out the tax for weekly paid people. It was not until 1976 that he moved into Welfare, working under Allan Martin and recalls when the department was set up. He said: “I soon realised that I was born to be in Welfare.” He also captained the Laing hockey team for ten years and went on to play bowls when he retired from that role. Peter and Carol Watkins are fairly new members at the Solare club. Peter was Mill Foreman for Victoria Joinery. He occasionally got out to some people I used to take a letter spectacles factory at Hadley, see some of the big contracts that for, you could predict what they Thames Ditton. He started there they were supplying wood for. He were going to say. Some of them aged 14 and, when he retired 50 remembers the Bank of England, always said exactly the same thing.” years later, he was the last person to Coventry Cathedral, John Paul Fred and Rosamund Bell were also leave the factory before it closed Getty’s place near Berkhampstead present. He was a joiner at Holloway down. He could tell you a few things and an Arabian embassy. Bros for 40 years. about spectacles, not least the vast Wiith him at the mill was another The club managed to enlist the difference in prices on these isles new member to the club. John services of a new committee and abroad. McGuinness worked the machines at member in the form of Leighton Joyce Lemonier raised a laugh when the mill for 20 years retiring in Davies. He was attending with she observed: “We used to get 1992. “It was a marvellous place,” he Wendy Marple and they were flushed together and talk about our said. “I ended my career there with success from a recent show of children, now we seem to talk about having started working in the Hobson’s choice in which Wendy our grandchildren and great furniture industry previously.” played Maggie Hobson and Leighton grandchildren. This was especially Maureen Rice cringes at my directed. They are part of the funny for Betty Hagart celebrating shorthand and points out that she Ewhurst Players and played to recently the birth of a great was trained in Gregg and was packed houses at the village hall. grandchild. competent to 120wpm. She still tries Beryl and Arthur Henry were Chairman Ken Jones announced to take down the news sometimes, present. It was Beryl who worked for that the raffle had raised £114. The old habits die hard! She added: “If a Laing, but many people thought that Association for Pastoral Care word comes out that completely Arthur was a Laing man because he received another cheque from the foxes me, I come to a dead halt always used to come down to visit club plus an extra donation from the these days. It was the opposite with his beloved. He, though, worked in a Wayfairer’s owner. 16 REN JAN 07x 3/15/07 8:58 AM Page 17

REALM – The Manor Hotel, Meriden Bring in the new... Insp, child welfare worker and university teacher. Stan Utting worked on some of Laing’s biggest projects in the midlands. Few know about his second career giving talks and presentations on the subject of pipeline work for all sorts of organisations including Probus and Rotary. In fact Team Spirit once dug out a load of archive shots for him to use. He had them put onto a big board that he would use to illustrate his talks and still has it. Ken and Margaret Hughes were amazed during a holiday in the Isle of Wight earlier this year when they bumped into fellow club members Margaret and Alan Cox and Alan and Audrey Sloan. Ken Hughes was among the many who believe that lots of places put their decorations up too early. He said he would like to go into garden centres that have just finished their xmas displays in September and say: “Haven’t you taken these down THERE was large number of new superintending estimator. He yet?” trained with Laing’s, which always members present at the Realm Ian Rennie revealed that he was stood him in good stead, having Christmas event, among them named after the ghost on a film, arrived straight from school as an John and Sheila Parry. well his middle name anyway. He Although John rarely had an office indentured student. popped out the day after his mother during his 18 or so years with the Joyce Jackson has been a long-time had been to see The Ghost Goes company, he knows a lot of people member of the Realm club, but has West. He father announced that they from all over the country thanks to only this year retired from her two- would NOT be calling anybody his work in Group Safety Training. day week at Severn Trent Water. The Murdoch, but they compromised He said: “I enjoyed my time with the former comptometer operator and and it is his middle name. Company. I travelled around to accounts supremo spent 21 years most of the biggest projects and with Laing. She now spends her John and Hilda Goodenough were met a lot of people during the time doing voluntary work for attending their first Christmas course of my work.” Barnardos and ‘joining rambling luncheon. Her article as a Laing wife Ray Ritchie was wearing his clubs’. It is a big change having is still talked about by readers. Carlisle United tie to reinforce the worked all her life from the age of Chairman Freda Kearney made fact that he had never been lured 15. She modestly discounts the members laugh as she went into supporting any of the big eight years she took off to bring up through some of the year’s news Midlands sides during his time her children. and announced that the clubs had there. The Midlands boys were Hilda Cartwright’s husband Jack raised£1,200 for hearing dogs for joking that he had picked it up in a was one of the founding employees the deaf. local jumble sale. for the Lytag project when the Finally Tom Hughes’ wife Elizabeth Another new couple were Gill and factory started in Rugely. Their attended for the first time having John Gandy. John spent 24 years children’s diverse careers were: retired from her job in the health with the Company, mainly as a Electrical engineer, retired Det Chief service.

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NORTH WEST– Britannia Hotel, Didsbury

Manchester memories

THE rain was torrential, but the his time there at Northampton as a he and his wife had taken her mother welcome gentle and warm as mechanic. He joined Laing from to a restaurant in the town. They North West club gathered for their school and loved his work. He went happened to get a glance inside the Christmas luncheon. on to become a crane inspector and, kitchen on their way out. What they The members have plenty of although he is based in Manchester saw of the kitchens and the chef in experience of Laing and its projects now, has fond memories of lots of particular made them feel sick! between them, at home and abroad. people from the depots down south, Anyway, one thing which is the When asked for suggested projects not least Ramsey Madden and David same the world over is the Nativity at that could be rendered onto DVD Flue. He also remembered another Christmas, or is it? Roy and Joyce they had many suggestions. Stephen Laing man Bill Fennell from Realm Elliott’s granddaughter Molly Grace Moss suggested a couple of Dubai who had sent felicitations to another had landed the little-known part of contracts including the Emirates and of his old mucker’s at Manchester, the snowman in her nativity. “We Creek golf clubs and the Nada Sheba. Finbar Carroll. don’t quite know where the snowman He added that the BBC had also done Finbar suggested two big projects fits in to the Nativity,” said Roy. “She’s a film covering Laing’s work out there near Bedford, Thurleigh and been told to turn up with a sheet and called Camel Tracks. Twinwoods airfields. He also a cushion.” Jack Stokes suggested the remembered the town, partly Jessie Hood was looking forward to Interchanges in Baghdad, but added: because of the beautiful river, but seeing her granddaughter at “Although what is left of them these also because of the time he and wife Christmas too. She is coming over days we do not know for sure.” Susan were looking for flats to rent with her husband from New Zealand. A number of other people there. They went into one and there Chairman Roy announced that the suggested places closer to home, not were labels on every light switch raffle had made £40, but there was least the CIS Insurance building and saying ‘Please turn off after use’ and the normal palaver as the generosity the Bridgewater Hall. above the taps too. It is a wonder that of members and the large number of An ever-popular suggestion was the he has such a fondness for the town winners meant that the last gift M1 again. Mike McKenna remembers as he recalled another episode when nearly wasn’t given away. 18 REN JAN 07x 3/15/07 8:58 AM Page 19

CARLISLE – Greenhill Hotel, Wigton Elton heads for Carlisle ON a Day when the wind and rain were fierce and the authorities had re-introduced a state of red alert following the terrible floods of two years earlier, you wouldn’t have known it walking into the Cumbrian Christmas luncheon. As usual the retirees had more important things on their minds, not least the fact that Elton John was going to be playing at Carlisle United. This had prompted a lot of interest because he will be the biggest act to play in the city since the sixties. Mrs Ann McVittie recalled seeing Cliff Richard at the Lonsdale cinema. This was before she met husband George, who said one of the most memorable acts he saw in the 60s was Janice Joplin. Others, including Colin Wood, spoke of the Beatles and also Guy Mitchel being thrown out of the Crown and Mitre for their antics and behaviour. Tickets went almost immediately. Lorna Ledgerwood likes the thought of seeing Elton John, but not the ticket prices. She suggested that it might be easier to sit outside in Warwick Street and listen to the concert from there! Edna and Alan Sim, see diamond the lunch following his adventure in Fred playing rugby and also when he weddings on page 25 say the secret the Summer. Wife Eileen said that was renovating his own house of their marriage is that they are an the press interest in the story after across the road. He put a double excellent team “He looks after the Mark was stranded in a ravine for front on a single front house and upstairs and I look after the two nights, went on for a long time matched the cobbles and work downstairs,” she joked. Apparently after the incident. Their daughter perfectly, by himself. there is no truth in the rumour that even managed to do a deal with On the subject of Laing, his wife instead of writing to the queen to magazine for a donation of Margaret said that she sometimes request a card for their anniversary hundreds of pounds to the air still sees houses advertised in the that Edna wrote requesting a ambulance. Anyway, Mark is back at newspaper for sale as ‘Laing-built’. Damehood for putting up with Alan home and ‘fit as a lop’(or flea to you She was sad recently to see in a local for 60 years. and me). charity shop a copy of The Good Chairman Gordon Carter was Last issue’s article about Fred Story Builder which still had inside it the caught out by the Farepack scandal, brought out a number of other card that new employees used to but didn’t let it ruin their plans for stories and memories of the former receive which explained how to Christmas. As he said there was a Laing man. Apparently when he was pronounce Laing among other small bit of good luck too as he first kitted out for work at the things. picked four correct numbers on the Company, they couldn’t find him a Other talking points included the normal lottery and three on pair of boots big enough, They had fact that Carlisle cemetery had hotpicks. to send out for two specially made recently won the best cemetery in It was especially lovely for pairs of size 14s. the country award. It is the resting everyone to see Mark Corrie back at Tony Daltry remembers seeing place of Sir John Laing. 19 REN JAN 07x 3/15/07 8:58 AM Page 20

LNER – The Assembley Rooms, Newscastle Building strong foundations

MARTHA Morison was a welcome visitor to the LNER Christmas luncheon. Her husband Bill (Jock) worked at Laing for around 30 years. ‘He loved the Company’ she said and was a brickie based in the north. Bob Kelly was keeping an eye on the news regarding the future of Post offices. He is part of a campaign group trying to save the post office in their village. He has already had some success this year. Bob lives behind a green in the village, the same green where he was born (when it had houses in it). Earlier in the year they received notice that there had been an application for planning permission, but they could not find out what for. On further investigation they discovered that the council had applied for planning and that there were rumours of them selling the land. The campaigners finally won their case. “It is wonderful that the land will not be developed at all and that the bearns can still play on it,” said Bob. John Sutton is one of a very few people in the UK with two birth knocked off his mountain bike in projects was Anne Foster from the certificates. His father was reported October. killed in action, but was later found canteen. “It was about 7am and I was to be a prisoner of war. John’s birth She was sitting with her friend Mrs certificate at that time read Clifford knocked clean off and injured my Joyce Phelps whose husband, Alfred John Sutton, the same name as his elbow, side and legs. However, I George, spent 30 years with the father. When his father returned, now have a brand new mountain Company as a foreman joiner. however, he decided that two bike which I am looking forward to Bill Jackson seemed to have taken people with exactly the same name using.” As if that isn’t enough, the on a consultative role in the famous couple are off to Andorra for a might be a bit confusing, and so LNER raffle following an expansion skiing holiday. John was given his new name, John of the team to include Peter Purvey. Arthur Fitzpatrick worked on a Clifford. Interestingly John’s father Although he was back at the fore was captured at the same farm in great many project around with his unmistakable patter once it France where John was billeted Newcastle as a foreman joiner was time to call the tickets. during the Normandy landings. including the Monument Mall and Jack and Eileen Henderson were in the Crown Courts. Now he and wife Michael Blakey was attending with attendance. Jack, who made Sarah’s grandson John is a project his daughter Barbara Jackson. headlines for completing an NVQ in manager working for Laing Chairman Roy Bettney thanked outdoor pursuits when he was 71, is O’Rourke in the same area. everyone for coming and reminded still very active. He had planned on One person who remembers Arthur readers that any new members are doing a bit more cycling, but was from his time on the Newcastle always welcome.

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ELSTREE and REAL In honour of some long service given

SADLY the REAL Christmas Luncheon at Bushey Police Social Club, clashed with the LNER outing up in Newcastle. Already being in the north of the country we attended the Newcastle outing. Thankfully though club secretary Anne Lyons sent these pictures and a few brief words. The Christmas Luncheon went well, there were 76 guests and members. The photographs were taken by Bill Malcolm. During the luncheon Chairman Frank Hearn presented Derek Maynard with a certificate of Honorary Membership of the Club in thanks for the long service he has given. Lighting up the festive period THERE was a good turn out for the received a £500 pay out. special illuminating strips which Elstree Christmas Luncheon at the Club chairman Don Putman gave a make patterns as they light up. He is Battleaxes pub near Elstree. brief speech to thank everyone for now grappling with the issue of how Bill Devine came along with his coming. He had recently been given and where to use it! niece Wendy and her husband Terry, the latest thing in garden design, with whom he lives in a converted barn at their home near Mildenhall, Suffolk. Terry and Wendy met while they lived in Arkley and Borehamwood respectively. Terry remembers collecting chop wood for their boilers from the old Laing saw mill at Bull Road. He also spent some time working for Laing as a jobbing builder in the area and privately for former director Mr Greenhowe. Interestingly Terry’s mother was the first person in the UK to receive a third party insurance pay out in this country. In 1932/33 his father was the passenger in a motorbike sidecar when a lorry lost a wheel which caused his death. His mother 21 REN JAN 07x 3/15/07 8:58 AM Page 22

SALTIRE – Millennium Hotel, Glasgow A round of festive drinks for the folk of Saltire

WE arrived in the centre of Glasgow to daughters each with Irish names. McIntyre who spent 26 years with a new venue and the sight of the They are all beautiful names, but the Laing. Having started out a joiner, Christmas decorations still festooning spelling often catches people out. Willy ended up as a site manager and the city centre. They looked a bit Her nine-year-old granddaughter has even spent some time in Saudi washed out in the rain and the dim taken to responding, when asked her Arabia. Among his favourite projects daylight, but the lunch had attracted name, by saying: “Niamh – N I A M H.” was the Glasgow Royal Infirmary its biggest crowd for a few years. It Ian Beckwith, on the other hand, where he spent eight years working. was a Christmas do after all and was hoping to call his son Atholl He is the son-in-law of Monica Margaret Lone was chatting about Loughlin. “It wasn’t going to hap- Griffiths, a long-time club member her son’s Nativity experience. Last pen,” said wife Jean. who sadly passed away last year. year he had played a shepherd. When Apparently the Duke of Atholl is The smoking ban is coming up for she asked him if he was in it again head of Ian’s clan which is where the it’s first anniversary in Glasgow, and this Christmas the seven-year-old name suggestion came from. will be implemented south of the replied: “Yes but I have not got a Tom McVeigh has returned from his border later this year. Betty McGill human part this year – I am an ani- mal.” son’s South African home and raving finds it funny to see people on soap Hugh McGeoch has one of the about how he was able to lead a win- operas filmed south of the border biggest welfare patches around cov- ner into the winner’s enclosure fol- still puffing away on fags. “We don’t ering his homeland of Scotland. Until lowing a horse race. We didn’t see that on TV here,” she said. “It is some years ago he would visit a pen- believe him until we saw the picture illegal to smoke in any place of work sioner who lived on Seal Island along above middle. He may soon see more and that includes the TV studio.” One with Princess Diana’s mother. He of his son who is opening a practice thing is for sure, a year on the papers would kid people that he drove in Newmarket. cover stories on the ban regularly. across the Atlantic, which in effect he Dave Thomson and wife were slight- Her husband Frank came over from did do as the island some miles ly late in arriving. It seems that Dave Ireland when he was 16. He had south of Oban is surrounded by the had a dental appointment which helped his father farm sheep up until Atlantic. Another Laing pensioner went on longer than expected as the then, especially during lambing sea- lives on Mull and another in his 80s dentist decided there was some work son. But as all his friends left he is moving from his home down south to do. Fair play, he still turned up to wanted to come over to England to to the Isle of Arran. eat, despite the unexpected work. find work too. In those days he need Nan Ashbridge’s daughter has three A welcome new face was Willy ed a passport to do so. 22 REN JAN 07x 3/15/07 8:59 AM Page 23

SOUTH WEST – Brent House Carvery A flood of friendship

FLOODING preceded the annual South West Christmas luncheon but it did not affect the turn out. Lady Laing was welcomed as the new president but she was sadly unable to attend because of a family crisis, but Sir Martin and Sue Hendin were there. Ron Flowers was a project manager at Laing during a career with the Company spanning 40 years. His favourite project was the National Concert Hall in Cardiff. Colin Jones, attending with his wife Marcia, worked in the Bristol accounts office. He must have been quite a good boss as he was sitting with two of the people he used to work with, Nanette Goodman and Christine McCarthy. The chap who took them all on, Mike Bownas, was also there. When asked if there were any ‘ vege- tarians’ on their table, Illtyd Hughes replied: “Church of England” to much amusement. Brian and Joy Dodds had recently attended a wonderful occasion. A friend’s daughter had initially invited them to the christening of their child, but they decided to go the whole hog and get married on the same day as part of the same ceremony. It was a wonderful day and after the service guests were taken on an open top red bus down to Wimbledon for the recep- tion. “You don’t realise how bumpy those old buses are until you have tried to drink champagne out of a plastic cup on one,” remarked Brian. George Evans said that in his neck of John Tite’s first speech as chairman the work Peter Rowe has put in over the woods was a mobile reverend who welcomed Lady Laing as the new pres- the years.” had no parish since his wife became ill ident and also said ‘thank you’ to Peter He also praised the restaurant for its and now does weddings and funerals Rowe and the retired committee. excellent food and service and the as ‘Rent a Rev’. He said: “I first met Peter Rowe 50 organisation of the event. Peter Rowe has finally got rid of his years ago and I remember some of his Fred Holbrook and Bill Haines’ birth- trademark red Jaguar, although his jokes from those days.” days were just before and after (respectively) the lunch date, but Joan Peacock Discovery still shifts (it has a V6 engine Sir Martin Laing read out a letter from was celebrating her birthday on the in it). He said: “It has gone into retire- Lady Stephanie Laing thanking ment in the London area.” day itself. theSouth West for club asking her to Don Shallish worked 33 years with Mike handed over a cheque for take on the role of president. Laing including looking after three £1,000 to St Peter’s Hospice represen- sites in Saudi Arabia during his time He added: “Stephanie has always tative Jan Little. It will go some way with the Company. These were making closely followed news of the club and towards the £5m annual running costs barracks at Medina, Taif and Kem-a- what goes on and recognises it has a for which they only get £800,000 from shay. One of his lasting memories was strong membership which is down to Government. Over the years the club when he witnessed a beheading in Taif. the sterling work of the committee and has donated £15,000 to St Peters. 23 REN JAN 07x 3/15/07 8:59 AM Page 24

WEDDING ANN

DIAMOND WEDDINGS

Save the last 28 December George & Jill Smith 11 February dance for me Charlie & Rasheen McGarrigle 22 February Roly and Gladys Rogers GOLDEN WEDDINGS 26 January Dick & Pat Wilding 7th December Ivan & Mary Johnston

JOHN AND MONICA she was like) SCOTT have celebrated Jack worked three spells their Golden Anniversary. with Laing, the last time for They first met at a dance in about 11 years. They have Washington after Jack had two boys who have paid for returned from fighting in the couple to spend three Korea in 1953. weeks in Portugal Jos and Edna Dobson Jack maintains it was love celebrating their Jos and Edna Dobson celebrated their 60th at first sight and they were anniversary. The couple are anniversary in October. married in 1957 (after a pictured during the LNER He worked 51 years for the Company and courtship during which Jack club summer outing last they were delighted to receive their card claims he had to see what year. from the Queen. That’s the way to get a date! Hazel and John Renshaw celebrated moved with John’s work with the their Golden Wedding on December Company, from Manchester to 22 with a Caribbean cruise. Surbiton, and then Mill Hill. John They met almost exactly a year started with the Company as a site before marrying. John’s sister is a Quantity Surveyor and became Group singer and he overheard her talking Deputy Chairman and Chairman of about a schoolteacher who had Laing Construction. accompanied her on the piano. John Hazel followed her profession after thought she sounded interesting and, their two daughters were at school when working in the area of the and became a head teacher for 20 school, went in, found her class and years at schools in Redhill, invited her to a performance of Rickmansworth and St Albans. Handel’s Messiah. A luncheon was arranged for 60 old ‘Surprisingly’ according to the and new friends in Salisbury and a couple, she accepted and ‘in short similar event for family and close order we were engaged and married’. friends including the couple’s six They now live in Salisbury, having grandchildren.

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NNIVERSARIES When Harry met Margaret HARRY AND MARGARET CLAPHAM celebrated their Golden Wedding on December 29, 2006. They met whilst at Swansea University in 1950 where Harry studied Civil Engineering and Margaret studied Physics and Maths. They married in 1956 when Harry was in the design office at Mill Hill and Margaret was teaching at the Welsh Girls School at Ashford in Middlesex. During his time with Laing Harry was the Managing Director of Ground Engineering Ltd throughout the 60s and 70s. He construction stages. He also The couple have lived in consulted on the earthworks on consulted on Graythorp Dock, Leverstock Green since 1960 and many of the motorways that Laing many sugar silos and on the have a son in Australia and a was involved with at tender and Anhydrite silo at Whitehaven. daughter in Abbots Langley.

A Diamond laugh all the way Family’s Golden Alan and Edna Sim celebrated celebration their Diamond Anniversary in January. They met on a walk from the church. It seems that there were two lovely girls (the most lovely of which was obviously Edna). Alan had the choice of walking either girl home although they lived on different roads, one of which was about 1.5miles longer journey for Alan. Alan chose what he thought was the shorter road, which ‘has ended up being a 60-year journey’ so he says. The couple have three children, six grandchildren and seven great GORDON and MARGARET HUCKLE grandchildren. Edna added: She added: “Our first house had Celebrated their golden anniver- “There wasn’t any TV in those no electric and we had a wireless sary on December 8. A celebration days. We didn’t have any money with two batteries, a wet and dry. was held for 80 family and friends so if we had a row there was I had to travel 2.5 miles to go and at which a good time was had by nowhere for her to run off to! get the wet one charged up. all.

We look forward to receiving your Golden, Diamond and even Platinum Anniversary details. You can send words and pictures to Retirement Media or call us on 01234 360940. Alternatively you can contact the Laing Welfare Department.

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WELFARE NEWS

Do you love books TAX IN but can’t see to read? RETIREMENT It is important to note that tax does not stop just because people Calibre audio library retire. This does not the freedom to read only apply to income ‘ people are still earning in retirement, but any income including pensions and benefits, Calibre Audio Library is a chari- Calibre Audio Library, allowances and virtually ty that provides a free postal Aylesbury, Bucks HP22 5XQ any other money com- service. Recordings can be Or telephone: 01296 432 339. ing in which is above a played on cassette players and The website is certain amount. are also now available on digi- www.calibre.org.uk. tal MP3 disk. If you are worried about An audio version of their tax issues and can’t To become a member, or to brochure is available on afford to pay for profes- find out more, please contact: request. sional advice, there is an independent free tax advice service for older people on household Double 40th anniversary incomes of less than £15,000 . TWO of Laing’s many landmark con- of the public to the Tower Top of struction projects reached their the Severn Suspension Bridge to TaxHelp for Older 40th anniversaries recently. mark its 40th birthday. They used People : 0845 601 3321 September marked 40 years since the opportunity to raise funds for St the Opening of the Severn Bridge, Peter’s Hospice, Bristol and St (the M48 Severn Crossing) by HM Anne’s Hospice, Newport, on either TaxHelp for Older the Queen in 1966. side of the Severn Estuary. People (TOP) run regular And just months later the first Both were given 150 places to go advice surgeries at Age stages of Britain’s newest town up the bridge’s tower (75 on each Concerns and similar Milton Keynes were completed. day), with each place being “sold” venues. The new town has continued grow- for £40. The tower is 450 feet ing and was largely built by Laing. above water level. REMEMBER to retain the The famous shopping centre, cen- annual notification you tral roads systems and much of the * Mr Peter Saunders wrote to SRC receive from the housing in the area were all Laing and claimed to be one of the first Pensions Service giving construction. to cross the Severn Bridge on a The town has grown from strength details of increases in bicycle on the first day the public your State Pension and to strength. In fact some fear it is were allowed to use it, Friday, 9th so successful and wont to grow that August 1966. He is now 57 years other benefits. Your it may swallow up some of the sur- old. It was an historic project, the State Pension is taxable, rounding villages. There was much access gained by the motoring but benefits such as television coverage of the anniver- public to cross swiftly between Disability Living sary, especially in the Anglia England and Wales is now hard to Allowance and Region. comprehend; no more queuing for Attendance Allowance The Severn River Crossing Plc the ferry or the long trip via ARE NOT. decided to grant access to members Gloucester.

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LISTINGS IN MEMORIAM

Fred Bolton: 2006. He was 84 years of Derek Pulford: Formerly a Site Agent, with age and retired in 1987 Formerly a Ganger with John Laing, North East region, after 25 years’ service. Laing Construction, Midland died on Sunday 21 January region, died on Tuesday 26 2007. He was 91 years of Jack Hargrave: December 2006. He was 73 age and retired in 1978 Formerly a Driver with Civil years of age and retired in after 31 years’ service. Engineering, died on Friday 1996 after 33 years’ service. 16 February 2007.He was Alan Briggs: 88 years of age and retired Formerly Commercial in 1983 after 29 years serv- Joe Sheaman: Director, with Laing, ice. Formerly a Ganger with Northern region, died on Laing, Northern region, died Thursday 4 January 2007. on Saturday 27 January Alfred Howes: 2007. He was 91 years of He was 74 years of age and Formerly a Foreman Joiner retired in 1991 afrer 42 age and retired in 1980 after with Laing Construction, 31 years’ service. years’ service. died on Friday 5 January 2007. He was 93 years of Frank Towler: Michael Burford: age and retired in 1978 Checker with Laing Limited, after 21 years’ service. Formerly a Plant Controller (Civil Engineering), died on with Plant & Transport, died Monday 8 January 2007. He Ted Jones: on Tuesday 20 February was 58 years of age and Formerly a General 2007.He was 82 years of commenced with the com- Operative with John Laing age and retired in 1981 after pany in 1980. Construction, South West 28 years’ service. region, died on Wednesday Paul Cracknell: 31 January 2007 He was 84 George White: Formerly a Senior Plant years of age and retired in Advisor, with EPL, St. Neots, Formerly an Aerial Platform 1987 after 26 years’ service. Operator with EPL, Heywood, died on Sunday 3 December died on Friday 1 December 2006. He was 59 years of Ted Kirkwood: 2006. He was 80 years of age and retired in 2001 Formerly Industrial Relations age and retired in 1991 after after 35 years’ service. Manager with John Laing 12 years’ service. Construction, died on Len Evans: Formerly a Foreman Joiner Monday 15 January 2007. 90th Birthdays with John Laing He was 84 years of age and Construction, South West retired in 1984 after 22 90 - John O’Halloran - region, died on Monday 18 years’ service. December 8 December 2006. He was 96 Albert Oakley: years of age and retired in 90 - Mrs Violet McIlwaine 1975 after 25 years’ service. Formerly a Ganger with John Laing Construction, South - January 9 Gabby (Jan) Gabrysz: West region, died on Formerly a Labourer with Monday 27 November 2006. 90 - Vic Vella - John Laing Construction, He was 72 years of age and February 4 South West region, died on retired in 1992 after 39 Wednesday 20 December years’ service.

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Specialist owner, operator and manager of public sector infrastructure assets in the UK and internationally.

JOHN LAING ALLINGTON HOUSE 150 VICTORIA STREET LONDON SW1E 5LB Tel: 020 7901 3200 www.laing.com